Issuance, renewal and withdrawal of a credit card
Verified 15 February 2023 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
Do you need a credit card to make your purchases and withdraw cash? Here's how a bank can issue, renew or withdraw a credit card.
The conditions for issuing the credit card depend on your situation.
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The bank has already agreed to open an account for you
The bank may offer you one or more of the following cards:
- Immediate Rate. This card operates without prior systematic verification of the supply to the associated bank account. Each operation immediately results in a throughput.
- Prepaid or rechargeable. This card can only be used to the extent of the sums entered in its credit by deposit ofcash, credit transfer or direct debit. It does not depend on a traditional bank account.
- Systematically authorized. This card works with systematic verification of the provisioning of the associated account.
- Deferred Flow. This card operates without prior systematic verification of the supply to the associated bank account. Transactions are debited en bloc, at the end of a given period, usually at the end of each month.
- Credit card. This card is connected to a revolving creditThat is to say, to a sum of money that is lent to you.
FYI
each type of card exists in a version that can be used only in France or in a version that can be used worldwide.
Your bank must have you sign a contract before your credit card is given.
In particular, you will find the conditions for issue, validity, renewal and use of the card.
Please note
You can have multiple bank cards in the same bank or in different banks.
Your card is personal even if you have a joint account.
The bank refused to open an account for you
If you have had a 1er refusal to open an account and that you benefit from the right to account, the designated bank must then issue you a card.
In principle, this card is systematic authorization : your bank account must be sufficiently provisioned to use the card.
This card can be used anywhere in France.
At each transaction, the corresponding sums are debited instantly from your account.
Your bank must have you sign a contract before your credit card is given.
In particular, you will find the conditions for issue, validity, renewal and use of the card.
After acceptance of the bank, the card is given to you. It can be delivered to you in one of the following ways:
- Hands-on at the counter of the establishment
- By simple mail at your home
- By registered post with request for notice of receipt.
You must sign your card on the back as soon as you receive it.
Your bank then sends you a PIN 4 digits in a separate letter. This code allows you to use your card.
Please note
To activate your credit card, you must make a withdrawal at a ticket distributor or a payment at a merchant with input of the PIN.
The cost of a credit card differs depending on whether you obtain it through the account entitlement procedure or not.
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General case
The menu is not free.
The price varies according to the type of card and the bank. It is mentioned in the account agreement.
In the framework of the account entitlement procedure
The menu is free.
The procedure depends on why the credit card is being renewed.
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Your card's validity date ends
The credit card has a limited period of validity, generally between 2 and 3 years.
When the validity of your card ends, it is automatically replaced. The contract is tacitly renewed. The card renewal is free of charge.
You can also request in advance the renewal of your card.
FYI
if you do not wish to renew your card, you must notify your bank by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. You must do so within a time limit set by your contract. This is usually 2 to 3 months before the end date of your card.
Card misuse
If your bank believes you are misusing the card (especially if you are spending too much compared to your income), it can take the following steps:
- Ask you by mail or telephone for the return of the card
- Confiscate the card, without warning, when attempting to withdraw cash from the ATM (the credit card is held by the machine)
- Block the card remotely (by canceling its validity).
You will then be enrolled in the Central Check File (CCF). This file is available to all banks.
This registration does not give you back banking ban, i.e. forbidden to pay by check. You will also not be permanently forbidden from a credit card. However, you will have to regularize your financial situation before the bank will agree to issue you a card again.
Card theft or hacking
Your bank may also remotely confiscate or invalidate the credit card if you are the victim of theft or hacking. For example, if there are significant and unusual expenses on your account from the foreigner.
In this case, you are not registered with the FCC.
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