Issuance, renewal and withdrawal of a credit card

Verified 10 October 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Do you need a credit card to make your purchases and withdraw cash? Here's how a bank can issue, renew or confiscate a credit card.

The conditions for issuing a credit card differ depending on whether or not your bank has already agreed to open an account with you.

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The bank has already agreed to open an account

The bank may offer you one or more of the following cards:

  • Immediate Rate. This card operates without prior systematic verification of the supply to the associated bank account. Each operation immediately results in a throughput.
  • Prepaid or rechargeable. This card can only be used to the extent of the sums entered in its credit by deposit ofcash, credit transfer or direct debit. It does not depend on a traditional bank account.
  • Systematically authorized. This card works with systematic verification of the provisioning of the associated account.
  • Deferred Flow. This card operates without prior systematic verification of the supply to the associated bank account. Transactions are debited en bloc, at the end of a given period, usually at the end of each month.
  • Credit card. This card is connected to a revolving creditThat is to say, to a sum of money that is lent to you.

FYI  

each type of card exists in a version that can be used only in France or in a version that can be used worldwide.

Your bank must have you sign a contract before your credit card is given.

In particular, you will find the conditions for issue, validity, renewal and use of the card.

Please note

You can have multiple credit cards in the same bank or in different banks.

Your card is personal even if you have a joint account.

The bank refused to open an account

If you have had a 1er refusal to open an account and that you benefit from the right to account, the designated bank must then issue you a card.

In principle, this card is systematic authorization : your bank account must be sufficiently provisioned to use the card.

This card can be used anywhere in France.

For each operation, the corresponding sums are debited instantly from your account.

Your bank must have you sign a contract before your credit card is given.

In particular, you will find the conditions for issue, validity, renewal and use of the card.

After acceptance of the bank, the card is given to you. It can be delivered to you in one of the following ways:

  • Hands-on at the counter of the establishment
  • By simple mail at your home
  • By registered post with request for notice of receipt.

You must sign your card on the back as soon as you receive it.

Your bank sends you a PIN 4 digits in a separate letter. This code allows you to use your card.

Please note

To activate your credit card, you must make a withdrawal at a ticket distributor or a payment at a merchant with input of the PIN.

The cost of a credit card differs depending on whether you get it through the account entitlement procedure or not.

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General case

The menu is paying.

The price varies according to the type of card and the bank. It is mentioned in the account agreement.

In the context of the account entitlement procedure

The menu is free.

The procedure depends on why the credit card is being renewed.

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The card's validity date ends

The credit card has a limited period of validity, generally between 2 and 3 years.

When the validity of your card ends, it is automatically replaced. The contract is tacitly renewed.

Card renewal is free.

You can also request in advance the renewal of your card.

Please note

If you do not wish to renew your card, you must notify your bank by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. You must do so within a time limit set by your contract. This period is usually 2 to 3 months before the expiry date of your card.

After the card has been damaged, lost or stolen

In case of deterioration, loss or theft, you must ask your bank for the card replacement.

The order for a new card can be paid for.

Card misuse

If your bank believes you are misusing the card (especially if you are spending too much compared to your income), it can take the following steps:

You will then be enrolled in the Central Check File (CCF). This file is available to all banks.

This registration does not give you back banking ban, i.e. forbidden to pay by check. You will also not be permanently forbidden from a credit card. However, you will have to regularize your financial situation before the bank will agree to issue you a card again.

Card theft or hacking

Your bank may also remotely confiscate or invalidate the credit card if you are the victim of theft or hacking. For example, if there are significant and unusual expenses on your account from the foreigner.

In this case, you are not registered with the FCC.

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