SWIFT/BIC codes in France: banks starting with N

SWIFT/BIC codes in France

Here you will find codes for 2801 banks in France, 4924 codes in all. You need a SWIFT/BIC code mainly for payments across borders, and especially for payments in foreign currencies.

Search for the recipient’s bank in the list and click through for all codes we have. Below the list we explain how a code from France is put together, how to send money there at a fair price and how to check a code before you pay.

Bank or transfer service for France?

A bank transfer to France can cost rather more than the fee suggests. There is the transfer fee, possibly charges from intermediary banks along the way and, above all, the margin on the exchange rate.

The markup on the rate is often the biggest cost item, even though it is not listed as a fee. Check the bank’s rate against the mid-market rate.

For many routes, a specialist provider is less expensive than a bank, mainly because of the rate. Before you send money to France, it is worth comparing the total cost on GoldexPay instead of going straight to your bank.

France and the SEPA area

Inside SEPA, euro transfers to France use the same rules and in most cases need only the IBAN. The BIC field is usually optional in that case.

The BIC does come into play when the currency is not euros and when the money comes from outside SEPA. SEPA transfers usually arrive by the next business day, and instant transfers in seconds where both banks support them. As long as the payment stays in euros, a SEPA transfer is usually inexpensive.

Most SWIFT codes in France: Credit Agricole

In our data, Credit Agricole has the largest number of SWIFT/BIC codes of all banks in France. Its head office code is AGRIFRPP802.

A large number of codes often reflects that the bank registers branches and departments separately, not necessarily that the bank is the biggest in the country. Making a payment to Credit Agricole? Go with AGRIFRPP802 except when a specific branch code is requested.

How long does a transfer to France take?

An international transfer to France usually needs anywhere from one to several business days – it depends on currency, route and the banks in between. Public holidays in either country add a day or more.

If the money is late, ask the sender to contact the sending bank and ask for the status or the UETR. Money transfer services usually show a status in their app so you can follow the payment.

Banks in France starting with :letter

This list shows only banks in France beginning with :letter, sorted alphabetically. The totals mentioned above still refer to the whole country.

Some banks appear under their legal name rather than the name on their app or website. The full overview for France remains available when you cannot find the bank here.

Check the code before you pay

The most reliable source for the BIC is the bank details provided by the recipient: an invoice, a statement or their online banking. If the code you have does not match the code listed here, do not guess.

This list is compiled from publicly available sources. Still, banks merge, rename themselves or retire codes and our data may lag behind. Before any payment that matters, check the BIC with the recipient. GoldexPay is an independent comparison service, not a bank.

Fraudsters regularly use payment requests with new bank details from what looks like a familiar address. Always confirm a change of bank details through a separate channel.

The structure of a France SWIFT/BIC code

SWIFT/BIC codes use one international format: eight characters, sometimes followed by three more. First comes a four-letter bank code, followed by a two-letter country code and two characters for the location.

You can recognise a code from France by letters five and six: they always show the ISO country code of France. A code with other letters in that position come from a bank abroad – a quick way to catch mistakes.

The last three characters, if present, identify a specific branch; XXX is used for the head office. Use a branch code only when the recipient explicitly gives you one – otherwise stick with the head office.

The Euro (EUR) and conversion costs

France uses the Euro, with the currency code EUR. When you pay another currency, it gets converted somewhere along the way – by your bank, a bank in between or the recipient’s bank.

Where the conversion happens has an effect on the final amount, as rates and margins differ per bank. Check what EUR the recipient gets with several providers; the difference between options can be larger than you expect. Exchange rates change all the time – some providers let you lock in a rate.

Incoming international payments in France

Someone abroad who wants to pay you needs a few details from you, and missing ones are a common cause of delays. Give them the account holder’s name, your account number or IBAN, the BIC of your bank and your address, which some banks require.

Look up your bank in the list above and compare the code with your own bank details, but take the code from your own bank details when in doubt. It helps to include your bank’s name and city as well, since some payment forms ask for it.

The amount you receive is often lower than the amount sent. Intermediary banks may deduct a fee, and if the money is converted, a markup on the rate applies. Agree with the sender who covers the fees, especially for larger amounts.