Costs & Charges
A current account will typically incur a few charges: you will usually be required to pay account management fees, for example. Fees tend to increase the more specialised services you use. The costs mentioned in this article are merely to give a rough idea of typical account costs: you should ask for exact details of the service charges that apply to your own account. This information is available on request from your bank.
Current account costs
Administration fees will depend on the bank and type of account you choose, the account's basic financial services, and any special services you use. Charges for special services include:
stopping a cheque – around €16
cancelling your chequebook – around €23
use of a bankers cheque – around €12
replacement of lost banking documents – around €13
replacement chequebook – about €6
overdraft charges – these charges depend on the amount by which you are overdrawn and the overdraft conditions set out in your account contract
Cards and cheques
Typically, an electronic debit card will cost between €20 and €45 a year. A credit card costs between €30 and €50 a year. Banks offer a wide range of electronic cards designed to meet the needs of different customers: for further information, ask your financial advisor.
Most banks offer a standard chequebook free of charge. You can also ask for a chequebook of 'chèques emploi service'. This kind of cheque is used to pay any household employees, such as a cleaning lady or babysitter.
Transfers and withdrawals
Most direct debits to pay your bills to public companies, such as EDF or France Telecom, are free of charge. Those made to other financial institutions may be subject to charge.
For transfers to other French banks you will usually have to pay around €3. Standing orders also incur a charge. Essentially, you will either pay a one-off set-up fee for a standing order or a separate fee for each transfer.
Online banking
Almost every bank offers online banking. Customers can check their account balance on the Internet, make transfers and even check the stock markets. Online banking may be provided free of charge: otherwise service costs can be as much as €84. Some banks will also enable you to check your balance by phone. You will usually pay between €0,15 and €0,56 a minute for these calls.
Closing a current account
Since January 2005, there are no charges for closing a bank account.
