I bank with LCL and have just had the 'cotisation annuelle carte' deducted from my account. It's gone up again this year, of course, and is now 39€96. We have a very small income and having to pay this amount in one month is a bit of a blow.
As a general point though I find it amazing that French banks can get away with charging for having a debit card. Can you imagine banks in the UK getting away with this?! I guess this is the only way they can make money from someone like me who is never overdrawn and has no loans with them.
The French commercial and financial systems and attitudes seem to be firmly based in the 1970's. I expect one day they will realise it's now the 21st century but I shan't hold my breath.
Ok, rant over. And breath!!!
Yes, most of the internet banks offer a free credit/debit card. There are free credit/debit card banks out there but most don't seem to be open to new clients! (the case with Oney who I've used for years now). In short, you can have almost free banking in France (La Poste or internet banking) but you need to shop around. Professional banking is another story but I get every penny's worth of service etc for what I pay and have no real complaints (Crédit Agricole NMP)
Not sure if it's still the case Mandy but ING Direct, who offer internet banking only, certainly used to offer a free debit card. If it's still the case then you could consider having an ING account alongside your other account and simply transfer money over and use their card for your online shopping. Might be worth a look...?
It's not a credit card it's a debit card. If I cancel it I would have pay for everything by cheque or cash and wouldn't be able to do any shopping via the internet. Are there any banks that provide a debit card for free in France? I thought they all charged.
Cancel it and get a free one elsewhere, Mandy, I've never taken the credit card with any of the three different french banks I've banked/bank with for exactly that reason ;-)