This post will explore the best banks in France.
France is one of the European Union’s more developed countries, with one of the largest financial markets on the continent.
In France, there are now more than 400 banks in operation. Because of the consistent credit quality and strength in bank liquidity and asset quality, the credit rating agency Moody’s classified the banking and financial system in the country as stable.
The Bank of France is in charge of overseeing and regulating the country’s monetary system, as well as implementing and devising monetary and credit policies, controlling the country’s money supply, and establishing interest and bank rates on which the country’s other banks operate.
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Performance of Banks in France
The banking system in France is one of the world’s most stable. Due to two major causes, France’s financial sector has achieved this level of stability: the lending performance of French banks has been consistent, and the French banks have made sure they have enough capital and liquidity throughout the years.
The only thing the French banks need to improve, according to Moody’s, is their creditworthiness. However, Moody’s Investor Service predicts that these banks’ ratings will improve in the next 12 to 18 months.
The French banks also face a significant challenge in the form of sluggish economic development. Naturally, slow growth has an impact on sales and profit margins.
Among the financial institutions At the same time, the bank’s loan quality and performance have improved as a result of its cautious development.
Banking System in France
The banking system in France is extremely stable. There are approximately 400 banks in France, which are divided into four categories: Investment banks, deposit banks, banks that provide medium- and long-term loans, and the Bank of France.
Because it is the country’s monetary authority, the Bank of France is the most significant entity. The Bank of France has three main functions: the current interest rates are regulated by the Bank of France, it guarantees that the local financial system runs smoothly and quickly, and it aids in the formulation and implementation of monetary and credit policy.
10 Best Banks in France
1. BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is the country’s first and oldest bank. The bank was formed in 1848 and presently employs over 192,000 people in 74 countries, including Europe and other nations.
The categories encompass every facet of banking in the globe, beginning with bank deposits and progressing to retail banking and corporate banking. It provides assistance to all of its clients in the areas of loan, transaction advising, wealth management, and insurance. The bank also offers fund management services in a number of European markets. BNP Paribas is Europe’s leading bank.
2. Credit Agricole
Credit Agricole was established in 1894 and presently employs more than 10,000 people. The bank is based in Mont Rouge and is publicly traded. In Europe and other areas, the bank offers retail banking, corporate insurance, and investment banking services. The bank has a global customer base of more than 52 million people.
3. BPCE
BPCE, which is based in Paris, is also one of the leading banks in France. The bank now employs over 117,000 people and serves over 36 million clients. BPCE provides its customers with a comprehensive range of banking and financial products, including investment solutions, cash management, financial solution servicing, and a variety of other services.
4. Societe Generale
Societe Generale is a French bank that is one of the largest in the world. The bank is based in Paris, the capital city of France, and employs over 146,000 people. The bank specializes on retail banking, but it also offers loan syndication and private banking services.
5. Groupe Credit Mutuel-CIC
Groupe Credit Mutuel-CIC is the oldest bank in France, having been founded in 1645. The bank employs around 70,000 people who work in 4,000 locations. Personal or private banking, real estate loans, and technical services are among the products offered by the bank.
6. Credit Mutuel
Employees at Credit Mutuel number in the tens of thousands. A partnership arrangement was used to create the bank. The bank was formed in 1645 and is based in Strasbourg, France. The bank serves an international clientele of 8 million people.
7. Credit Cooperatif
Credit Cooperatif is a cooperative bank that operates in France. The bank was founded in 1989 and employed over 2,000 people at the time. The primary goal of the bank is to foster mutual groups, small enterprises, trade associations, and work committees. The bank is a privately held company.
8. La Banque Postale
La Banques Postale was established in 2006 as a subsidiary of La Poste, the country’s primary postal service. Insurance, retail banking, and asset management are all services provided by the bank. The bank is based in Paris and employs a total of 27,000 people.
9. AXA Banque
AXA Banque was established in 2002 and provides services such as savings accounts, real estate, and personal loans. The bank presently operates in around 64 countries and serves more than 100 million clients. In addition, the bank today employs more than 150,000 people.
10. Credit du Nord
Credit du Nord was established in 1848 and is based in Lille. The bank is a collection of numerous banks that operate around the country, servicing 1.5 million customers in over 700 locations. The Société Générale bank owns the majority of the bank.
Choosing the Best Bank in France
It’s a good idea to conduct some research before settling on a bank to create an account with, just like you would when picking a bank in your own country. While the majority of French citizens choose to open an account with one of the country’s major high-street banks, internet banks are growing in popularity, and each bank will have various rates, services, and foreign banking possibilities.
When picking a French bank, there are various aspects to consider, and expats managing money in two or more countries may have demands that differ from those of the average French worker. Here are a few important factors to think about:
Banking Fees and Services
Bank costs, including monthly and quarterly account fees, as well as any transaction or transfer fees, are the obvious point of comparison. Examine the costs of opening and maintaining a business, current, or savings account, as well as the interest rates on savings, transfer fees, and other expenses. Many banks charge extra costs for credit/debit cards, checkbooks, and paper statements, so be sure you know what is and isn’t included in your account fees.
Check with the bank to see what services are available—overdrafts, for example, are significantly less frequent in France than in the United Kingdom, and may only be accessible to select clients. What is the maximum cash withdrawal amount and what are the costs for cash withdrawals made outside the branch?
It’s worth noting that many accounts in France have limited maximum weekly withdrawals, so inquire whether you may boost this.
Location and Branch
If you live in a remote location, your banking selections may be restricted to those with the nearest regional branches. While some accounts may be opened online or over the phone, having a single point of contact, especially for company owners or people with special banking needs, can be beneficial.
If you withdraw money from a different bank’s ATM, many banks may charge you a fee, and some services or big withdrawals will only be accessible in person. You probably don’t want to drive an hour into the city only to go to the bank, so consider this from the beginning.
Loans, Insurance, and Saving Options
Many French banks provide a variety of services, including mortgage loans and savings accounts, as well as house, life, and vehicle insurance. Taking these out with the same bank may be advantageous, since many provide reasonable rates to current customers.
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