Can Americans Open a Bank Account in France? Banking and Moving Money to the French Riviera
Buyer's Agent France - Guide
Short answer: yes, Americans can open a bank account in France, but it often takes more paperwork and persistence than for other nationalities. Under FATCA, French banks must identify and report US account holders, so some branches are reluctant. If you live in France and are refused, French law gives you a right to a basic bank account through the Banque de France. When you buy property, funds must reach the notaire by bank transfer, with clear proof of where the money comes from.
Key takeaways
- France and the US signed a FATCA agreement in 2013. French banks report US persons’ accounts to the French tax authority, which passes the data to the IRS.
- Acceptance varies bank by bank and branch by branch. There is no official list of “American-friendly” banks.
- The droit au compte procedure applies if you are domiciled in France, not if you live in the US.
- Payments above €3,000 to or from a notaire for a property transaction must be made by bank transfer.
- Reporting continues on both sides: FBAR and Form 8938 in the US, and form 3916 in France for your US accounts.
Why French banks are cautious with US citizens
France and the United States signed an intergovernmental FATCA agreement in Paris on 14 November 2013. French banks must identify clients who are “US persons”, collect their US tax identification number, and report their accounts to the French tax authority, which forwards the information to the IRS.
The compliance burden means some banks are reluctant to take on American clients, or ask for extra documents. A French parliamentary question in 2025 noted cases of banks refusing or threatening to close accounts of US persons who could not provide a US tax number. Americans who have an SSN and keep their US tax filings up to date are usually accepted, but expect more paperwork than other foreign clients.
How to open a French bank account as an American
Requirements vary from bank to bank, but you will typically be asked for:
- your passport (and visa or residence permit if you live in France);
- proof of address, either in France or abroad for non-resident accounts;
- proof of income and recent bank statements;
- your US tax identification number, usually with a self-certification of US tax status (often an IRS Form W-9);
- for large deposits, evidence of the source of funds.
Decisions are often made locally, so one branch may say no where another says yes. Many Americans buying on the Riviera open their account with the bank that is also financing their purchase (see Can Americans get a mortgage in France?), or ask their buyer’s agent, notaire or adviser for an introduction to a branch used to international clients.
If you're refused: the right to a bank account (droit au compte)
French law gives a right to a basic bank account to people who do not already hold a deposit account in France and who are:
- domiciled in France, whatever their nationality; or
- French nationals living abroad; or
- legally resident in another EU country.
An American who lives in France therefore qualifies, but an American living in the US does not.
How it works: obtain a written refusal (if a bank does not respond within 15 days, that counts as a refusal), then apply to the Banque de France online, at a branch or by post. The Banque de France designates a bank within one working day, and that bank must open the account within three working days of receiving your complete file. The account comes with free basic services: a payment card, SEPA transfers and direct debits, and a monthly statement.
US banks and Americans living in France
Keeping a US bank account is useful for US income, Social Security and paying US bills. Be aware, however, that in October 2026 some US banks began writing to customers with a French address to close their accounts. This was reported in connection with new EU banking rules (CRD VI) that apply in France from January 2027. Check your own bank’s position before you move, and consider keeping a US address only where that is legitimate and accurate.
Moving money for a Riviera property purchase
- Bank transfer is mandatory: since 2015, any amount above €3,000 paid to or by a notaire for a property transaction must be paid by bank transfer, not by cheque or cash.
- Source of funds: notaires and banks are bound by anti-money-laundering rules and will ask where the money comes from, for example a house sale, savings, an inheritance or an investment portfolio. Prepare documents early, as delays here can hold up completion.
- Send from an account in your own name wherever possible. Third-party payments trigger extra checks.
- Exchange rates: on a purchase of several million euros, a small difference in the exchange rate margin adds up to a significant sum. Compare your bank’s rate with a regulated currency specialist, and consider fixing a rate once the purchase contract is signed.
- Carrying cash: cash and equivalents of €10,000 or more must be declared to customs when entering or leaving the EU. Bank transfers do not need to be declared to customs.
Our guide Investing inherited money from America into French property covers the inheritance case.
Reporting your accounts on both sides of the Atlantic
- US: file an FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) if your foreign accounts together exceed $10,000 at any time during the year, and Form 8938 if your foreign financial assets exceed the FATCA thresholds.
- France: once you are French tax resident, declare every account held outside France, including US accounts, on form 3916 with your annual tax return. The penalty is €1,500 per undeclared account.
For the full tax picture, read How are Americans taxed when they live on the French Riviera?
Buyer’s Agent France works exclusively for buyers. We help American clients prepare the documents notaires and banks expect, so that funds are ready when it is time to sign on their French Riviera property.
Frequently asked questions
Can a US citizen open a bank account in France?
Yes. US citizens can open French bank accounts, but because of FATCA reporting some banks are reluctant and most will ask for a US tax identification number and extra documents. Acceptance varies by bank and branch.
Which French banks accept Americans?
There is no official list. Decisions are often made branch by branch. Americans with an SSN and up-to-date US tax filings are generally accepted, especially by branches used to international clients.
What can I do if a French bank refuses to open my account?
If you live in France and have no French deposit account, you can use the 'droit au compte' procedure. After a refusal, apply to the Banque de France, which designates a bank that must open a basic account.
Can I pay for French property from my US bank account?
Yes, by bank transfer to the notaire's account. Payments above €3,000 to a notaire for a property transaction must be made by transfer, and you will need to document the source of funds.
Do I need to declare my US bank accounts in France?
Yes, once you are a French tax resident. Every foreign account must be declared on form 3916 each year, with a €1,500 penalty per undeclared account.
Sources
- BOFiP – France–US FATCA agreement
- Assemblée nationale – Written question no. 9346 on 'accidental Americans' and banks
- Service-Public – Right to a bank account (droit au compte)
- Notaires de France – Payment methods at the notaire (bank transfer obligation)
- French Customs – Declaring cash of €10,000 or more
- IRS – FBAR reporting
- Connexion – Americans in France face bank closures (October 2026)
Last reviewed: October 2026. This article is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and fees change; please check the official sources above and take professional advice for your situation.
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