For expats and foreign residents, BNP Paribas is France's largest bank with a dedicated International Expatriate Account (multi-currency, English-language service, remote opening before arrival, 2,000+ branches). Société Générale is the second-largest, with the most English-speaking branches in Paris and an International Package for expats, though English support and documentation requirements vary by branch. Crédit Agricole is France's largest retail bank by branch count — a federation of 39 independently-priced regional caisses (standard package €3.50–€8.50/month) — strong for those settling outside central Paris. La Banque Postale is the fallback of last resort under the droit au compte right-to-an-account law.
BNP Paribas: largest bank, dedicated International Expatriate multi-currency account, remote opening, English-speaking advisors.
Société Générale: second-largest, most English-speaking Paris branches, International Package for expats — but service quality varies by branch.
Crédit Agricole: largest by branch count, federation of 39 regional caisses each pricing independently (€3.50–€8.50/month standard package) — strong outside central Paris.
La Banque Postale: legal fallback of last resort under droit au compte if other banks refuse an account.
Costs
Crédit Agricole standard package: €3.50–€8.50/month (varies by regional caisse)
Common Mistakes
Assuming Société Générale's English support is guaranteed nationwide — it depends heavily on the specific branch.
Not comparing regional Crédit Agricole caisses — pricing and service differ meaningfully across the 39 independent regional entities.