Last verified: October 2026 — Source: Service-Public.fr
One of the first things you will need when you arrive in France is a French bank account. Without one, you cannot receive your salary, get reimbursements from the Sécurité sociale or apply for CAF benefits. The document that identifies your account is called a RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire), and you will be asked for it in virtually every administrative procedure.
Your right to open an account
France guarantees a droit au compte (right to a bank account): if a bank refuses to open an account for you, you can ask the Banque de France to designate a bank that is obliged to provide you with a free basic account. This right applies to anyone residing in France, regardless of nationality.
Traditional banks
The main high-street banks are BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, Crédit Mutuel, La Banque Postale and CIC. To open an account, they generally require:
- A valid ID card or passport.
- Proof of address in France (electricity, gas or internet bill, or rental contract in your name; or an attestation d’hébergement if you are temporarily staying with someone).
Tip: La Banque Postale (located inside post offices) is often the most accessible option for newcomers. It accepts documents that other banks may refuse and has branches throughout France.
Online banks and neobanks
If you don’t have proof of address yet, neobanks can be a fast alternative:
- Neobanks with a French IBAN: some offer accounts with a French IBAN using only your passport, with no proof of address required. Check each bank’s current conditions, as these can change.
- French online banks (Boursorama, Fortuneo, Hello bank!): offer free accounts but usually require proof of address and sometimes a minimum income.
Important: to receive your salary, CAF benefits and Sécurité sociale reimbursements, you need a French IBAN (starting with FR). Some agencies do not accept foreign IBANs, despite EU regulations prohibiting this practice.
What a standard account includes
- RIB: the document with your IBAN that you give to your employer, the CAF, the CPAM and your landlord.
- Carte bancaire: a debit card (card payments are far more common than cash in France).
- Chéquier: a chequebook (cheques are still used in France, for example for the security deposit when renting).
- Online access: mobile app and internet banking.
Typical process
- Visit a branch (or apply online) with your ID/passport and proof of address.
- Sign the account agreement (convention de compte).
- You will receive your RIB immediately and your card by post within 5–10 days.
- Provide your RIB to your employer, the CAF, the CPAM and your landlord.
If a bank turns you down
Ask for a written refusal letter (attestation de refus d’ouverture de compte). With that document, contact the Banque de France, which will designate a bank required to open a free basic account for you (services bancaires de base).
Official sources
FranceCompass has no commercial relationship with any bank. Bank names are mentioned for information only. Account-opening conditions may vary by branch and date.