Banking in France

The way that banking works in France is probably very different to that you may have experienced in the UK. As ever, banks are still there to make a profit, some of them even offer good customer service in their pursuit of profit

Below you will find details of documents that you will require to open a bank account or obtain a mortgage in France. You will also find an overview of how different banking is in France and how you will need to adapt to obtain the best from your bank

I have also included details on the best bank that I have found since moving to France 'The Satisfaction Bank'. There has never yet been a bank that I could say that about, wherever I have lived! Whether you wish to open a new account or change from your current bank, it is the only one in France that I could honestly recommend (contact details below). My reasons for this statement are in the following passages.

Most of us require bank accounts, it is a facet of modern life everywhere, in France it is now almost obligatory if you do not wish to be running to the post office to purchase money orders

Why would you need a bank account in France

• If you have ever tried to rent property in France you will be aware that you need a cheque to secure a rental agreement
  
  
• If you need your chimney swept, any good professional will not accept cash and require a cheque
  
  
• Most salaries are paid directly into your bank account
  
  
• To pay utility bills easily - especially if you live in a rural location
  
  
• To receive child allowance or other CAF payments
  
  
• To receive tax refunds
  
  
• As a means of identification

• A copy of your passport
  
  
• An original, recent utility bill with your home address
  
  
• 2 of your most recent bank statements

Happy with your bank?

Most banks in France will offer to meet whatever needs that you have, they will suggest that opening an account with them will simplify your life. Experience has shown that this often falls well short of expectations, speak to your friends, family and neighbours to find out if they are satisfied with theirs

By and large I am dissatisfied with my bank here in France and I am not alone, there appears to be a lot of frustration among British and French people when it comes to banks and banking services in France

Poor quality of service, difficulty in obtaining the required service, staff that appear not to listen properly or act on the instructions of the account holder. Further, to really annoy account holders (like me) as well, there are charges on almost every ‘banking’ service, you also have to pay a monthly fee for the privilege of having an account

The Satisfaction Bank

People that I do work for, when asked, almost always have a gripe about their particular bank or branch, regardless of which bank it is. During my four years in France there is only one bank that hasn’t come up when people have complaints, rather they have expressed satisfaction with the level of service, reporting that they are listened to, treated promptly with courtesy and respect

I personally know of no other bank that would assist you with French tax returns or offer financial advice to meet your needs rather than selling their services. They will even advise you on a range of difficulties or frustrations that you will inevitably run into when you are in France (I charge people for these problem solving services and advice when they come to me, it is part of how I earn a living here in France)

I am used to dealing with banks and most other kinds of large institutions during my usual working day, as a ‘professional problem solver’ I often have to accept that there will inevitably be periods of frustration or dead ends as individuals tell me ‘we can’t do anything about it’ or simply ‘non’ without appearing to try and progress matters or offer an alternative or compromise

Whilst carrying out research on behalf of a client I had cause to contact the satisfaction bank and was pleasantly surprised that the response was immediate. Not only that, the attention was focussed and all delivered with a smile and a level of service usually found, these days, only in small personal enterprise (like those on the best service page)

I think that I have indeed stumbled upon ‘the’ satisfaction bank. I have spoken to other people, who are clients of the bank, when I have commented on the courteous and excellent level of service, they have nodded their heads and concurred that this is their experience too

Not a one off experience in the hope of attracting new customers but a concerted effort to deliver and maintain standard of excellence that will satisfy their clients needs

The particular matter I was dealing with was complex, I expected that I might have to spend several hours chasing it up myself until I finally reached the person who could deal with it

The first person I spoke with, Aline Bourbigot, listened, took details and suggested possible resolutions/ways forward. Ordinarily I would have expected to go off, do further research to see if these ways forward would satisfy my client....

BUT, Aline felt that it left matters too much in limbo and went to confer with a colleague, returning to report that as decisions needed to be taken, the best thing would be for me to see the ‘international adviser’ who covers all the branches in the region

Now I had the chance to meet the real driver behind this pursuit of excellence. Catalina Chevalier is the adviser for 'international clients', not only is she very, very warm and smart, she speaks excellent English

Catalina's attention to detail and her commitment to customer service really does resolve issues, I am convinced that you will also be as pleased doing business with her as I am.

If for any reason you are not happy with the level of service (I do not think that this will occur) I would appreciate this feedback by email in order to keep this current opinion updated. If it is the case that you are unhappy, it would be interesting to me to look into the matter. I have an agreement with Catalina and the satisfaction Bank that any person who has gone to them via me will be assured of complete customer care, or I will revoke our link to them

Catalina has responsibility for one region of France, but has agreed that if you contact her in the first instance (email address below), then whichever region you are in she will send you by return the name and the contact details of the person who would deal with you personally in the region that you are in. She will also retain your name so that if ever there was dissatisfaction she would ensure that it was resolved for you.

The name of the Satisfaction Bank that really will facilitate your life in France

Bank Populaire

For such a large institution to be able to offer such a range of services with such friendly, diligent staff and level of customer care is amazing, but prepare yourself to be amazed. They have obviously been working very hard to not lose the personal touch and recognise that your complete satisfaction is good for them as well as you

Use this email link to find the branch and your own personally accountable adviser, wherever you are in France. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to ask, there will be no aggressive marketing from the bank. If you have queries that I can assist with, please do not hesitate to contact me by either completing the form below or via the contact details on the home page

Satisfaction Bank Services in English


To contact John Ewens, whatever your enquiry, please use the form below or via the contact details on the home page