Opening a bank account in France can be very useful, especially to pay your bills (electricity, telephone, rent) and subscriptions (transport, Internet).
You will also be able to collect your possible salaries more easily and be reimbursed for your health expenses directly.
A French payment card also allows you to pay most of your expenses and avoids carrying large amounts of cash.
It is important to compare offers from different banks. The costs of withdrawal cards, international transfers and money withdrawals abroad can vary significantly from one institution to another.
By opening a bank account, you will be entitled to a credit card and if you need it, a cheque book. Thanks to your bank account number (RIB), you can easily set up Direct debits for your various subscriptions. Since 2025, Direct debits are totally free.
You must have a bank account in France to receive reimbursements for your medical care from the French Social Security (CPAM) or your housing benefit (APL) from the French Family Allocations Fund (CAF).
Documents required to open a bank account:
- identity card (for EU nationals) or passport with valid visa (for non-EU nationals),
- proof of address (CROUS certificate, rent receipt, gas or electricity bill, home insurance certificate, etc.),
- school certificate, student card or letter of admission to Marie and Louis Pasteur University.
Main banks in France are Crédit Agricole, Banque Populaire, Caisse d’Épargne, Crédit Mutuel, CIC etc. Do not hesitate to ask them about the opening of your bank account, directly in agencies or by phone.