What's a RIB in France? How Can I Get One?

“RIB” is the abbreviation for Relevé d’Identité Bancaire, which means “Banking ID Details” in English. These details are necessary when you open a bank account with a French bank or purchase a property in France. You can find more information on this and other terms and expressions in our complete buyer’s guide.

What’s a Relevé d’Identité Bancaire in France?

A RIB, short for Relevé d’Identité Bancaire, is a document that serves as a statement of your banking identity. It is provided by your bank and contains detailed information about your bank account. The RIB includes your bank and branch name and address, your personal details, and your unique BIC (bank code) and IBAN.

These numbers are essential for conducting banking transactions such as international money transfers and direct deposits. With a RIB, you can easily share your banking information with others, verify your identity, and keep track of your financial transactions.

How to Get a RIB from a French Bank?

If you need to set up direct debits or money transfers with your bank account, you may be asked for a copy of your RIB (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire). It is a document that contains all the necessary details of your bank account, including your account number, routing number, and the name of your bank. You can easily locate your RIB at the beginning or end of your chequebook.

Your RIB is a vital document that can be used in various situations. For instance, it is useful when setting up direct debits with utility companies or service providers, as it ensures the correct bank account information is provided. Additionally, your RIB can be shared with your new employer if you are starting a new job. This will enable them to transfer your salary directly into your bank account.

Furthermore, your RIB can be used to open a Livret-A savings account at the post office. This account is a popular savings account in France and can only be opened by providing your RIB and other required documents. Having your RIB ready can save time and effort when completing these processes.

You should send a copy of your RIB to your currency transfer provider to ensure your deposit is placed on time and create an account to settle the balance with the Notaire’s office on completion day, at the signature of the acte authentique.

Get a RIB Online

If you do online banking, you can ask your bank for an RIB or download it directly from your account. You can receive it through electronic means such as SMS or email. It is advisable to keep a few hard copies of the RIB for future reference. We recommend keeping them alongside your crucial “paper” documents, such as passport copies or birth/wedding certificates, as they may be useful in the future.

Looking for your Dream Property?

If you are looking for a place to live and planning visits, we suggest that you take a look at our guide to banking in France and learn how to plan your viewing trip. We hope this is useful, please contact us if you’re interested in arranging property visits.

Not yet ready? No problem. Why not start with our beginners’ guide and learn about the various aspects of living in France? Finally, feel free to tell us what you’re looking for so you can keep up to date with the latest offers as they come to the market.