Bank Account

[trainman]

We are looking to buy property in France and we still live in the USA. In the meantime we would like to open an account with a French bank.

Is this possible and which banks would be the easiest to work with?

Any help greatly appreciated.

Trainman

[Gardengirl]

We opened an account at our local Credit Agricole branch. We dealt with an English speaking French woman in the nearest big city, and she wanted vast amounts of info. We know people who just went into their local branch, and found there was someone who had quite sufficient English as and when needed, and had to produce far fewer documents. This applied to people living full time in France and some part time.We find them OK, thought about changing as they were going to stop accepting cash over the counter. We get money from a UK account and pay it into CA for paying the bills, so we'd have to pay for a card we didn't otherwise want in order to do this - but as they haven't brought that in, we're still with them.

There is also an online branch of CA which is English speaking, called Britline; I understand documentation has to be sent to them, with certified copies sent from your own bank.

[AnOther]

Opening our CA account was quick and simple. Passports, recent UK bank statement, copy of Acte de Vent (which we had just come from signing) and Notaires cheque for an overpaid amount, job done.

The Britline route is onerous to say the least, download their application form and see for yourself.

If you are US citizens that could very likely throw up added complications.

Good luck.