Why is it so hard to open a bank account in France?

Opening a French bank account It’s worth mentioning that banks are always careful when opening accounts, because of stiff regulations on money-laundering. Because of this, the overwhelming majority of French Banks will want to see you in person, and won’t accept you opening an account from afar.

Can a US citizen open a French bank account?

Whether you are resident or non-resident you should be able to open a bank account in France. Both residents and non-residents from the EEA have an automatic right to a bank account, although this is not the case for those who live outside of Europe.

What US banks have branches in France?

Major American banks and financial institutions present in Paris:

• American Express Cartes France.
• Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
• The Bank of New York Mellon (representative office)
• Banque AIG (subsidiary)
• Goldman Sachs (subsidiary)
• Citigroup Global Markets Limited.
• JP Morgan Chase Bank (subsidiary)
• Banque Lazard.

Is it possible to open a bank account online in France?

Opening a digital or mobile bank account in France Most banks today in France offer their services online and through mobile banking apps, although these may only be available to French residents. Some banks may charge a small fee for opening a French bank account online.

How can a foreigner open a bank account in France?

Most French high-street banks require that non-resident accounts are opened in person and you will need to book an appointment with a bank advisor in order to do so. For online banks and some international banks, you will be able to set up your account online or in your home country.

Can I have a bank account in France if I don’t live there?

You are entitled to open a bank account in France whether you are a resident or non-resident, even if you do not own a property in the country. However, while residents have an automatic right to a bank account, non-residents do not.

Does Bank of America have a sister bank in France?

Bank of America (USA) BNP Paribas (France, Poland)

Does Bank of America have banks in France?

So far as I know, Bank of America does not operate in France. If your ATM card has one of the international logos (Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus) it will work in any ATM in France.

Can I have an English bank account if I live in France?

Those living abroad will almost certainly hold a local bank account, and they have a legal right to a basic bank account in the EU country they live in, meaning a UK bank can offer them banking services but without add-ons like overdrafts.

Can I have a French bank account without a French address?

If I don’t have a recent utility bill or proof of address in France what can I do? In most cases, you will not be able to open a French bank account. Some banks will allow you to set up a provisional account if you show them your move is imminent, and then they’ll complete the procedure once you have a French address.

How do I open a French bank account?

What documents do you need to open a bank account in France? There are three categories of documents required—identification (your passport), proof of address (such as a rental contract and/or a utility bill), and proof of residence status (a visa or other titre de sejour).

Is N26 a French bank?

N26 is a fully-regulated bank that holds a European banking license and is controlled by the German banking regulator.

Can a Bank refuse to open an account in France?

A bank can refuse to open an account for you. However, if you are a residing legally in France, you are entitled to a bank account. In this case, the bank is supposed to notify you and provide a refusal letter ( une lettre de refus ). They are not required to explain why they refused to provide you with banking services.

Is banking in France similar to banking in the USA?

Yes, sure, banking in France is similar enough to banking in the USA, but actually opening an account was a bit of a shock. It took a while, was not free, and involved a fair amount of paperwork!

Do you need a French bank account to get an apartment?

You’ll need a French bank account to pay your bills, to easily withdraw cash, and to get paid by your employer, for starters. Sometimes simply opening an account can seem like a catch-22 with all the requirements: you need proof of address to open your account, but to get an apartment, you need a bank account.

How do I open a bank account?

In order to open a bank account, you need to make an appointment, because you will be assigned an advisor who will take care of your initial paperwork and will also manage other transactions later on. The easiest way to make an appointment is by phone. Some branches don’t even allow people to walk in and make an appointment anymore.