FAQ_BANK

The International Student Welcome team has listed all the questions you might have about the conditions to open a bank account in France:

• Why open a bank account in France?
• What documents do I need to open a bank account?
• Do I really need a French bank card?
• Can I use the bank card of my country of origin?
• What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?
   
• I didn't find the answer to my question? I use the international students' helpdesk!

Why open a bank account in France?

Opening a bank account in France is not compulsory but it will make your life easier on a daily basis and will help you with all your administrative procedures:

• Pay your bills and subscriptions
• Receive a salary
• Pay your daily expenses by credit card without additional fees
• Receive social aid from the CAF (housing) or health reimbursements (CPAM)

Opening a bank account will also allow you to keep your money safe and not have too much cash on you.

What documents do I need to open a bank account?

• Copy of valid residence permit
• Proof of schooling
• Proof of residence (you can choose between an electricity, gas, water or telephone bill, a CROUS accommodation certificate or a certificate from your host family)

Do I really need a bank card in France?

The bank card is widely used by the French.

It allows :

• to make online payments, using the card number on the back of the card and its expiration date and cryptogram on the back of the card.
• make purchases in stores, via a credit card payment terminal.

You must insert your card into the terminal and type in your 4-digit PIN code to make a payment or else (if it is activated on your card) you will be able to make "contactless" payments by bringing your card close to the terminal and within the limit of a maximum amount of €50.

Can I use the bank card of my country of origin?

The vast majority of international cards are accepted in France. However, it is possible that the bank in your country of origin charges you fees for payments in France. These fees can quickly become significant. If you wish to use your foreign card in France, we recommend that you inform your bank in your country of origin so that it does not block payments for security reasons.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

If you lose your bank card or if it is stolen in France or abroad, the first step is to stop the card as soon as possible in order to block future payments.

To do this, you must make your stop payment request by telephone:

• via the number provided by your bank
• or via the interbank opposition service at 0 892 705 705 (open 7 days a week and 24 hours a day), a surcharged number (cost of a call to a landline number + €0.34 incl. tax/min., from a landline or cell phone)

When you call, you will be given a registration number. You must keep this number as it is a dated record of your opposition, which is invaluable in the event of a dispute. The opposition procedure triggers an immediate blocking of bank card payments. If a payment order is made after this date, this would constitute a fault on the part of your bank which you would be entitled to contest. Please also note that the stop payment procedure is an irreversible operation, even if you find your card. You will therefore have to apply for a new bank card.