Opening a French bank account (and what to do when money disappears)

Oct 18

In France you need a bank account for a phone plan, a phone number for a bank account, and both for an apartment. Here's how to break the loop, and what to do when things go wrong.

Your best shot: your school or employer

Most business schools organise a day when the big banks come to campus. Take it: the advisers know your situation and won't ask you to explain your visa in French. Employers often have a partner bank too. Online banks like Boursorama or Revolut work once you have a French address; check they accept your residence status.

What to bring

Passport
Visa, carte de séjour or récépissé
Proof of address (housing contract or residence certificate)
Student card or work contract

The fees nobody mentions

Every transfer from home cost me €25 in incoming fees, and nobody told me. Ask about international transfer fees before you sign. Use a transfer service (Wise or similar) for money from home.

When money disappears

One morning, €1,300 vanished from my account in iTunes purchases. I didn't even own an iPhone. I called a premium hotline from my mobile, waited 20 minutes and got my phone line blocked for the bill. Here's what I should have done:

Block your card in your banking app. Every bank has the button now.
If you can't, call. The national card-blocking line is 0 892 705 705, but your bank's own number is on its website. Check the call cost before dialling from a mobile.
Write to your bank through the app's secure messaging. The word you're looking for is "contestation" (a dispute).
Keep every email and message. Banks have insurance for fraud. You need to show the purchases weren't yours.
Stay calm and polite. It happens to banks every day. I got my money back.