Looking to Change Your Bank in France? Here’s How to Do It

If your current bank no longer meets your needs and expectations, it is time to consider switching. There are of course many reasons why we may wish to change our bank.

For example, it is often frustrating when we can never get hold of our bank when we need them. Overtime, our requirements may also change – which means we need a bank with a different level of expertise. Communicating in English is likewise important for many customers especially if they are new to living in France or are not fluent in the language.

A few years ago, France introduced a new law making it easier for people to switch banks – called the Loi Macron. Now, it is a simple and straightforward process to change your bank.

This regulation applies to all personal bank accounts in France whether you are resident here or not.

Switching bank accounts

This is done under the Loi Macron with the following steps:

• Open a new bank account with your chosen bank
• Give the new bank a copy of the RIB details for your old account
• The new bank will provide a Mandate for you to sign
• The old bank will be requested (via the Loi Macron system) to provide the new bank with information on any direct debits that are taken from the account
• They can, at this stage, refuse the request for a variety of reasons
• If accepted, the new bank will inform the relevant companies of your new account details
• The old account will be closed

It is advisable to keep an eye on your utility or other regular payments to ensure that they have transferred to your new account. If this has not happened contact the company directly.

The Loi Macron system takes a minimum of 40 days to switch your account.

Contact us at CA Britline if you wish to open a new bank account for all your banking requirements in France. CA Britline provides a bi-lingual, English-speaking service to our customers. We are a branch of Crédit Agricole, a major French bank, so there will therefore be some documentation in French. However, where possible, we will provide English versions and are happy to help guide you through the process of running your French bank account.