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Nickel account international transfers: what are the alternatives for expats in France?
The Nickel account is a prepaid banking solution that lets you open an account, get a payment card, and access French account details in just a few minutes. But can you use it for sending money abroad? What are the fees, and what alternatives exist for international transfers from France? Let’s take a closer look.
If you want to transfer money internationally from France easily and without high fees, consider a Wise account. With it, you can hold 40+ currencies and send money to 140+ countries worldwide at the mid-market exchange rate.
Nickel international transfers: fees and limits
SEPA transfers within Europe
With Nickel, outgoing SEPA transfers are free¹.
However, SEPA transfers are capped at €30,000 over a 30-day period². The provider doesn’t clearly state limits for incoming transfers.
Can you make non-SEPA transfers with Nickel?
No. A Nickel account cannot be used to send or receive money outside the SEPA zone³. This is a major limitation compared to alternatives such as Wise, which allows international transfers in dozens of currencies.
Using a Nickel account abroad
To use your Nickel card abroad, you’ll first need to fund your account. This can be done either via a card payment from your personal account or by depositing cash at a partner point of sale.
The first deposit when you open an account is free (as are deposits with a Nickel Metal card). After that, cash deposits are charged at 3% of the amount.¹
Card payments abroad
The cost of payments in foreign currencies depends on which Nickel plan you choose¹:
- Nickel Card: €1/transaction
- My Nickel Card: €1/transaction
- Nickel Chrome Card: free
- Nickel Metal Card: free
Withdrawals at partner tobacconists cost €0.50 after the first three free withdrawals per month.⁴
ATM withdrawals abroad
- Nickel and My Nickel: €2.50 per withdrawal
- Nickel Chrome: €1.50 per withdrawal
- Nickel Metal: free withdrawals abroad⁵
International transfer example: Nickel vs Wise
Let’s say you want to send €1,000 from France to a USD account in the United States. With Nickel, this isn’t possible — international transfers outside SEPA aren’t supported.
With Wise, however, you can send the money at the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees.
| Provider | International Transfers | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | Not available | - |
| Wise | Available, at the mid-market rate | €6.21 |
Simulation based on Wise calculator, May 12, 2025.
FAQ: Nickel account
What is a Nickel account?
Nickel is a prepaid account with no income requirements or minimum deposit. It includes a French IBAN and a Mastercard usable worldwide. You can sign up online or at one of 4,500 partner tobacconists in France.
Account management is done via the web or a mobile app.
The standard plan costs €25/year. Premium options include:
- Nickel Chrome (€30/year) – customisable card, insurance, free foreign payments
- Nickel Metal (€80/year) – premium card, free international payments and withdrawals
Who can open a Nickel account?
Almost anyone can, including:
- People banned from traditional banking (FCC, FICP, FNCI registrants)
- Students and travelers
- Self-employed professionals
- Teenagers aged 12+
- People with low or irregular income
How to open a Nickel account in France?
Two options:
Online:
- Start the registration on the Nickel website
- Provide your email and upload ID (passport, residence permit, etc.)
- Enter your phone number and receive a 5-digit SMS code
- Visit a tobacconist, buy a €25 starter pack, and give your username
- Get your PIN by SMS and your account is activated
At a tobacconist:
- Buy a €25 starter pack
- Scan your ID at the Nickel terminal
- Complete the form and accept conditions
- Ask the tobacconist to activate your card
- Get your IBAN and PIN
What are the limits of a Nickel account?
- Maximum deposit: €950 per month⁶
- No international transfers outside SEPA
- Fixed fees for most withdrawals and card payments
Nickel vs Wise for expats in France
Nickel is useful as a low-cost account for everyday payments in France and the eurozone. But its limitations make it less suitable for expats needing to send or receive money abroad.
On the other hand, Wise offers:
- International transfers to 140+ countries
- Account details in 8+ currencies (receive money like a local)
- Hold and convert 40+ currencies at the mid-market rate
- No account maintenance fees
- Debit card for just €7 (delivery fee)
Sources:
1 – Nickel Price brochure
2 – Nickel transfer ceiling
3 – Nickel FAQ – Transfers abroad
4 – Nickel FAQ – Withdrawals at tobacconists
5 – Nickel FAQ – Withdrawals abroad
6 – Nickel FAQ – Deposit limits
Last verified on May 12, 2025
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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