If you plan to stay in France for longer than three months, you can open a bank account at any French bank. The opening of an account allows you to obtain a credit card and a check book that are very largely used in France. You will find below some explanations on how to proceed.   • Which bank ?
Before coming to France, ask your bank if it has a partnership with a French network. It would then be easier for you to open a bank account in France. If this is not the case, when you arrive in Paris, look for the banks closest to the place where you are going to study or live and compare the services they offer. Certain banks offer preferential fares (half price credit card, loyalty program…) to students or young people under 25. If you face difficulties to open an account, apply to the Credit Municipal de Paris. This banking institution has created, at the request of the City of Paris, a special reception desk for foreign students in order to make it easier for them to open a bank account. To open an account, make an appointment at the agency (by phone or directly at the counter) : CMP BANQUE, 55 rue des Francs Bourgeois, in the 4th district (metro line 1 Hôtel de Ville or 11 Rambuteau)
Tel : 01 44 61 65 25
Manager : Mr. Ouana If you are coming to Paris to study for less than three months, apply to the Caisse d’Epargne or La Poste (http://www.caisse-epargne.fr or www.laposte.fr). • Main documents requested : In order to open an account, you generally need to provide :
- a proof of identity (identity card or passport),
- a residence permit (except for European students),
- a proof of residence (electricity bill, rent receipt, accommodation certificate, etc). Certain banks accept to open an account even if you haven’t obtained your residence permit yet. It’s the case, among others, of Crédit Municipal de Paris (see above) where you will only be requested to supply the following documents :
- your passport or long stay student visa,
- a confirmation of pre-enrolment in a French university or educational institution,
- a proof of domicile. • Using your account After opening your account, you are going to receive a check book and a credit card. Check books are generally free of charge but you will have to pay for your credit card (about 30 or 40 euros per year). You will be able to use your credit card to withdraw money from cash machines and pay for your purchases. Your check book will be useful, among others, to pay your rent or electricity bills. In case of loss or theft of the credit card or check book, you must immediately stop the card or check book (“faire opposition”) by calling the phone number your bank gave you