Moving to France? Simplify Your Banking Experience

Simplify your move to France with bunq—open your account in minutes, manage your money in English, and handle international payments with ease, so you can focus on enjoying your new adventure.

23 January 2025
Arc de Triomphe in Paris at sunset with a clear view down the avenue.
Arc de Triomphe in Paris at sunset with a clear view down the avenue.

Starting a new chapter in France is exciting—think fresh croissants, charming streets, and endless adventures. But before you dive into your new life, there’s one essential step to sort out: setting up your finances. That’s where we come in, making your transition smooth, simple, and stress-free.

Introduction to the French Banking System for Expats

Navigating the French banking system doesn’t have to be complicated. With bunq, you skip the paperwork and queues—opening your account is as quick as it is easy. Here's how we make it happen:

  • No French? No Problem
    Manage your money in English or another language you’re comfortable with. No more deciphering French banking terms or worrying about misunderstandings.

  • Instant Account Setup
    Forget waiting weeks for a branch appointment—open your new Bank Account in just 5 minutes from your phone.

  • Hassle-Free Payments
    Send and receive payments in up to 22 Foreign Currencies, including Instant Payments across Europe.

  • Easy Budgeting
    Create up to 25 Bank Accounts, automate your savings, and keep track of expenses all in one app.

Breaking Down French Banking with bunq

Here’s a quick guide to common banking terms in France—and how bunq makes them work for you:

  • Compte Courant (Current Account)
    Your go-to for daily transactions like receiving your salary or paying bills. With us, you can get a Bank Account in 5 minutes, no branch visits, no paperwork required.

  • Carte Bancaire (Debit Card)
    The French debit card for everyday payments and cash withdrawals. bunq’s virtual Credit Card is ready to use immediately—no fees, no delays.

  • Prélèvement Automatique (Direct Debit)
    Manage recurring expenses like rent with ease using bunq’s automated payment tools.

  • Virement (Bank Transfer)
    Send money across Europe in real time with bunq Instant Payments.

  • Compte Joint (Joint Account)
    Share finances effortlessly with up to 10 users—each with their own bunq card.

Why Expats Choose bunq

From moving day to settling in, bunq helps you focus on what matters most.

  • No Language Barriers: Stay in control with an app available in multiple languages.

  • Seamless Transfers: Enjoy borderless banking with Foreign IBANs and fee-free international payments.

  • Stay Organized: Download clear digital statements for tax compliance and expense tracking.

Your move to France should be about creating memories, not stressing over paperwork. With bunq, managing your finances is quick, easy, and designed to fit your expat life.

Get started in 5 minutes—download bunq today and focus on building your future in France.

Share this article

Black chain link icon, symbolizing a hyperlink or connection, on a light background.
Black chain link icon, symbolizing a hyperlink or connection, on a light background.
Simple black envelope icon, commonly used to represent email, messages, or communication.
Simple black envelope icon, commonly used to represent email, messages, or communication.
Black LinkedIn logo with “in” letters in white on a black square, symbolizing the professional networking platform.
Black LinkedIn logo with “in” letters in white on a black square, symbolizing the professional networking platform.
Black stylized “X” logo, representing the rebranded Twitter platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Black stylized “X” logo, representing the rebranded Twitter platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Black WhatsApp logo with a phone icon inside a speech bubble, representing messaging and calling.
Black WhatsApp logo with a phone icon inside a speech bubble, representing messaging and calling.
Black circular Facebook icon with lowercase white “f,” representing the Facebook social network.
Black circular Facebook icon with lowercase white “f,” representing the Facebook social network.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Find your perfect fit

Simple blue diamond icon on a dark background, symbolizing premium or high-value service.

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

Green diamond with a sparkle on the top-right, representing premium or elite status feature.

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

Dark blue diamond icon with two sparkles, indicating an upgraded or polished premium feature.

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Magenta diamond icon with multiple sparkles, conveying luxury or excellence.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Find your perfect fit

Simple blue diamond icon on a dark background, symbolizing premium or high-value service.

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

Green diamond with a sparkle on the top-right, representing premium or elite status feature.

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

Dark blue diamond icon with two sparkles, indicating an upgraded or polished premium feature.

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Magenta diamond icon with multiple sparkles, conveying luxury or excellence.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Find your perfect fit

Simple blue diamond icon on a dark background, symbolizing premium or high-value service.

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

Green diamond with a sparkle on the top-right, representing premium or elite status feature.

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

Dark blue diamond icon with two sparkles, indicating an upgraded or polished premium feature.

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Magenta diamond icon with multiple sparkles, conveying luxury or excellence.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.