Banking

Open a bank account

There are different kinds of banks available: online, neobanks or traditional banks.
If you come from a foreign country, it is mandatory to open a bank account to get a French number account (IBAN) and receive your salary.
Keep in mind that your salary can only be sent to a current account (compte courant) and not to a savings account (livret d'épargne).

Online banks have the advantage of having lower or no fees. On the other hand, traditional banks allow you to directly discuss with a bank counselor.

You will need the following documents to open a bank account:

• Identity card
• A proof of address (phone, electricity, gas or water bills, tax statements, insurance certificate, CAF statement, rent receipt, or a handwritten housing certificate)
• School certificate or student card to get a more advantageous fee

Keep in mind: in case of problems opening a bank account, there is a procedure called “Right to an account” ("droit de compte"). The bank of France will designate a bank that will be obligated to open an account for you. You can refer to this website to read more about this procedure.