UGA international

Choosing a bank

The Université Grenoble Alpes has not entered into any partnerships with banking institutions.
It is up to you to choose a bank (a traditional one with a physical branch, an online bank or a neobank), and compare what they offer in order to find the one that best suits your needs.

To make your choice, the criteria to consider include:

• The fees applied : opening an account is free, but fees may apply for managing and maintaining your account, or for certain services (transfers, withdrawals, cash deposits, bank cards).
• The location: near your home, or near your place of study or work.
• The availability of an advisor or customer service.

To compare the banking fees charged by different institutions, there is a free public tool available on a website published by the French Ministry of the Economy: the main banking fees comparison tool (in French).

You can also ask your bank in your home country whether it has any partnerships with French banks, as this could simplify the formalities in France and enable you to save on international (outside SEPA) transfers for example.

Bear in mind also that many banks have special offers for students, upon presentation of proof of your student status.

Opening a bank account

To complete the formalities required to open an account in a traditional bank (with a physical branch), you must make an appoitment with an advisor.
The bank will give you a list of documents to bring with you to your appointment, but as a minimum you will need:

• Proof of identity (ID card or passport),
• Proof of address in France (home insurance, rental agreement, utility bill, written proof of accommodation ‘certificat d’hébergement’, etc.).

Also remember to bring proof of your student status in order to benefit from any special offers, or your employment contract if you have one.

Please note that if you are a minor student and arrive in France before turning 18, the presence of a parent or legal guardian ('représentant légal') is mandatory to open a bank account in France.

Once the account opening process has been completed, you will receive your means of payment (bank card and chequebook), as well as a 'RIB' (your bank account details).
Please note that the process for opening of a bank account and the issuance of a bank card can take up to 10 or 15 days. 

Are you having difficulties opening an account?

Opening a bank account is a right enshrined in French law. However, banks may still refuse to open a bank account for you.
If you are unable to open a bank account in France, regardless of your nationality, you can exercise your right to a bank account by contacting the Banque de France. The Banque de France will then designate a bank that must open an account for you with basic banking services.
More information about the basic banking services on the website 'La finance pour tous'
All the information about the right to a bank account on the Banque de France website

To apply for the right to an account with the Banque de France, first of all, you must prepare your appplication file. The required documents are:

• The completed and signed right to a bank account application form,
• A copy of a valid proof of identity,
• A copy of proof of address in France less than 3 months old,
• A certificate or letter of refusal to open an account, issued by a bank.

Then, send and submit your file to the Banque de France:

• By post to the following address: Banque de France, TSA 50120, 75035 Paris Cedex 01.
• By going to a Banque de France branch (an appointment may be necessary): find the Banque de France branch near your place of residence.
• Or, if you have France Connect logins, online on the Banque de France website.

After receiving your complete application, the Banque de France will designate a bank branch to open your account within a few days, and will notify you by post (or via your account if you submitted your application online).

More information about the different steps of the right to an account procedure on the Banque de France website
Contact the Banque de France

Closing your bank account

It is possible to close your bank account free of charge, at any time, and without having to provide a reason.

The conditions for closing your account are specified in your account agreement ('convention de compte').
However, in practice, you generally need to send your bank a letter of termination by registered post with acknowledgement of receipt ('courrier recommandé avec accusé de réception').
A template letter is available on the French administration website.
Access the template letter on the Service Public website.

However, before sending this letter, we strongly recommend that you make an appointment with your bank advisor.
This will give you an opportunity to discuss the various terms and conditions relating to the closure of your account, including:

• The effective date of closure of your account, taking into account any transactions in progress (cheques issued, bank card transactions, upcoming direct debits) and the payment of certain benefits (CAF allowances, medical expense reimbursements, security deposit for your accommodation, etc.).
• The return or destruction of your means of payment (cheque book, bank card).
• The recovery of any money remaining in your account.

More information about closing a bank account on the Service Public website