Right to Account: The Guide

What Is the Right to Account?

The right to account is a fundamental right enshrined in the Monetary and Financial Code (Article L312-1). It guarantees that anyone residing in France, or any French citizen residing abroad, has the right to a deposit account. Explore our banking section for comprehensive financial guides.

Why Does This Right Exist?

Having a bank account is essential for daily life in France: receiving a salary, paying rent, collecting social benefits... Without an account, many procedures become impossible.

Who Can Exercise This Right?

Beneficiaries

Any individual residing in France, French citizens residing outside France, EU nationals legally residing in another member state, people registered in the Banque de France file (banking prohibition), people in over-indebtedness, people without fixed abode (with domiciliation).

Legal Entities

Companies and associations can also exercise the right to account, but the procedure is slightly different.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Step 1: Obtain Written Refusal

Request account opening from the bank of your choice. If it refuses, it must give you a certificate of account opening refusal. This document is mandatory and free.

Step 2: Contact the Banque de France

You can contact the Banque de France in two ways. Either ask the refusing bank to forward your file (with your written consent), or do it directly at the Banque de France branch in your department.

Documents to Provide

The refusal certificate, a valid identity document, proof of address less than 3 months old, and the right to account application form.

Step 3: Bank Designation

The Banque de France designates an institution within one business day. The designated bank then has three business days to open your account.

Basic Banking Services

What It Includes

The opened account provides free access to basic banking services: opening, maintenance, and closure of the account, one address change per year, RIBs on request, direct debit setup, monthly statement, counter operations, check and transfer deposits, payments by direct debit or transfer, a systematic authorization payment card, two bank checks per month, remote balance consultation.

What It Doesn't Include

Checkbook (the bank can refuse), authorized overdraft, loans, savings products (except basic savings account), paid banking services. For more savings options, see our Livret A, LDDS, LEP comparison.

Special Cases

People Without Fixed Abode

You can use the address of a reception organization or approved association for domiciliation.

Banking-Prohibited Individuals

Being registered in the central check file doesn't prevent benefiting from the right to account. You'll have a systematic authorization card but no checkbook.

Account Closure

The designated bank can close the account with 2 months' notice. It doesn't have to justify its decision. You can then exercise your right to account again.

Appeals in Case of Problems

Refusal to Issue Certificate

Insist by registered letter reminding the bank of its legal obligation. If resistance continues, contact the Banque de France.

Missed Deadlines

If the designated bank doesn't meet deadlines, contact the Banque de France branch that handled your file.

Discrimination

If you believe you're a victim of discrimination (origin, family situation, disability...), you can contact the Rights Defender (Defenseur des droits).

Conclusion

The right to account is an effective right that guarantees access to basic banking services for all. The procedure is simple and free. Don't hesitate to exercise it if a bank refuses to open an account for you.

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. To exercise your right to account, contact the Banque de France or visit its official website.