Which bank to choose in France? A special comparison for international students
Best Banks in France for International Students
Coming to study in France as an international student often requires opening a local bank account. This account is essential for:
Receiving a scholarship or international transfer
Paying for housing, subscriptions, or a transport card
Providing proof of financial resources for a visa or residence permit
But not all banks are created equal: some are expensive, others difficult to open without a French proof of address. Here’s a clear comparison table to help you choose the most suitable bank for your situation.
Comparison Table of Banks for International Students
| Bank | Type | Bank card | Estimated annual cost | International transfer fees | Online account opening | English service | Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas | Traditional | Free for 1st year | ~€30–60/year afterwards | €20–35 per transfer / 2–3% FX fees | Partially | Yes (in Paris) | Large branch network, quality service, in-person support |
| Société Générale | Traditional | Free or ~€1/month | ~€24–48/year | €15–30 depending on country | Partially | Partial | “Youth” offers, insurance included, in-branch support |
| Crédit Agricole | Traditional | Varies by region | ~€30–80/year | ~€25 + currency conversion fee | No (in branch only) | Rare | Great in rural areas, personalized human support |
| La Banque Postale | Traditional | ~€2/month | ~€24–40/year | Medium fees (~€15–30) | No | Rare | Very accessible, even without proof of income |
| LCL | Traditional | ~€1/month | ~€30–50/year | €20–35 + currency fees | No | Rare | Tolerant toward young profiles, student partnerships |
| N26 | Neobank (German) | Free | €0/year | €0 (SEPA zone), ~0.35% outside SEPA via Wise | Yes | Yes | Easy sign-up, modern interface, no French address needed |
| Revolut | Neobank (UK) | Free | €0/year (standard plan) | Free or minimal via Revolut/Wise | Yes | Yes | Instant FX conversion, top for international transfers |
| Hello Bank! | Online bank (BNP) | Free | €0–24/year | BNP rates (€20–30) | Yes | Partial | Great app + access to BNP branches |
| Boursorama Banque | Online bank | Free (Welcome plan) | €0/year | €15–30 or via partner (Wise) | Yes | Partial | Ultra-low fees, 100% online management |
| Fortuneo | Online bank | Free (with conditions) | €0–20/year | €15–25 depending on plan | Yes | Partial | Competitive, reliable, ideal for settled students |
Best Practices for Choosing a Bank in France
Start with a neobank: If you just arrived and don’t have a fixed address or proof of residence yet, N26 or Revolutare perfect to get started.
Check international transfer fees: If you receive money from abroad, avoid traditional banks that charge high fees. Choose banks that use Wise or Revolut for lower costs.
Choose based on your city: Regional banks like Crédit Agricole are great in the countryside, but in Paris you’ll have more international options (BNP, Société Générale, HSBC…).
Compare mobile apps: Online management is essential. Neobanks like N26, Revolut, or Boursorama are much more practical than some traditional banks.
Check student-specific offers: Some banks require proof of income or a French guarantor. Others have specific deals for international students—be sure to ask ahead of time.
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