5 Surprises About French Debit Cards

The memories of opening my French bank account remain shrouded in darkness as if my mind is shielding me from the ordeal.  After all, it took 4 months! However, my daily reliance upon my French debit card (carte bancaire) keeps the memories of obtaining and using my French debit card fresh.  Let’s dive into the surprises I’ve encountered along the way.

#1:  Double Trouble – Bank Account and Debit Card Fees

It was a discussion that my bank representative was not prepared to have when I objected to paying for not only having a bank account but also having a debit card to spend my money.  There was some back and forth about why two fees were necessary, what services were covered by those fees, the availability of other types of accounts with lower fees (that answer was maybe but the bank account opening process would be restarted), and so on.  The conversation ended abruptly when the bank representative said rather exacerbated: “Mais…. c’est comme ça!” which I learned from later experience translates to “this conversation is over.  No further explanation will be provided.”  Bottom line, free checking doesn’t exist in France.

According to the Ministère de l’Economie des Finances et de la Souveraineté Industrielle et Numérique offers an online comparison tool for the primary banking fees for banks throughout France, the average yearly debit card fee (carte de paiement à debit immediate) is 45€, while the bank account (frais de tenue de compte) costs roughly 30€.  But for American expats like me, be aware that few banks accept Americans (particularly, those living here without a native French partner) as customers thanks to IRS reporting requirements, and those pesky fees are higher as a result. For more on navigating opening a French bank account, check out Américaine in France or the Banque de France webpage.

#2:  PINs Stand Their Ground

Once the battle of requesting a debit card is over, the bank separately sends the debit card and PIN.  A word of caution to my fellow Americans—unlike in the US where you can freely change your PIN, the French PIN is permanent and unchangeable!  It’s highly advisable to retain the letter containing the PIN.  Frankly, it is best to keep every single document sent by your French bank, especially bank statements as bank statements may be requested for visa purposes and constructing an apartment dossier. 

My husband learned the hard way what happens when you forget your PIN.  On his first ATM withdrawal attempt, he blanked on the numbers.  Well, after three strikes, he was out!  The ATM swallowed that card right up suspecting that the card was stolen.  Even the bank employees couldn’t rescue it.  He had to start the debit card request and PIN receipt process all over again. 

#3: Spending Limits

I never thought I'd have to call a bank for permission to spend my own money, but in France, it's a thing.  Different banks have weekly and monthly limits on cash withdrawals (plafond de retrait) and debit card transactions (plafond de paiement).  Some banks, like mine, allow you to temporarily raise your ceiling upon request.  But you’ll need to plan ahead as it takes at least 24 hours for any approved changes to kick in. 

Personally, I prefer online shopping, which necessitates ordering more sizes and items than I will keep.  But, here’s the kicker: the monthly limit doesn’t care about your returns.  So, if you have a monthly limit of 2000€ (as the average is between 2000 and 3000 €) and you drop 1000€ at Bon Marché, you have 1000€ left for the month, even if you return everything!   

As a result, I give my bank a call before the summer and winter soldes and before booking any vacation.  

#4:  ATM Freedom  

Finally, some good news!  While this depends on your particular French bank, it is generally free to use the ATM of a bank at which you are not a customer.  ATMs (distributeur de billets) are easy to find throughout Paris.  Since those American-friendly bank ATMs are a bit scarce, this makes it much easier to have cash on hand.  Also, cashback is not an option at any commercial retailer and, if you ask, prepare for some raised eyebrows at checkout. 

#5:  If Cash is King, Then Checks are Queens

Speaking of cash, having at least a little bit of cash on hand is key.  Boulangeries, tabacs, cafés, and many retailers set minimum card payment amounts.  It’s not unusual to see a minimum purchase of 5€ or 10€.  French law requires retailers to post these minimums, which usually take the form of small, handwritten signs on the front door. 

Some businesses, like taxis, doctors, and repairmen, may refuse to accept payment by card altogether.  They are usually upfront about it.  But it never hurts to ask before any services are performed.  Checks, on the other hand, are widely accepted.  Checks are generally available for no (additional) fee from French banks.  On a side note: it was my hairdresser, another business owner not accepting cards, who taught me how to write French checks! 

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Navigating these peculiarities and embracing the quirks requires a bit of patience, but it's all part of the misadventure of living in France. So, whether you’re an expat or simply a curious Francophile, armed with these insights, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the French banking system or embark on your next French escapade!