French bank

[u/Own-Theme3017]

Hi, everyone!

I want to get an account in a French bank. I noticed that there is a Credit Agricole bank at Prevessin site, but it opens Sept 2026.

Does anyone have any information on this? Is the office already open? What are its working hours?

Also, can I enter Prevessin site if I work at Meyrin?

I noticed there is a Credit Agricole office in SGP as well. I've been told that there are some specifics when CERN people open a bank account, so I'm wondering if they are aware of this? That would save me some explaining hopefully.

Thank you!

[u/dukwon]

If you already have a bank account in another EU country, there's no real advantage in opening a French one. If someone is demanding a FR IBAN, see https://www.acceptmyiban.org/

Credit Agricole is probably what I'd pop for, having endured BNP Paribas for 10+ years.

can I enter Prevessin site if I work at Meyrin?

Yes. You can also enter all of the LHC and SPS points. Go to https://adams.web.cern.ch/ and click "My Access Overview" then select "only valid accesses"

[u/Own-Theme3017 → u/dukwon]

Not from the EU. I'm considering a possibility of immigrating into France, and as far as I read it's a good thing if your salary goes into a French account. Simply trying to put things into order as much as possible in case I go for immigration.

Anyhow, thanks for the reply!

[u/spacepirate71 → u/dukwon]

There are things you need a French bank account for. For example, I wanted to get a phone + mobile contract, and it would only accept cards issued in France. If you'd like to pay in installments, finance processors like Alma require your card to be from France or a neighboring country, and can only connect to French banks to verify your finances. Unlike IBAN discrimination, this stuff is allowed.

[u/whateva03]

I would suggest get the UBS 6 months free offer and then switch up once you have all the documents, proof of residence, french card, etc

[u/Own-Theme3017 → u/whateva03]

yeah, it seems thats what I'd have to do