Can French banks require a French mobile number?
Reader was informed their non-French number was not accepted
Reader question: I bank at Crédit Agricole but was told I can no longer use my non-French mobile number for my account due to a rule change. Is this correct, and will I need to change banks?
We have found no evidence of any recent change to banking regulations preventing the use of non-French phone numbers.
During a 2024 session, Green senator Mathilde Ollivier questioned the government about difficulties French citizens and other residents face accessing internet banking services from abroad.
The government responded:
"The strong customer authentication solutions primarily used by banks to secure online payments – namely, secure banking app authentication and SMS – are not incompatible with residency abroad.
"Banking app authentication does not require a phone number but relies on internet communications, which implies that the user has a data plan."
Crédit Agricole responds
This was confirmed by Crédit Agricole, which told The Connexion that "to connect to our app, it is not necessary to have a phone with a French SIM card".
Therefore, you should have no difficulty accessing your French online banking through a non-French phone, provided you have a stable internet connection, either via WiFi or mobile data.
Issues can arise with two-factor authentication, where banks send a verification text or automated call to confirm a transaction or action.
Authentication methods vary by bank
Individual banks decide whether to accept non-French phone numbers for this purpose, although many now offer alternative authentication methods.
Crédit Agricole often uses its Ma Banque app for authentication, rather than text messages or calls, including when you log into your account via your bank's website.
As the bank operates on a regional basis, however, procedures might vary slightly.
To confirm transactions in this case, you must provide a pre-registered code or, depending on your settings and phone, use biometrics.
If you continue to encounter difficulties, a French pay-as-you-go SIM could help.
