French Post Office – La Poste

1. 1. Introduction to La Poste
2. 2. French Postal Tariffs and Services
3. 3. Parcel Delivery in France
4. 4. French Postcodes
5. 5. La Banque Postale
6. 6. How to Complain to La Poste
7. 7. Glossary of French Postal Terms

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5. La Banque Postale

This is the retail banking arm of La Poste who operate alongside the normal post-office counters, or as part of the same counter service.

The banking services offered by La Banque Postale are enjoyed by many millions of French citizens because they are generally less expensive than the main retail banks, they have an extensive branch network, and they are open on a Saturday morning (although some main banks now open on a Saturday morning).

Most importantly, until recently they have had a monopoly of the popular tax free savings account called Livret A. This monopoly was removed in January 2009, since when all banks are able to offer the product.

La Banque Postale also offer mortgage services, with rates that are often below those of the main banks. Nevertheless, their procedures in relation to non-French citizens still leaves room for improvement, and only those who can offer a secure source of income will be accepted for a mortgage.

The bank do not as yet offer unsecured loans, but it is intended that this will change in the future.

All other services that you might expect to find in a High Street bank are offered by La Poste.

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