Can I open a French bank account without a permanent address?

Yes, under certain conditions. If you do not yet have a permanent French address, some banks accept a temporary address (university residence, Airbnb for the first few weeks). La Banque Postale accepts students with a certificate from their university or CROUS residence as proof of address. If no bank accepts your application, you can exercise your right to an account (droit au compte) via the Banque de France — they designate a bank that must open an account for you within 3 business days.

Why are Revolut or N26 not accepted by the CAF?

The CAF (housing aid) and some landlords require a French bank account with an IBAN starting with FR. Revolut and N26 issue French IBANs but are classified as electronic money institutions (not traditional banks), and some CAF offices systematically reject them. To avoid any risk of delay in receiving your housing aid, open an account with a traditional bank (La Banque Postale, BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, Credit Agricole).

What is the right to an account (droit au compte) and how to exercise it?

The droit au compte is a legal right that guarantees every person residing in France access to a basic bank account. If a bank refuses your application, request a letter of refusal, then contact the Banque de France with your identity documents. The Banque de France designates a bank within 1 business day, and that bank must open a basic account within 3 business days. This account allows you to receive transfers, pay by direct debit, and withdraw cash.

What is a RIB and why is it important?

The RIB (Releve d'Identite Bancaire) is a document containing your banking coordinates: IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and BIC (Bank Identifier Code). In France, the RIB is required for: receiving CAF housing aid, receiving Ameli health reimbursements, receiving your salary or scholarship, paying rent by bank transfer, and direct debits for phone, electricity, and internet. Keep at least 5 printed copies — you will need them for multiple simultaneous administrative procedures.

What are the costs of a student bank account?

Most traditional banks offer free student accounts for students under 26 or with a valid student card. BNP Paribas, Societe Generale, and Credit Agricole all have specific student offers. La Banque Postale offers a basic free account. Online banks like Boursorama are free without conditions. Always ask for the 'compte etudiant' (student account) from the start — if you don't, the bank may charge you for a standard account.

How long does it take to open a bank account?

At a traditional bank branch: the account is opened the same day, the RIB is given immediately, and the debit card arrives in 7 to 15 days. At an online bank (Boursorama, Hello Bank): online application takes 15 to 30 minutes, document verification takes 2 to 5 business days, the card arrives in 5 to 10 days. For the CAF, you need the RIB from the day of signing the lease — plan accordingly.

Opening a French Bank Account as an International Student

A French bank account is indispensable for CAF, Ameli, and rent — La Banque Postale is the most accessible

A French bank account with a RIB (Releve d'Identite Bancaire — bank account details) is an absolute necessity for international students arriving in France. Without it, you cannot receive housing aid (APL/ALS) from the CAF, receive medical reimbursements from Ameli, pay rent by bank transfer, or receive a salary.

Comparison of main banks for international students

Bank	Account type	Cost	Recommended for
La Banque Postale	Basic free account	Free	Students with no credit history, most accessible
BNP Paribas	Compte Hello	Free for students	CAF and Ameli compatible
Societe Generale	Sobrio	Free for students	Good mobile app
Credit Agricole	Compte jeune	Free for under 26	Good rural coverage
Boursorama	Bourso Liberte	Completely free	Fastest application
Hello Bank!	Hello One	Free	BNP subsidiary, accepted everywhere

Not recommended for administrative procedures: Revolut, N26, Wise (may be rejected by CAF)

Required documents

Document	Required	Notes
Valid passport	Yes	Mandatory for non-EU
Visa or residence permit	Yes (non-EU)	VLS-TS accepted
Proof of address in France	Yes	Lease, accommodation certificate
University enrollment certificate	Yes	Issued by your university
Proof of income	Sometimes	Scholarship letter or parental support

The right to an account: your safety net

If no bank accepts your application, you have a legal right to open a basic bank account via the Banque de France. Get a rejection letter from the bank, then contact the Banque de France — they will designate a bank that must open an account for you within 3 business days.

Opening a French Bank Account as an International Student

Opening a French Bank Account as an International Student

A French bank account is indispensable for CAF, Ameli, and rent — La Banque Postale is the most accessible

Comparison of main banks for international students

Required documents

The right to an account: your safety net

Official sources

Conseil expert

Conseil expert

Besoin d'aide pour vos démarches ?

Opening a French Bank Account as an International Student

Opening a French Bank Account as an International Student

A French bank account is indispensable for CAF, Ameli, and rent — La Banque Postale is the most accessible

Comparison of main banks for international students

Required documents

The right to an account: your safety net

Official sources

Conseil expert

Conseil expert

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