Languedoc property guide |
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French Bank Accounts |
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Mortgage information index : |
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Credit Agricole is the largest bank in France, and provides the majority of mortgages for house purchase. These notes were provided by their local English speaking international banking arm, CA-KeyFinance, at our request.
CA-KeyFinance and French banking
Bank accounts in France are occasionally areas for caution amongst our English speaking clients, especially when it comes to all the rules and regulations which apply. This is where the KeyFinance team come in; all the mysteries can be cleared up by means of a simple phone call! It is natural to be wary, but once the particularities of the French bank account are explained and understood, there really should be no cause for concern.
What can KeyFinance offer you in terms of accounts and banking services? It may be quicker to ask what we can’t offer you! The logical place to start is with the current account, to which we add a free cheque book and the debit card of your choice.
The basic Mastercard allows access to the account via cash machines and is a payment card for use in shops, restaurants, petrol stations and motorway tolls. The next step up the ladder is the Gold Mastercard, which has built-in hire car insurance and travel insurance, and offers greater purchasing freedom with higher cash withdrawal and transaction limits.
The CSCA (Compte Service du Crédit Agricole), Crédit Agricole Account Services in English, offer protection and an authorised overdraft, coupled with internet access and bill payment facilities, to give you control of your accounts on-line. Thanks to our “Welcome” offer, both the CSCA and the bank cards can be offered half price for the first year, for new clients, and existing clients can upgrade at promotional rates.
CA-KeyFinance savings accounts fall into two categories; those specifically for French residents and those also for non-residents. All our clients can benefit from the straightforward Compte sur Livret; an easy-access savings account with no maximum balance, which offers an attractive interest rate. The Compte Epargne Logement and Plan Epargne Logement are interesting for anyone who may be considering buying or improving property in the future; the savings credited to these accounts accumulate bonus points to offer preferential interest rates for future loans. Specifically for residents, the CODEVI and CODEBIS are tax-free accounts, similar to the UK ISA, where interest is paid gross.
Insurances are another CA-KeyFinance speciality, whether for buildings and contents, with new for old cover, for car, caravan or boat, or for your ultimate protection in day to day life with Accident insurance and a Legal Protection policy. Health insurance and life assurance policies are other areas of cover we can provide for you; further information on our insurance products is available on the website.
Give us a call on our exclusive English speaking line, to find out how we can best be of service to you!
CA-KeyFinance
04 66 70 30 96
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