This overview gives you an explanation of the most important terms and expressions used in the French banking sector.
Billets = bank notes
CB (carte bleue) = general term for all payment cards in France (both credit and debit)
CEP (Compte d'Epargne Logement) = long-term saving account
Change = exchange
LDD (Livret de développement durable) = Sustainable Development Booklet
Compte courant = current account
Compte d'épargne = savings account
Découvert = overdraft
Distributeur = ATM (cash) machine
Encaissement = cheque clearance
Guichets automatiques = ATM (cash) machine
Livret (or properly Compte d'Epargne sur le Livret) = savings account
Payer en espèces/en liquide = to pay in cash
PEL (Plan d'Epargne Logement) = long-term saving account
PIN (Personal Identification Number) = 4-digit code which secures the payment cards
RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) = bank account details;
For some regular payments (e.g. electricity, phone or rent) or for other transactions (such as receiving your salary), you might be asked to provide a RIB, which provides your bank account details. It is available on your bank statements and in your chequebook. You can also usually print an RIB at an ATM machine or ask for one in your bank.
Relevé de compte = statement of account
Opposition = stop a payment order
Solde = balance
TIP (Titre Interbancaire de Paiement) = interbank payment; Often after providing your RIB, you will receive bills with a detachable slip called a TIP . This has the amount to be paid and your bank account details pre-printed on it. To make the payment, you date and sign it, then to send it to the specified address - ordinary mail is adequate.
Virement = bank transfer