BANKING

A minor student under 18 may be able to open a bank account if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. However, some bank branches may still refuse if the parent or legal guardian does not have an address in France or depending on their nationality. If time allows, it is advisable to visit multiple branches of the same bank and try different banks to increase the chances of a successful account opening. 

Both the student and the parent / legal guardian will need to be present at the bank and provide certain documentation for an account to potentially be opened. Below is a list of documents that have been required in the past, but individual bank branches may request further documentation. 

• Copy of passport (parent/guardian and student)

• Copy of student's visa or carte de séjour 

• Certificate of enrollment from Parsons Paris IN FRENCH 

  • • request this from the FORMS & CERTIFICATES tab above

• Proof of housing for the student in France IN FRENCH

  • • if student is residing in API housing, contact studentlifeparis@newschool.edu

    • if student is residing in independent housing they should provide a document with their address and their name. Ex: a lease that is recently signed, a rent receipt (quittance de loyer in French), or an electricity bill. If the student's name is not on any of these documents contact studentlifeparis@newschool.edu.

Once the student turns 18 they can proceed with opening an account without the presence of their parent or legal guardian. Please see the question below to understand what documents are needed in that situation.

In France, you are linked directly to the specific bank branch address where you open your account. While you can use any ATM or bank branch for certain operations, like withdrawing cash, other operations require you to work directly with the bank branch and agent responsible for your account. We recommend that students decide if they prefer their bank branch to be either close to where they live or close to either the St. Roch or Romainville campuses.

This is a list of general documents most students must present in order to open a bank account in France. Please note the differences if you are European citizen or a non-European citizen. You may be asked to present further documentation depending on the bank.

Please be aware that you may experience certain bank fees for maintaining a bank account in France. Students under 26 generally have more favorable costs. You may also be offered civil liability insurance at a cost. We encourage you to speak with the bank agent to learn more. 

If you require housing insurance or civil liabilit insurance in order to rent an apartment in France, you can also speak with the bank agent about their offers available.

• Passport (both European and non-European students)

• French student visa or carte de séjour (if you are non-European)

• Certificate of enrollment from Parsons Paris IN FRENCH (both European and non-European students) - request this document on the FORMS & CERTIFICATES tab above. 

• Proof of housing in France (both European and non-European students)

  • • • If the lease is in your name

        • • provide a copy of your lease (if it was recently signed)

          • or a gas / electricity bill in your name (must be dated within 3 months)

          • or copy of your most recent rent receipt (quittance de loyer in French); must be dated within 3 months

      • If the lease isn’t in your name provide a letter from your landlord in french (attestation d’hébergement in French) a copy of the landlord's identity card or passport, and their latest electricity or gas bill (dated within three months).

      • If you live in API housing contact studentlifeparis@newschool.edu and request a proof of housing certificate.

• Recommended to bring a copy of your visa validation document (if you a non-European) issued by OFII (Office of French Emigration and Integration). Check out the IMMIGRATION tab above if you are unsure what this document is. The bank agent may not require this document of you, but suggested to have it in case that it is.

  • • • This document is not needed for students who arrived with a visa mineur scolarisé who have since turned 18.

There are many choices for banks in France, but we invite students to choose to work with the bank branches with whom Parsons Paris has an established relationship and who know our students well. Find below our recommendations. Please understand that we have a relationship with these 2 banks at these specific branch addresses only.

In France, you are linked directly to the specific bank branch address where you open your account. While you can use any ATM or bank branch for certain operations, like withdrawing cash, other operations require you to work directly with the bank branch and agent responsible for your account. We recommend that students decide if they prefer their bank branch to be either close to where they live or close to the St. Roch or Romainville campuses.

Please use the email provided to contact the bank agent to set up an appointment. 

In your email indicate that you are a Parsons Paris student and are requesting to schedule an in-person appointment. You will need to bring certain required documents. Please see the question above, and follow any guidance given by the bank agent in their response. 

CAISSE D’EPARGNE: Agence Paris Louvre 

19 rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris

Monsieur Yassine BEN MA

yassine.ben-ma@ceidf.caisse-epargne.fr

SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE: Agence Saint-Honoré

219 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris

Contact:  Monsieur Fabrice Michel

Fabrice.Michel@socgen.com 

If you decide to leave France after your studies you should consider closing your French bank account. If you think you may stay or return to France you should speak with your bank about how any bank fees could change once you are no longer a student or once you are older than 26. It can be more difficult to open a French bank account when you are not a student so it's not a bad idea to keep it open if you plan to stay / plan to return to France in the near future.

HOW TO CLOSE YOUR FRENCH BANK ACCOUNT?

• You first need to empty your bank account either by transferring your money to another bank account or withdrawing your money at an ATM.

  • • Please note, that you cannot close your account if there is an overdraft. An overdraft is when you have withdrawn more money than is actually in your account.

• Then inquire with your bank branch about their procedure for closing an account. Most require you to prepare and sign a short letter informing the bank that you want to close your account. You will most likely need the name of your bank agent and the address of your bank branch for this letter. Please click here to access a template of this letter.

  • • Some banks allow you to email them the letter to close an account. Be sure that you receive a confirmation email of receipt and closure. This could take up to 7 business days. If you do not receive thier confirmation it is recommended to go in person to inquire.

    • Some permit you to print and mail the template -- inquire with your bank where you should mail the letter. Make sure to mail the letter 'lettre récommandée suivi' so you have proof you sent the letter in case there is any follow-up.

    • Some banks require you to go in person with the letter.