Best Bank Accounts in France for Expats (2026)

How we chose these banks

We reviewed over 15 banks available to expats in France, assessing monthly fees, card costs, ATM policies, FX markups, account opening requirements, and mobile app quality. French deposit protection covers up to 100,000 EUR per person per institution under the Fonds de Garantie des Depots et de Resolution (FGDR).

Boursorama and Fortuneo are subsidiaries of major French banks (Societe Generale and Credit Mutuel Arkea respectively) and offer full French banking services including Livret A, PEL, and investment accounts. N26 and Wise are faster to open but provide fewer French-specific products.

What to look for as an expat in France

• French IBAN (FR) -- Many landlords, employers, and utility providers require a French IBAN. Boursorama, Fortuneo, and N26 all provide FR IBANs. Wise provides a BE IBAN which legally must be accepted but may cause issues with some French service providers.
• Droit au compte -- By French law, anyone residing in France has the right to a basic bank account. If a bank refuses you, the Banque de France can designate one to open an account for you.
• Cheques -- France still uses cheques more than most European countries. Boursorama and Fortuneo provide chequebooks; digital banks generally do not.
• Carte Bancaire network -- Some French merchants only accept Carte Bancaire. Boursorama and Fortuneo cards work on this network. N26 Mastercard works almost everywhere but occasional CB-only terminals exist.
• Livret A -- If you become a French tax resident, you can open a Livret A (tax-free savings account) at any French bank. Only available at banks with a French banking license.