SWIFT/BIC codes in France: banks starting with M

Finding a SWIFT code in France

For France we have 4924 SWIFT/BIC codes, spread over 2801 banks. You need a SWIFT/BIC code mostly for payments across borders.

Every bank has its own page with the head office code and if there are any, branch codes. The sections below covers the structure of the codes, what transfers cost and how to avoid mistakes before you send money.

Most SWIFT codes in France: Credit Agricole

Credit Agricole tops the list for France in SWIFT/BIC codes. The head office of Credit Agricole uses AGRIFRPP802.

Many codes usually reflects that the bank registers branches and departments separately – it says nothing about the size of the bank as such. Making a payment to Credit Agricole? Go with AGRIFRPP802 except when the recipient gives you a branch code.

Recognising a SWIFT code from France

A BIC is 8 or 11 characters long and the parts always come in the same order. Characters one to four identify the bank, the fifth and sixth characters are the country code and the next two give the location.

Whatever the bank, every code from France share the same fifth and sixth letters. When those two letters point to another country, the code belongs to a bank somewhere else.

The last three characters, if present, identify a specific branch; XXX means the head office. Use a branch code only when the recipient’s bank asks for it – otherwise stick with the head office.

Sending money to France for less

What you pay for a transfer to France has more than one component – not only the fee you see. Besides a fixed fee, correspondent banks may take a cut, and when the money is converted the bank usually applies a less favourable rate than the actual market rate.

The markup on the rate is often the largest cost item. Check the bank’s rate with the mid-market rate.

Specialised transfer providers frequently use rates closer to the mid-market rate with clearer fees. GoldexPay compares these providers next to each other, showing the amount that reaches the recipient before you commit.

The Euro (EUR) and conversion costs

Most accounts in France are typically held in EUR. When you pay another currency, the amount has to be converted somewhere along the way – by your bank, a bank in between or the recipient’s bank.

Which bank converts the payment makes a difference, because each party uses its own rate. In many cases you pay less to send EUR straight away via a provider with a good rate rather than letting the receiving bank convert. With bigger transfers, even a small difference in the rate adds up quickly.

SEPA transfers to France

France is a member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), the zone for uniform euro payments. For a regular euro transfer within SEPA, you normally only need the IBAN; many banks no longer ask for the BIC.

A SWIFT code still come into play when the currency is not euros and when the money comes from outside SEPA. SEPA transfers normally land by the next business day. As long as no conversion is involved, the transfer tends to be cheap.

Getting paid from abroad into an account in France

When you are waiting for a payment from another country on an account in France, give the sender everything they need in one go. Give them your name as registered with the bank, your account number or IBAN, your bank’s SWIFT code and your address, which some banks require.

Your bank’s code is in the list on this page. Some sending banks may also ask for your bank’s address, so keep it at hand.

Do not be surprised if the incoming amount is below the amount on the sender’s receipt. Charges on incoming payments differ from bank to bank – your bank’s price list tells you what applies. For business payments, agree who bears the costs, so nobody is left short.

When does money sent to France arrive?

How quickly a payment arrives in France depends on several factors: which currency you send, how many intermediary banks are involved, daily processing deadlines and time zones. Public holidays in France or in the sending country add a day or more.

A growing number of banks use SWIFT gpi, which lets them follow a payment from bank to bank. Each payment carries a unique reference, the UETR that banks can use to see where the money is. Specialist transfer services often show tracking online so you can follow the payment.

About our data and how to check a code

The best place to find the right code is paperwork issued by the bank, such as a statement or the account page in online banking. An incorrect BIC may lead to delays, a payment being sent back or extra fees.

We collect SWIFT/BIC codes using publicly available data and update them from time to time. Banks merge, close branches and change codes, and no directory catches every change immediately. Treat our data as a reference: the bank details from the recipient come first. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site.

Watch out for payment requests with changed bank details. Always verify changed details through a separate channel, using a number you already had.

SWIFT codes in France: banks under :letter

This filter limits the list to banks from France that begin with :letter. The totals mentioned above still cover all banks in France, not just this letter.

Many institutions appear under their legal name. The full overview for France is available when you cannot find the bank here.