Open a bank account

Choose a bank or neobank, gather documents, and know the free droit au compte route if you're refused.

In the first weeks after arrival

• Passport and residence document (visa or residence card)
• Proof of French address less than 3 months old
• University enrolment certificate or employment contract
• Declaration that you hold no other current account in France

1. Choose the type of bank

Weigh traditional banks (often needing a lease or address proof, sometimes a branch visit) against neobanks or Compte-Nickel (usually ID only).

2. Prepare your documents

Bring ID, residence and address proof; some banks also ask for an enrolment certificate or payslip.

3. Keep your IBAN and RIB safe

Once open, send your RIB to your university, employer, CAF and utility/phone providers; share your IBAN only with recognised organisations.

4. If refused, use droit au compte

Keep the refusal letter or proof of no reply and file at accueil.banque-france.fr; Banque de France assigns a bank within one banking business day.

• If a bank refuses you or doesn't answer within 15 days, the free 'droit au compte' procedure at the Banque de France gets you an account.

• Banque de France · Droit au compte
• Service-Public · Refus d'ouverture de compte