Can I open a bank account if the bank refuses?
Yes, thanks to the right to an account. Anyone living in France (and any French citizen abroad) has the right to a bank account. If a bank refuses to open a deposit account, it must give you a refusal certificate. You can then ask the Banque de France, which designates an institution within one business day. The designated bank must open the account and provide the basic banking services free (withdrawal card, transfers, direct debits, statements, etc.). It's a banking-inclusion guarantee, independent of your financial situation.
📋 The rules
- Right to an account for anyone living in France
- On refusal: refusal certificate given by the bank
- Apply to the Banque de France, which designates an institution
- The designated bank provides the basic services free
- Fast designation (about 1 business day)
🔓 Exceptions
- The designated bank can refuse other products (credit, overdraft)
- The right to an account covers a deposit account, not a business account by default
- The account can be closed for fraudulent use
⚠️ Penalties & fines
A bank that refuses an account without giving a certificate, or doesn't apply the right-to-account procedure, fails its obligations (ACPR oversight). Conversely, the institution designated by the Banque de France can't refuse to open the account or charge for the basic services. If refused, ask for the certificate and contact the Banque de France directly (online or in branch).
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Right to an account →
- Banque de France · The right-to-account procedure →
- Légifrance · Monetary and Financial Code (art. L312-1) →
❓ Frequently asked
Can a bank refuse to open me an account?
Yes, a bank isn't obliged to accept a client. But on refusal you benefit from the right to an account: the Banque de France designates an institution obliged to open an account with free basic banking services.
How do I use the right to an account?
Ask the refusing bank for a refusal certificate, then apply to the Banque de France (online, by mail or in branch) with this document and ID. It designates an institution within about one business day.
Which services are guaranteed free?
The basic banking services: account opening and keeping, a systematic-authorisation payment or withdrawal card, transfers and direct debits, monthly statements, cashing of cheques and transfers, two bank cheques a month, among others.
Does the right to an account give a right to credit?
No. The right to an account guarantees a deposit account and basic services, but not an authorised overdraft or credit. The designated bank remains free to refuse these products, which fall under its risk policy.
Who can benefit from the right to an account?
Any natural person living in France, with no income condition, plus French citizens abroad and some legal entities. It's a guarantee of access to essential banking services for all.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “right to account banque de france”
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