SWIFT/BIC codes in France: banks starting with P

Bank SWIFT codes for France

In France our database holds 4924 SWIFT/BIC codes, spread over 2801 institutions. Each code points to an institution or a specific branch or department.

Look for the bank you need in the list and open its page for all codes we have and what else a transfer requires. Below the list you can read how a code from France is put together, how to send money to France at a fair price and how to check a code before you pay.

How SWIFT codes from France are built

A SWIFT code is 8 or 11 characters long. It starts with four letters for the bank, followed by two letters for the country and two characters for the location.

In every code from France, letters five and six show the two-letter ISO code of France – that is the quickest way to spot one. A code with a different country code come from a bank abroad – a quick way to catch mistakes.

The last three characters, if present, identify a branch or department; XXX means the head office. In most cases the head office code is what you need unless the recipient asks for a specific branch.

Most SWIFT codes in France: Credit Agricole

Credit Agricole tops the list of France banks in the number of SWIFT/BIC codes. The head office uses AGRIFRPP802 – the code most transfers need.

How many codes a bank has says something about how it organises its payments than about its size. Making a payment to Credit Agricole? Use AGRIFRPP802 except when the recipient gives you a branch code.

The cheapest way to send money to France

If you send money to France through your bank, the fee you see is rarely all of the cost. Besides a fixed fee, intermediary banks can deduct a charge, and when the money is converted the bank often applies a less favourable rate than the real market rate.

The real cost is often in the rate. Compare the rate you are offered against the mid-market rate, the midpoint you see on financial news sites. The difference is your real cost.

Specialised transfer providers often use rates closer to the mid-market rate and lower fees. GoldexPay compares these providers side by side so you can see what actually arrives in France before you commit.

Banks in France beginning with the letter :letter

This filter narrows the list to banks in France starting with :letter to make searching quicker. The counts in the introduction always refer to the whole country and not only this selection.

Cannot find the bank? Its official name may start with a different letter, for example the full legal name rather than a brand name. Use the full list for France if you do not know the exact name.

Verifying a SWIFT code from France

The most reliable source for the BIC is the bank details provided by the recipient: an invoice, a statement or their online banking. An incorrect BIC may lead to a delay, a returned payment or additional charges – compare it with the code in our list.

This list draws on publicly available sources that we update periodically. Banks merge, change names and retire codes – a directory can be a step behind. Treat our data as a starting point; the recipient’s bank details are leading. GoldexPay is an independent comparison site.

Watch out for payment requests containing a new account. Always confirm changed details through a separate channel.

Incoming international payments in France

If you are waiting for a payment from another country on an account in France, give the sender everything they need in one go. That means: your name as your bank knows it, your account number or IBAN, the BIC of your bank and sometimes your postal address.

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. Certain sending banks also ask for the name and address of your bank.

The amount you receive can be less 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.

How long does a transfer to France take?

An international transfer to France typically needs one to a few business days. Public holidays in France or in the sending country can add a day or more.

A growing number of banks are connected to SWIFT gpi for faster and traceable payments. Each payment carries a unique reference, the UETR that banks can use to see where the money is. Money transfer services often provide a status in their app so you can follow the payment.

Paying in EUR: what conversion costs you

France pays in the Euro. When you pay another currency, the amount gets converted somewhere along the way: by your bank, an intermediary or the receiving bank.

Where the conversion happens has an effect on the final amount. Check what EUR arrives with several services before choosing one. Rates for EUR move during the day.

SEPA transfers to France

Within the SEPA zone, euro payments to France use common rules. The BIC field is usually optional in that case.

You will still need the BIC when sending non-euro payments or transfers from countries outside SEPA. Euro payments within SEPA usually arrive by the next business day or faster with instant payments. Fees are generally low provided everything stays in euros.