Last updated on June 23rd, 2026 at 11:16 am
When you move to France, the paperwork can feel daunting at first. Mastering a bit of basic banking vocabulary makes the whole process much simpler. The French are fond of acronyms, abbreviations and technical words, but in the end it is just vocabulary to learn. Here are the words and phrases you need to open and manage a French bank account.
In short
- Bring an ID and a recent proof of address to open an account.
- Know the difference between un compte courant (current account) and un compte d’épargne (savings account).
- The everyday bank card is officially la carte bancaire, but the French call it la carte bleue.
- Set up un virement (transfer) and les prélèvements automatiques (direct debits) online.
- The Livret A is the favourite French savings account.
Before going to the bank
In France you will find many banking brands, including les banques en ligne (online-only banks). Once you have compared their terms and chosen one, bring the following documents.
| French term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Une pièce d’identité | A proof of identity: permis de conduire (driver’s licence), passeport or carte d’identité. |
| Un justificatif de domicile | A proof of address less than 3 months old. |
| Une facture EDF | An electricity bill (often used as proof of address). |
| Une facture de téléphone | A phone bill. |
| Une quittance de loyer | A rent receipt. |
| Une banque en ligne | An online-only bank, available exclusively over the internet. |
At the bank: opening an account
To open an account you usually need to prendre rendez-vous (make an appointment) with a bank adviser.
| French term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Prendre rendez-vous avec un conseiller bancaire | To make an appointment with a bank adviser. |
| Un compte courant | A current account, for everyday use. |
| Un compte d’épargne | A savings account. |
| La carte bancaire | The bank card: pay online, pay in shops and withdraw cash. |
| La carte bleue | The everyday French nickname for the bank card. |
| Les guichets automatiques | Cash machines (ATMs). |
| Un chèque | A cheque: written in figures and words, dated, signed, in euros, valid for one year. |
Managing your accounts
Most banks offer an online management solution. You log in with un identifiant (username) and un mot de passe (password), then handle your money from there.
| French term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Un identifiant | A username (login). |
| Un mot de passe | A password. |
| Placer un ordre | To place a bank instruction. |
| Un virement | A bank transfer. |
| Les prélèvements automatiques | Direct debits, the usual way to pay monthly bills. |
Savings accounts the French love
Besides le compte bancaire (bank account), two regulated savings products are very popular. More than 65 million Livret A accounts are open in France.
| French term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Le Livret A | A tax-free regulated savings account, the most popular in France. |
| Le LEP | Livret d’épargne populaire, a savings account for lower-income households. |
| Un compte d’épargne | A savings account, to set money aside and earn interest. |
Good to know: when you leave France, make an appointment to close your account. And do not be surprised to hear la carte bleue for any bank card, it is the everyday name the French use.
Learn the French you need for life in France
Banking is just one of the situations where the right words make life easier. With a native French teacher, you can practise real-life French in online lessons over Zoom, including French for work and business. Feel free to contact us to see how we can help. You can start with a free trial lesson with an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to open a French bank account?
A proof of identity (passport, ID card or driving licence) and a proof of address less than three months old, such as an electricity bill, a phone bill or a rent receipt.
What is the difference between un compte courant and un compte d’épargne?
Un compte courant is a current account for everyday spending, while un compte d’épargne is a savings account where you set money aside and earn interest.
Why do the French say carte bleue?
La carte bleue is the everyday nickname for the bank card (la carte bancaire). It dates back to an early French card network and the name stuck.
What is a Livret A?
A tax-free regulated savings account that is hugely popular in France, with more than 65 million accounts open. It is a simple, safe place to keep savings.
How can I learn banking and everyday French faster?
Combine themed vocabulary like this with real-life practice (appointments, phone calls, emails) and regular feedback from a native teacher.
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