Best Banking Options for Expats in France (2026)

While EU regulations require businesses to accept any EU IBAN, some French entities still resist. Certain landlords, employers, and service providers insist on French IBANs—sometimes illegally, but fighting it takes effort.

France also still uses chèques (checks) more than most of Europe. If you need to write or deposit checks, you need a French bank account. Digital banks don't offer chequebooks.

For these reasons, most expats planning to stay in France long-term eventually open a French account, even if they maintain digital banks for other purposes.

If you're receiving income in USD, GBP, or other currencies, Wise offers the best exchange rates and lowest fees. The multi-currency account lets you hold, convert, and spend in multiple currencies.

Wise provides a Belgian IBAN. Most French businesses should accept it (EU law requires this), but some resist. For initial setup and international transfers, Wise is excellent. For full French integration, you'll likely want a French account too.

No French documentation required—open an account before you arrive and have functional banking immediately.

French online banks provide French IBANs with easier account opening than traditional banks. They're fully French (regulated by Banque de France, deposit insurance through French schemes), but operate digitally.

Boursorama (owned by Société Générale) and Fortuneo (owned by Crédit Mutuel) are the most popular. Both offer free accounts, French IBANs, and chequebooks if needed. Apps are primarily French but functional.

Requirements: French address, ID, and often proof of income. Some accept new arrivals; others want established residency. Worth trying before traditional banks—success rates vary.

Traditional French banks offer complete services: branches, credit products, mortgages, and the full relationship banking experience. They're necessary if you need services beyond basic banking.

The challenge: they can be difficult for foreigners. Account refusals happen, sometimes without clear explanation. Documentation requirements are extensive, and the process involves appointments and paperwork.

If refused, you have recourse: France's 'droit au compte' guarantees basic banking access. Banque de France can compel a bank to open an account for you. This works but takes time and effort.

If a French bank refuses you an account, you can invoke the droit au compte. Request a written refusal letter (attestation de refus), then submit it to Banque de France. They'll designate a bank that must open a basic account for you.

The designated account is a 'compte de base'—basic but functional. It includes a debit card and RIB (French account details) but may not include a chequebook or overdraft.

This process takes 1-2 weeks. It's not ideal, but it's a backstop if you're legitimately refused and need French banking.

Before/on arrival: Open Wise and/or N26. These work immediately and handle your initial needs. No French documentation required.

Once you have housing: Try French online banks (Boursorama, Fortuneo). They're easier than traditional banks and provide French IBANs. May require proof of address.

If online banks refuse: Try traditional banks, or invoke droit au compte if consistently refused.

Long-term: Most expats maintain digital banks (for transfers, travel) plus a French account (for local integration, chèques if needed, French credit building).