How do I open a bank account as a student?

To help you manage your day-to-day budget, you'll need to open a bank account. Opening a bank account is mandatory, for example, to receive health insurance reimbursements or housing benefit.

Opening a bank account

To open an account, you need to choose a bank (preferably one close to your home or workplace), make an appointment and bring :
  • Identification (ID card or passport).
  • Proof of address less than three months old (electricity bill, rent receipt, accommodation certificate, etc.).
  • If you're under 25, you'll need a student card to benefit from special rates.
Once your account has been opened, you can obtain bank details (RIB). These enable you to communicate your bank details, without any risk of error, in order to pay bills (direct debits) or be paid by transfer (scholarships or salaries, for example).

Opening an account is generally free of charge. Some services may be subject to a charge, such as: provision of a bank card, payment card insurance, money transfers, overdraft authorizations (allowing you to spend more than you earn).

In the event of loss or theft of your means of payment, you need to stop payment by notifying your bank branch. When you open your account, the branch will give you a telephone number to call in an emergency.
 

Please note

Some banks offerhome and liability insurance. Find out more.

Money transfers in France and abroad

If you're studying abroad or coming to study in France, there are several ways to transfer money from your home account to your study account.
  • The cash mandate allows you to transfer cash to the person of your choice. It must not be used to settle a commercial transaction. Transfers can be made abroad.
  • Western Union transfers up to €6,000 from a post office. The money is available within minutes of order confirmation. Please note: this service can be expensive.
 

Be careful!

If you're studying abroad or coming to study in France, don't take large sums of cash with you.

 

International students

Having a bank account in France is not compulsory, but will greatly facilitate your day-to-day budget management: payment of bills and subscriptions (telephone, internet, etc.), payment of salaries or allowances, reimbursement of medical expenses, etc.
More information on the UGA international website

Published on January 22, 2024
Updated on May 28, 2024