Online bank vs traditional bank
Online bank vs traditional bank is a comparison of French online banks against traditional branch banks, weighing fees, branch access, and everyday services.
Online bank vs traditional bank operates in the French Banking segment.
Online bank vs traditional bank: Core Facts
- What is compared
- French online banks vs traditional branch banks
- Verdict
- Online banks for lower fees and a French IBAN with no branches; traditional banks for in-person service, cash handling, and complex needs
- Fees
- Online banks are typically cheaper; traditional banks usually cost more
- Branch access
- Traditional banks have branches; online banks do not
- IBAN
- Both types issue a French IBAN (FR)
- Examples (online)
- BoursoBank, Fortuneo, Hello bank!, Monabanq
- Examples (traditional)
- Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, LCL, Crédit Mutuel
- Cash and in-person help
- Easier at a traditional branch bank
- Deposit guarantee
- Both: FGDR up to EUR 100,000 per bank
- Regulator
- ACPR (Banque de France)
- Status
- Active Definition
- Verified
How Online bank vs traditional bank compares
This comparison is between online banks (such as BoursoBank, Fortuneo, Hello bank!, Monabanq) and traditional branch banks (such as Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, LCL). It is NOT a comparison with foreign-IBAN neobanks like N26 or Revolut.
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Online bank vs traditional bank: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between an online bank and a traditional bank in France?
Online bank vs traditional bank comes down to fees and access: online banks like BoursoBank and Fortuneo are cheaper with no branches, while traditional banks like Société Générale offer in-person service.
Is an online bank cheaper than a traditional bank?
Online bank vs traditional bank usually favours online banks on cost, since they charge lower fees, though both issue a French IBAN and are covered by the FGDR up to EUR 100,000.
Should newcomers pick an online or traditional bank?
Online bank vs traditional bank depends on needs: newcomers wanting low fees and a French IBAN may prefer an online bank, while those needing cash services or in-person help may prefer a traditional branch bank.
Related Entities
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Maintained by Jules de Bruin (How to France). This page follows the Grounding Page Standard v1.5. Last verified: 2026-06-23.