Getting a bank account in France

International students in France are allowed to open bank accounts and it makes their day-to-day activities much easier particularly for paying different bills (electricity, water, telephone, rent), subscriptions (transportations, Internet) and  healthcare expenses (reimbursement). A French credit/debit card will enable you to pay for most things as you won’t have to carry a large amount of cash with you all the time.  

Getting a bank account is a right recognised by French authorities. A foreign student can open a bank account in any bank in France. The different banks have branches in most cities in France: all you have to do is take an appointment with a counsellor and bring all the requested documents.

Three documents are needed to open a bank account:

• Identification (passport or a residency card);

• Proof of residence

• Attestation of enrolment (university registration letter or a student card).

In case you don't have any accommodation, you may temporarily use the address of the service of international relations of your institution until you find one.

Opening a bank account will give you the right to have a bank card and a cheque book. You will also have your Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (RIB - bank account information slip) which will enable you to easily make monthly payments for the purposes stated above.