Opening a bank account

[JoMadden]

Can anyone tell me what documentation/deposit etc is necessary for opening a French bank account?

Also we are looking around the Haute-Vienne/Creuse region, but have  yet to chose a specific area - is it best to wait until we have bought and open with a local branch? 

Would it benefit us to use one of the 3 main branches - Société Générale, BNP Paribas and Crédit Lyonnais?

[Jackie pink]

We didn't find it easy to open a bank account, we walked the streets, popping into banks in the town.  We were told by most that we must make an appointment, also that we would need to be referred by someone who banked with them.

However we did get lucky with the Credit Mutual, the manager spoke a little English, I think it would have been impossible to open the account had that not been the case.  We receive a bank statement every month.

We had bought a house, to renovate, although we only visit, for maybe 2 separate weeks a year.  We are using French contractors, and obviously need to be forwarding cheques on receipt of the factures. 

Hope this helps

[AnnH]

Usually you need to make an appointment.  If the system in dept 53 is mirrored in your area all you need is a copy of passports, proof of residence in England (ie recent utility bill).  You don't need to have already bought a house.  A small deposit is all that is needed ie.e €50.

 

French bank accounts come with charges for cards etc, you should get a cheque book and a bank card - the same card can be used by all account holders but you can request one each.  If you use credit agricol their basic card allows you to use €1500 per week on a rolling weekly basis.  Usually this is enough and any cheques that are written do not account towards this total, however if you are renovating etc you may wish to opt for a card with a higher limit.

 

Hope this is useful.