Paying Bills & Banking In France

Banks & Banking

Physical banking is still more popular in France, where there is a greater number of high street, banks (per capita) than in the UK.

Branches in larger cities will often have English speaking staff, this is more as a company that has a high percentage of English speakers, rather than a requirement of the banks.

Online banking services if you’re using a French bank, will often have English translations. Larger French banks BNP Paribas and Credit Agricole have English speaking telephone banking.

You’ll also find many major, familiar international banks operating in France such as;

• HSBC
• Barclays
• Duetsche Bank
• AXA
• Citibank

And others

Banking Services

French banks offer a wide range of services;

• Digital/mobile banking
• Telephone banking
• Savings and investments
• Current accounts
• Loans and mortgages
• Expat services – These can include lower rates on international money transfers or multi-currency accounts.

Do I need a French bank account?

No, legally you’re not required to use a French bank. However, in some instances it can make life easier. British banks may apply fees for overseas banking and services. Setting up direct debits can be easier when using a French bank account.

Opening An Account

In order to open a French bank account, depending on the type of account you wish to open you’ll need;

• Photo ID/passport
• Proof of address
• Proof of earnings/employment contract
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if opening a joint account).

Payment Services

• Cash

Cash is still popular in France and more commonly used in the UK. It’s illegal to make a cash payment greater than €1,000 (introduced to prevent untaxed transactions). In day to day use, like markets, cafes, smaller transactions, cash still plays a part of French life.

• Payment Apps

Services like Apple Pay are very much on the rise. There’s an increasing array of online payment services available that can be used to manage all your accounts and linked to your direct debits, utility bills and every day expenditure.

• Transfers

To pay via online or telephone bank transfer (virements), you’ll need to provide full account details of the payee (name, account number, branch name, branch address). These details can be found on the bill which will either be an RIB (rélevé d’identité bancaire) or RIP (rélevé d’identité postal).

ATMs

ATMs are common, most high street cash machines will recognise British bank cards and not apply an extra charge (your own bank may apply charges for an overseas cash withdrawal or overseas banking.

Utilities & Bills

Typically in France utility bills are sent every two months. You can pay upon receiving each bill (by bank transfer or online banking) or you can set up a direct debit to automatically pay each bill as it arrives. Meter readings are usually taken once or twice a year, however smart metres are increasingly common.

Bills from utility companies tend to be split into three charges.

• Subscription Charge (‘Abonnement’) – This is based on the tariff you have agreed to.
• Usage Charge – Based on the actual amount of energy/water used.
• Fees & Taxes – These are separated in your bill but payable at the same time as the other two charges.

All the above information was correct at the time of writing. French legislation is liable to change and we recommend you check with the correct French authorities in regards to all legal requirements prior to your move to France.