Yes, you can open a bank account online in France, but the process depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident
French banks and fintech companies offer online account opening, but they have different rules for who can do it remotely. If you live in France, most banks will let you open an account entirely online—you upload your ID, proof of address, and sign documents electronically. If you live outside France, your options narrow significantly. Some banks require you to visit a branch in person or work through a video verification call with a staff member. A few fintech banks and neobanks accept non-residents, but they typically offer limited services compared to traditional banks.
The speed matters too. Online opening at a traditional bank usually takes three to five business days once you submit all documents. Fintech banks can be faster—sometimes same-day or next-day—but they may charge monthly fees or restrict what you can do with the account.
Key Takeaways
- French residents can open accounts online with most banks by uploading ID, proof of address, and signing electronically, taking three to five business days.
- Non-residents face stricter rules and may need to visit a branch, use video verification, or choose a fintech bank that accepts international customers.
- You will need a French tax identification number (numéro de sécurité sociale) or a temporary identification number if you are new to France.
- Fintech banks like Revolut, Wise, and N26 accept non-residents online but offer fewer services than traditional banks and may charge monthly fees.
- Some traditional banks require a minimum deposit or monthly income threshold, which varies by institution.
What documents you need to open an account online
French banks and fintech services have a standard document list. You will need a valid government-issued ID (passport, national ID card, or driver's license), proof of your current address (utility bill, rental agreement, or recent bank statement dated within the last three months), and proof of income or employment (recent payslips, tax return, or employment contract). Some banks ask for a French tax identification number, though this is not always required at the moment of opening.
If you are a non-resident opening an account, banks may ask for additional proof: a visa or residence permit, proof that you have a legitimate reason to hold a French account (employment contract, property ownership, or business registration), and sometimes a reference from another bank. Upload everything as clear digital copies—photos taken on your phone are usually fine as long as the text is readable.
Traditional banks that accept online opening for residents
The major French banks—BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, and Caisse d'Épargne—all offer online account opening for people who live in France. The process is straightforward: you visit their website, fill in your personal details, upload your documents, and wait for approval. Most will send you a welcome package with your card and PIN by post within one to two weeks after approval.
These banks typically charge monthly fees ranging from zero to fifteen euros, depending on the account type and services included. They offer the full range of banking services: overdraft options, loans, investment accounts, and customer support by phone or in-branch. The trade-off is that they may require a minimum deposit (usually between 100 and 500 euros) or proof of regular income.
If you are a non-resident, call the bank's international customer service line before starting the online process. Some branches will open an account for you if you can visit in person or complete a video call with a staff member, but this varies by location and bank.
Fintech and neobanks that accept non-residents
If you live outside France and cannot visit a branch, fintech banks are often your fastest route. Revolut, Wise, and N26 all accept non-residents and complete verification online, usually within hours. These are not traditional banks—they are payment and money transfer services that also offer IBAN accounts—but they work for basic transactions, receiving salary, and paying bills.
Revolut offers a free tier and paid tiers starting at 2.99 euros per month. Wise focuses on international transfers and charges fees per transaction rather than monthly. N26 charges between 0 and 9.99 euros per month depending on the plan. All three issue debit cards and provide an IBAN you can use to receive money in France. None of them offer overdrafts, loans, or investment services.
The catch: these services are regulated differently than banks, so your money may not have the same legal protections. Check whether the company holds a banking license or operates under a payment institution license. Revolut and N26 hold banking licenses in Europe, so deposits up to 100,000 euros are covered by deposit insurance. Wise operates as a payment institution, so coverage is different—check their terms before depositing large amounts.
The video verification process for non-residents
Some traditional banks will open an account for a non-resident if you complete a video call with a staff member. This usually happens after you submit your documents online. A bank employee will ask you to show your ID on camera, confirm your address, and answer questions about the purpose of the account. The call typically lasts ten to fifteen minutes.
Banks schedule these calls within two to five business days of your process. You will need a stable internet connection, a quiet space, and your ID ready. If the bank approves you during or after the call, they will send your card and account details by post to your address on file. This process takes longer than fintech opening—usually one to two weeks total—but gives you access to full banking services.
Minimum deposits and ongoing requirements
Most French banks do not require a minimum deposit to open an account online, but some do. BNP Paribas and Société Générale typically ask for 100 to 500 euros as an initial deposit. Crédit Agricole and Caisse d'Épargne vary by region. Fintech banks usually have no minimum deposit.
Some banks charge monthly fees only if your account falls below a certain balance or if you do not meet an income threshold. For example, a bank might waive fees if you receive at least 1,500 euros per month in salary deposits. Read the fee schedule carefully before opening—it is usually available as a PDF on the bank's website under "tarifs" or "conditions tarifaires."
Timeline: how long each route takes
| Route | Time to approval | Time to receive card | Total time to use account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional bank (resident, online) | 3–5 business days | 7–14 days by post | 1–2 weeks |
| Traditional bank (non-resident, video call) | 2–5 business days + call | 7–14 days by post | 2–3 weeks |
| Fintech bank (online, any location) | Same day to 24 hours | 5–10 days by post | 1–2 days (digital card available when ready) |
What to do if a bank rejects your process
Banks reject online applications for a few common reasons: missing or unclear documents, no proof of address in France, no French tax ID number, or a flag in their fraud or sanctions screening. If your process is rejected, the bank will usually send you a letter explaining why. Do not assume it is permanent.
If the issue is a missing document, resubmit it and ask the bank to reconsider. If the issue is no French address, you may need to visit a branch in person or use a fintech bank instead. If the issue is no tax ID, you can request a temporary number (numéro d'inscription au répertoire) from the French tax authority while your permanent number is being processed—most banks will accept this. If you are flagged for sanctions or fraud screening, contact the bank's compliance department directly; these flags are sometimes errors and can be cleared with documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a French address to open an account online?
Traditional banks usually require proof of a French address. If you do not have one yet, fintech banks like Revolut or Wise may accept a foreign address, or you can use a temporary address (such as a hotel or Airbnb) and update it once you move. Some banks will also accept a French business address if you are self-employed.
Can I open an account without a French tax ID number?
Yes. You can open an account and request your tax ID number afterward. Once you have a French address, you can request a temporary identification number from the tax authority, which most banks will accept. Your permanent number arrives within a few weeks.
What if I need the account to open before my card arrives?
Fintech banks issue digital cards when ready—you can use them online or add them to your phone's payment app the same day. Traditional banks usually mail physical cards, which takes one to two weeks. If you need to receive money before your card arrives, your IBAN is active as soon as your account is approved, so employers or other payers can transfer funds to you when ready.
Is my money safe in a fintech bank?
It depends on the company's license type. Revolut and N26 hold banking licenses, so deposits up to 100,000 euros are covered by the European deposit may provide scheme. Wise operates as a payment institution under a different regulatory framework—check their website for their specific protections. For amounts over 100,000 euros, traditional banks offer the same may provide.
Can I open a business account online in France?
Yes, but the process is more complex. You will need your business registration number (SIRET), proof of business address, and sometimes a business plan or recent financial statements. Traditional banks handle business accounts, and some fintech services do too, but approval takes longer—usually one to three weeks. Contact the bank directly about business account requirements before starting online.