To open a bank account, you can go to the bank of your choice.

At the counter, you can request an account opening form. Using this form, you will be able to create a file and request the opening of an account.

This file will include:

• The completed account opening request form.
• A letter of request to open an account.
• An identity document issued by the French authorities.

You must first complete an account opening request form.

Depending on your profile, your needs and your projects, the bank can offer you different formulas:

• Youth account,
• Professional account,
• Paid account,
• Specific account managed remotely ...

In addition to this form, you will need to submit supporting documents.

In addition to the form, you must present your identity document issued by the French authorities: valid residence permit or residence permit application receipt.

Expired documents will not be accepted under any circumstances. However, if your residence permit has expired, you can present a certificate proving the request for renewal of the document.

In addition to your valid ID, you must submit a letter requesting the opening of an account.

This letter makes it possible to formalize the request to open an account.

This letter must have your signature clear and legible.

Once your file is completed, you must present it to the bank. The average time to open an account is 15 days.

If the bank refuses your application to open an account or if it does not reply within 15 days of your application, you can ask the Banque de France for help. This free procedure is called the "right to an account".

For more information: click here to read our sheet "Accessing the right to an account procedure".

You can request several payment methods from your bank:

The credit card

There are several types of bank cards:

• The withdrawal card only allows you to withdraw from a cash machine,
• The debit card makes it possible to pay for purchases directly with the money intended to fund the current account,
• The credit card makes it possible to pay for a purchase either on credit or immediate debit, by withdrawing the money directly from the customer's current account.

The checkbook

Direct debit is an authorization given to a creditor to withdraw directly from the amount due from the bank account.

The transfer is an operation consisting in giving the order to his bank to transfer sums from one account to another account.

Through a checking account, you can also pay in cash, by withdrawing money at the counter of your bank branch or at an ATM.

To avoid being "overdraft" (i.e. running out of money in your account), we advise you to regularly check your accounts using the online applications offered by the various banks.

An account statement informs you of all transactions (withdrawal, deposit, transfer) made on your account during the past month.

The account statement is usually sent by paper mail, but you can choose to receive a statement by email.