Caisse d’Epargne exchange rates and fees in France: the complete guide for expats
The savings bank charges fees on all foreign currency transactions. Is it possible to save money by taking advantage of the real exchange rate?
Crédit Mutuel fees and exchange rates: everything you need to know
Like most traditional banks in France, Crédit Mutuel applies exchange rate markups and transaction fees on foreign operations.¹ A portion of the bank’s profit comes from these currency conversion margins — meaning your international transfers, card payments, and withdrawals abroad will likely cost more than you expect.
To understand exactly how much, you’ll need to check your bank’s fee schedule. However, some details — especially exchange rate commissions — aren’t always clearly stated.
If you’re looking to reduce costs, consider opening a Wise account. With Wise, you benefit from the mid-market exchange rate — with no hidden markup — on all your conversions. You can also hold 40+ currencies and send international transfers to 140+ countries directly from France.
Where and how to buy foreign currency at Crédit Mutuel
You can order foreign currency through Crédit Mutuel, but it’s best to plan ahead — availability can take several days.
Crédit Mutuel (Île-de-France) applies a €4.50 commission for both buying and selling foreign currencies.¹
Alternatively, you can wait until you’re abroad and make payments or withdrawals with your Crédit Mutuel card. However, keep in mind that every transaction will incur fees.
Foreign currency purchases at Crédit Mutuel: what are the fees?
Fees at Crédit Mutuel vary slightly by regional branch. The examples below refer to Crédit Mutuel Île-de-France rates.¹
Crédit Mutuel exchange rate fees
When you buy foreign currency or make payments in another currency, Crédit Mutuel applies a commercial margin on the exchange rate.¹
In practice, this means you don’t get the interbank rate — the bank adds a percentage, increasing the total cost of your transaction.
Want a simpler alternative to hold, send, or receive money in foreign currencies? Try Wise, which applies no markup on conversions and uses the mid-market exchange rate.
International transfer fees
Incoming transfers from outside the SEPA zone are subject to a €11.50 receiving fee, plus a €10 currency exchange fee.¹
For outgoing international transfers (non-SEPA), here’s what Crédit Mutuel charges:¹
| Operation Type | At the counter | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Non-SEPA transfer up to €1,500 | €17.10 | €13 |
| Non-SEPA transfer over €1,500 | €28.10 | €24 |
Withdrawal fees abroad
Fees depend on the country you’re withdrawing from:¹
| Region | Fees |
|---|---|
| EEA + Switzerland | €3.30 + 1% (max. €10) |
| Other countries | €3.30 + 2.50% (max. €10) |
If you withdraw cash over the counter at another bank, an additional €10 charge applies.¹
Card payment fees abroad
The same principle applies to card payments:¹
| Region | Fees |
|---|---|
| EEA + Switzerland | €0.33 + 1% (max. €10) |
| Other countries | €0.33 + 2.50% (max. €10) |
Additional local bank charges
Local ATMs abroad may also add their own fees on top of Crédit Mutuel’s. The amount depends on the local institution, and in some countries, these costs won’t appear on your statement — so it’s worth withdrawing carefully, especially if you’re travelling on a budget.
Understanding exchange rates and bank commissions
Currency markets
Exchange rates depend on the market where currencies are traded:
- Spot market: Payment and settlement occur immediately — the rate used is the current one.
- Forward market: Settlement happens later, so the final rate is unknown when you place the order.
- Forex market: A speculative market where traders profit from fluctuations between currency pairs.
Buying and selling currencies
Like most French banks, Crédit Mutuel uses two different rates depending on the operation:
- Buy price: The rate at which you purchase foreign currency.
- Sell price: The rate at which the bank buys it back.
- Cross rate: The value of one currency relative to another, calculated from a third currency (often the euro or dollar).
What does “exchange rate” really mean?
The “exchange rate” reflects the value of a currency on the interbank market — essentially the price at which banks exchange money between themselves.
However, Crédit Mutuel applies a marked-up version of this rate.¹
Each purchase, sale, or conversion therefore includes a hidden margin, adding to your currency exchange fees.
What factors influence exchange rates?
In the short term, rates fluctuate based on supply and demand. Over time, broader economic factors — such as inflation, interest rates, and purchasing power — also affect currency values.
Wise: an alternative with no exchange rate markup
It’s now possible to avoid traditional banks’ hidden exchange rate fees entirely.
By opening a Wise account, you’ll access the mid-market exchange rate — with no markup — for all currency conversions and international transfers. Fees are low, transparent, and displayed upfront.
With Wise’s multi-currency account, you can hold 40+ currencies in one place and spend or send money abroad at fair, transparent rates.
If you travel frequently, the Wise card lets you pay in the local currency and save on conversion costs.
Source: 1. [Crédit Mutuel Fee Schedule](https://www.creditmutuel.fr/telechargements/tarifs/convention-clarte/clarte-part-cmcee.pdf)
Last verified on September 3, 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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