Fortuneo vs BoursoBank vs Monabanq vs Traditional French Banks: Which One Should You Choose?

Choosing the right bank in France can be tricky — especially if you’re an expat, a frequent traveler, or simply looking for a better deal on banking fees. In this article, we’ll compare Fortuneo, BoursoBank, Monabanq, and traditional French banks. We’ll break down credit card fees, premium card options (like Visa Premier and Fortuneo World Elite), and eligibility for American customers.

At the end, you’ll find recommendations tailored to different profiles, plus exclusive referral links and bonus offers.

Credit Card Fees: Online vs Traditional Banks

One of the biggest differences between online banks and traditional banks in France is the cost of credit cards. Here’s how they compare:

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Can Americans Open a Bank Account in France?

Not every online bank in France accepts American clients due to FATCA regulations and U.S. tax reporting requirements. Here’s the situation:

• Fortuneo ❌ – Does not accept American residents.

• BoursoBank ❌ – Also does not accept American residents.

• Monabanq ✅ – More flexible and accessible for U.S. citizens, making it the best option if you’re American and need a French bank account.

Current Referral Offers

Fortuneo – Up to €130 Bonus

Fortuneo is one of the top online banks in France, offering premium cards like Gold Mastercard and World Elite Mastercard for free (if you meet the income conditions).

👉 Use my referral code when you sign up to claim your bonus:
CODE PARRAIN: 12516129

🔗 Compare Fortuneo’s banking costs with traditional French banks here: Fortuneo Fee Simulator

🔗 Referral details: Fortuneo Referral Offer

BoursoBank – Up to €190 Bonus

BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama Banque) is another popular online bank. Their Visa Ultim card is free with monthly use, and they also offer a premium Metal Visa for €9.90/month.

👉 Open your account with my referral link to get the latest bonus:
Click here for the BoursoBank Referral Offer

Monabanq – Rakuten Cashback Offer

Monabanq stands out because it accepts American customers, unlike Fortuneo and BoursoBank. On top of that, you can earn €100 cashback via Rakuten when opening your account.

👉 Use my Rakuten referral link to get an extra €5 welcome bonus:
Get €100 Cashback + €5 Bonus via Rakuten

A bonus of €80 for any subscription to a Visa card account and after activating the card no later than 3 months following the account opening.
This bonus will be paid on the 16th of the month following the activation of your Visa card.

A bonus of €80 for any subscription to the banking mobility assistance service when opening your first Monabanq account

Recommendations by Profile

• For non-Americans → Fortuneo is the best choice. Free premium cards (Gold, World Elite), competitive fees, and strong digital services make it ideal.

• For Visa fans → BoursoBank is a fantastic second option. If you prefer Visa over Mastercard, this is the online bank for you.

• For Americans → Monabanq is the clear winner. It’s accessible for U.S. citizens and offers a smart cashback deal through Rakuten.

Final Thoughts

Online banks like Fortuneo, BoursoBank, and Monabanq are reshaping French banking by offering low fees, premium cards, and generous referral offers. I personally use Fortuneo as I signed-up when they still allowed Americans. If I was new to France as an American, I would consider Monabanq with the 100 euros cashback via Rakuten.

• If you’re not American, Fortuneo is the strongest all-around choice.

• If you want Visa instead of Mastercard, BoursoBank is a solid pick.

• If you’re American, Monabanq is your best option in France.

👉 Don’t forget to use the referral links and codes above to claim your cashback and welcome bonuses!