Who can open a basic account?
In accordance with article L.312-1 of the Financial and Monetary Code, everyone has the right to a bank account in France. With that said, any bank is free to refuse the opening of a deposit account if that applicant has already opened another French bank account, but banks must inform the applicant in writing about their right to an account.
Any person who doesn't have a deposit account in France, and who falls into one of the following categories, can benefit from the basic account:
- Natural or legal persons domiciled in France
- Natural persons of French nationality residing outside France
- Natural persons legally residing in the territory of another Member State of the European Union not acting for professional needs
When a bank denies you the opening of a deposit account, you can ask the bank to take steps with the Banque de France, which will appoint a bank responsible for opening a deposit account. You can also take these steps directly with the Banque de France.
If you have been designated Revolut by the Bank of France, please reach out to us on basic-account@revolut.com.