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Best Bank For Students In France (2024)

UniCreds
October 23, 2023
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5 min read
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Last Updated: August 29, 2024

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Starting college is an exciting but expensive phase For students in France, having a bank account that’s designed for students can make a big difference in managing your money. From day-to-day expenses to managing educational loans, a student-friendly bank can provide the necessary support and guidance. In this guide, we have explored the best bank for students in France with a detailed comparison.

Role Of Banks In Student Life And Financial Planning

In the dynamic landscape of higher education, banks serve as more than just financial institutions; they become valuable partners in a student’s financial journey. Beyond providing a secure place to store funds, banks offer specialised services to meet the unique requirements of students. These services often include educational loans, personalised financial guidance, and resources to foster responsible financial habits.

Also, banks play a crucial role in helping students build a strong credit history, laying a solid foundation for their financial future. Banks can also provide students with valuable financial planning advice and help them develop good financial habits.

Factors To Consider When Choosing Best Bank In France For International Students

Selecting the best bank for students in France involves careful consideration of various factors that can significantly impact a student’s financial experience. Aside from convenient access and a wide network of ATMs, students should prioritise banks that offer low or no-fee account options to minimise additional costs.

Also, evaluating the bank’s reputation for customer service, the availability of online banking facilities, and the presence of student-specific offers can greatly influence the decision-making process.

Here are some additional factors to consider:

Minimum balance requirements: Some banks in France have minimum balance requirements for checking accounts. If you are unable to maintain a minimum balance, you may be charged a fee.

Online banking features: Be sure to choose a bank that offers online banking features that are important to you, such as the ability to transfer money internationally and pay bills online.

Customer service: Read online reviews of different banks to see what other customers have experienced.

Top Banks For International Students In France

The best bank for students in France are the ones that offer no monthly fees, free ATM withdrawals, and low fees for international transfers. Some good options include Bunq, Revolut, Wise, Vivid Money, and Monese.

Bank	Monthly Fee	ATM Withdrawals	International Transfers	Other Features
Bunq	€2.99 – €17.99	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free within the EU, €0.10 per transfer outside of the EU	Overdraft protection, budgeting tools, metal debit card
Revolut	Free – €29.99	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free within the EU, €0.10 per transfer outside of the EU	Currency exchange, travel insurance, investment options
Wise	Free – €10	Free up to €200 per month, then 0.35% fee	Free within the EU, the fee varies depending on the destination country	Multi-currency account, low exchange rates, bill payments
Vivid Money	Free – €9.90	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free within the EU, €0.50 per transfer outside of the EU	Cashback rewards, stock trading, investment options
Monese	Free – €14.95	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free within the EU, €0.50 per transfer outside of the EU	Overdraft protection, budgeting tools, mobile payments

Comparison Of The Best Bank For Students In France

Here is a comparison of the best banks in France for students:

Feature	Bunq	Revolut	Wise	Vivid Money	Monese
Monthly fee	€2.99 – €17.99	Free – €29.99	Free – €10	Free – €9.90	Free – €14.95
ATM withdrawals	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free up to €200 per month, then 0.35% fee	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe	Free in Europe, €2 fee outside of Europe
International transfers	Free within the EU, €0.10 per transfer outside of the EU	Free within the EU, €0.10 per transfer outside of the EU	Free within the EU, fee varies depending on the destination country	Free within the EU, €0.50 per transfer outside of the EU	Free within the EU, €0.50 per transfer outside of the EU
Other features	Overdraft protection, budgeting tools, metal debit card	Currency exchange, travel insurance, investment options	Multi-currency account, low exchange rates, bill payments	Cashback rewards, stock trading, investment options	Overdraft protection, budgeting tools, mobile payments

How To Open A Student Bank Account In France?

Opening a French bank account for international students is a relatively straightforward process. By following these step-by-step guidelines, students can navigate the account opening process with ease and efficiency.

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Bank: Research and compare the offerings of various banks, considering factors such as account fees, accessibility, and additional perks.

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents: Prepare essential documents, including a valid form of identification, proof of enrollment from the educational institution, and proof of address.

Step 3: Visit the Nearest Branch: Locate the nearest branch of the chosen bank and visit in person to initiate the account opening process.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form: Fill out the required application form accurately, providing all necessary personal information and details as per the bank’s requirements.

Step 5: Await Confirmation: Once the bank verifies the provided information and documents, students will receive confirmation of their new student bank account.

Tips For Managing Finances As A Student

Effective management of finances is crucial for students to maintain financial stability and achieve their academic goals. By following these essential tips, students can develop healthy financial habits and ensure a secure financial future.

1. Budget Wisely: Create a detailed monthly budget that outlines all expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, and daily expenditures.

2. Track Your Spending: Utilise budgeting apps or tools to monitor spending patterns and identify areas where adjustments can be made to reduce unnecessary expenses.

3. Save Regularly: Cultivate a habit of setting aside a portion of your income as savings, helping to build a financial safety net for future educational or personal endeavours.

4. Avail Student Discounts: Take advantage of the numerous student discounts offered by various merchants and service providers, allowing you to save money on essential purchases and services.

5. Exercise Caution with Credit: Use credit cards judiciously and responsibly, ensuring timely repayment to avoid accumulating unnecessary debt and maintaining a healthy credit score.

Conclusion

In the pursuit of academic excellence, students in France can significantly benefit from the personalised financial services provided by the country’s leading banks. By understanding the critical factors influencing the selection of a suitable bank and harnessing the available student-friendly features, students can effectively manage their finances and pave the way for a secure and prosperous future.

FAQs

1. Which bank is better for students in France?

There are many good banks for students in France, but some of the most popular include Bunq, Revolut, Wise, Vivid Money, Monese, BNP Paribas and more.

2. Are there any age restrictions for student bank accounts?

Most banks in France require students to be at least 16 years old to open a student account. However, there are a few banks that offer student accounts to younger students, such as BNP Paribas and LCL.

3. What is the cheapest bank in France?

Online banks are generally the cheapest banks in France. Some popular online banks for students include N26, Boursorama Banque, Fortuneo, Hello bank and more.