4. Managing Your French Bank Account

1. 4.1. Cash Withdrawals
2. 4.2. Direct Debits and Standing Orders
3. 4.3. Statements
4. 4.4. Bank Overdrafts
5. 4.5. Closing/Transferring Account
6. 4.6. Seizure of Account

4.1. Withdrawing Cash from a French Bank Account

If you have a bank card (carte bancaire) then you are able to withdraw money free of charge at any cash dispenser (guichet automatique) with the CB logo.

There are limits on how much you can withdraw in any single occasion, or over 7/30 days, depending on your type of card. Your bank will advise you of your limits.

If you exceed your limit on your card, you can withdraw money from your bank, or from any other bank, by cheque.

You do not need your own cheque book to withdraw from your own bank, as they can prepare an omnibus cheque from within the branch that you merely need to sign.

If you have not exceeded your cash limit you can also withdraw cash from another bank by using your cash card. Normally, a charge will be payable. You will need to produce some form of identity.

You will receive a receipt for the withdrawal, which you should retain until you have checked it against your bank statement.

The only way to withdraw cash is from the cash dispenser.

If you do not have you card available, then you will need to complete a withdrawal slip at the counter.

You will then be supplied with a card to enter into the cash dispenser to receive your cash.

You will not need to enter any code or amount as the card will be programmed to dispense your cash. The card will also be retained by the cash dispenser.

If you withdraw money from a cash dispenser within the eurozone then no charges are payable.

Outside of the eurozone there will be a currency exchange charge.