Best Bank for Expat Moving to France
France has a universal banking right (droit au compte) — but exercising it can take weeks. Digital banks let you open an account in minutes, before you even land.
Top picks
Revolut
Open from anywhere, no French address needed. Free Standard plan covers all everyday needs in France.
Wise
Best for salary receipt and international transfers. Belgian IBAN accepted by French employers.
Nickel
Open at any French tobacconist (tabac) with just a passport — no address, no app needed. Only €20/year.
N26
Banking in France — what you need to know
France is unique in Europe in having a legal right to a bank account: the droit au compte. Any person refused by a traditional bank can request an account from the Banque de France, which will assign them to a bank within 15 working days. In theory, no one in France should be unbanked.
In practice, exercising the droit au compte is bureaucratic and slow. Digital banks provide the same practical access in minutes rather than weeks — and without the stigma of a forced account assignment.
What French banks require
Traditional French banks — BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole — typically require proof of French address, French tax identification (numéro fiscal), and often an in-person appointment. For new arrivals without a permanent address, this is a significant barrier.
Even La Banque Postale, France's most accessible traditional bank, requires a French address. Digital banks are the practical solution.
Nickel — the French original
Nickel was founded in France in 2014 and now has over 3 million customers. Uniquely, you can open a Nickel account at any French tabac (tobacconist) — there are over 5,000 across France — in about 5 minutes, with just an ID. No address, no credit check, no income requirement.
Nickel is backed by BNP Paribas (since 2017) and is available at tabacs in cities and small towns alike. If you want in-person account opening the day you arrive in France, Nickel is the answer.
Top picks for France
1. Revolut — Open from anywhere before you arrive. Free Standard plan, EUR IBAN, virtual card immediately. The most feature-complete option for everyday use in France.
2. Wise — Essential if you are receiving salary in EUR or need to send/receive money internationally. Belgian IBAN, mid-market exchange rates, accepted by French employers for payroll.
3. Nickel — Open at a French tabac on day one with just your passport. Perfect if you prefer in-person setup or have had issues with app-based verification. Very affordable at €20/year.
4. N26 — Once you have a French address, N26 is an excellent free digital bank. The free Standard account works well for everyday French banking needs, with SEPA transfers and a standard Mastercard.
Step-by-step approach
- Before arriving: Open Revolut (and Wise if relevant). This gives you immediate access to a EUR account from wherever you are.
- Day one in France: Visit a tabac and open a Nickel account for a quick local solution. Costs €20/year, functional immediately.
- Once settled: Open N26 with your French address for a more complete free digital banking experience.
- For salary receipt: Give your employer your Wise IBAN (Belgian), which works perfectly for French payroll SEPA transfers.