Going to the bank in a French-speaking country can be stressful when you don’t know the right words. In this article, you’ll learn common French vocabulary for banking, real dialogues, useful phrases, typical mistakes, and smart tips. This guide is ideal for beginner to intermediate learners (A2–B1) who want to speak confidently in everyday situations.
Basic Vocabulary – Learn These First
Here are some key French banking words with their English translations:
Compte bancaire (Bank account)
Carte bancaire (Bank card)
Retirer de l’argent (To withdraw money)
Déposer de l’argent (To deposit money)
Faire un virement (To make a transfer)
Relevé de compte (Bank statement)
Frais bancaires (Bank fees)
Justificatif de domicile (Proof of address)
Plafond de retrait (Withdrawal limit)
RIB – Relevé d’identité bancaire (Bank details)
Memorize these before you go to the bank. You’ll hear them a lot.
Useful Phrases to Use at the Bank
These phrases are practical and polite. Use them when you speak with bank staff.
Je voudrais ouvrir un compte. (I would like to open an account.)
Quels documents dois-je fournir ? (What documents do I need to provide?)
Je souhaite faire un virement. (I want to make a transfer.)
J’ai perdu ma carte bancaire. (I lost my bank card.)
Combien sont les frais mensuels ? (How much are the monthly fees?)
Pouvez-vous imprimer mon relevé de compte ? (Can you print my bank statement?)
Est-ce que je peux retirer de l’argent ici ? (Can I withdraw money here?)
Practice these out loud to sound more natural.
Real-Life Dialogue: Opening a Bank Account
Client : Bonjour. Je voudrais ouvrir un compte courant.
(Hello. I would like to open a checking account.)
Conseiller : Bonjour. Vous avez une pièce d’identité et un justificatif de domicile ?
(Hello. Do you have an ID and proof of address?)
Client : Oui, voici mon passeport et une facture.
(Yes, here is my passport and a bill.)
Conseiller : Vous préférez une carte classique ou une carte internationale ?
(Do you prefer a regular or an international card?)
Client : Une carte classique, s’il vous plaît.
(A regular card, please.)
Real-Life Dialogue: Making a Transfer
Client : Bonjour. Je voudrais faire un virement.
(Hello. I would like to make a transfer.)
Employé : Vous avez le RIB du destinataire ?
(Do you have the recipient’s bank details?)
Client : Oui.
(Yes.)
Employé : Quel est le montant ?
(What is the amount?)
Client : 500 euros.
(500 euros.)
Real-Life Dialogue: My Card is Blocked
Client : Bonjour. Ma carte est bloquée.
(Hello. My card is blocked.)
Conseiller : Avez-vous entré un mauvais code plusieurs fois ?
(Did you enter the wrong PIN several times?)
Client : Oui.
(Yes.)
Conseiller : Je vais la débloquer. Avez-vous une pièce d’identité ?
(I’ll unblock it. Do you have an ID?)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Beginners often make these mistakes. Here’s how to say it better:
❌ Je veux ouvrir mon compte.
✅ Je voudrais ouvrir un compte.
(“I want” is too strong. Use “I would like.”)
❌ Donnez-moi une carte.
✅ Je souhaite obtenir une carte bancaire.
(Say “I would like to get a bank card” instead.)
❌ Je veux l’argent.
✅ Je voudrais retirer de l’argent.
(Use the verb “retirer” for withdrawing money.)
Be polite. It makes a difference in French culture.
Tips Before You Go to the Bank
Here are a few things to remember before your visit:
Bring the right documents
A valid ID (une pièce d’identité)
Proof of address (un justificatif de domicile)
Speak politely
Start with “Bonjour”
Say “S’il vous plaît” and “Merci”
Prepare questions ahead of time
“Quels sont les frais mensuels ?” (What are the monthly fees?)
“Est-ce que je peux avoir une carte de débit ?” (Can I get a debit card?)
Quick Exercise – Translate These to French
Try translating these sentences:
I would like to open a bank account.
→ Je voudrais ouvrir un compte bancaire.
I lost my card.
→ J’ai perdu ma carte.
Can I withdraw money here?
→ Est-ce que je peux retirer de l’argent ici ?
How much are the bank fees?
→ Combien sont les frais bancaires ?
You don’t need to speak perfect French to handle things at the bank. With these key expressions, polite questions, and real examples, you’re ready to take control. Repeat the dialogues often, and try to use them in practice with a partner or tutor.
Want to practice these words in real-life situations? Book your free session on Albert-learning and start practicing with our trainers.
