Indeed, with the exception of discrimination, French banks are free to refuse opening of an account. Similarly, a banking institution may terminate a deposit account agreement concluded for an indefinite period subject to at least two months' notice.
If you are confronted with a refusal or an announcement of closure of your bank account, it is possible to use the right to a bank account procedure (“procedure de droit au compte”).
If you are confronted with a refusal or an announcement of closure of your bank account, it is possible to use the right to a bank account procedure (“procedure de droit au compte”).
In accordance with article L.312-1 of the Monetary and Financial Code, the right to the bank account is reserved for the following beneficiaries:
- any natural or legal person domiciled in France;
- any natural person legally residing in another Member State of the European Union in case if this person is not acting for professional purposes;
- any French national residing outside France.
In practice, the person facing the refusal must ask the National French Bank to appoint a bank establishment responsible for opening a bank account. This request can be submitted online, by post or at the National French Bank counter. It is also possible to deposit the request at the banking institution which refused to open the bank account.
The National French Bank has 24 hours to appoint a banking institution responsible for opening of the account.
In case of doubt about the procedure or any other difficulty, do not hesitate to contact your lawyer.
The National French Bank has 24 hours to appoint a banking institution responsible for opening of the account.
In case of doubt about the procedure or any other difficulty, do not hesitate to contact your lawyer.