Top payment methods in France: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in France? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
France, with a population of around 68.63 million people, has a GDP of approximately 3.21 trillion making it the 7th largest economy in the world. The official currency of France is the Euro (EUR)
A large, diversified economy driven by services, manufacturing (aerospace, automotive), tourism, and luxury goods. It is a leading member of the European Union and the Eurozone, with Germany being its most important trading partner.
| Country | France |
|---|---|
| Population | 68.63 million |
| GDP (USD) | 3.21 trillion |
| Global Ranking | 7th |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in France?
The national card scheme, Cartes Bancaires (CB), which is typically co-branded with Visa or Mastercard, is the most used payment method in France for both online and in-store transactions. Digital wallets such as PayPal and Apple Pay are growing rapidly, valued for their convenience in online shopping and for making contactless payments. For recurring payments like utilities, rent, and subscriptions, the SEPA Direct Debit (known as "Prélèvement") is the standard.
How to pay in France
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in France.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cards (Carte Bancaire - CB) | The national card scheme, Carte Bancaire (CB), is the dominant payment method. Most cards are co-branded with Visa or Mastercard. Contactless payment is standard. | Online/In-person |
| SEPA Bank Transfers | SEPA Direct Debit is a very common method for paying recurring bills like utilities, rent, and subscriptions. SEPA Credit Transfers are used for one-off large payments. | Online |
| Digital Wallets (PayPal, Apple/Google Pay) | PayPal is very popular for e-commerce. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also widely used for in-person and online transactions. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Euro) | While digital payments are preferred, cash is still widely used and accepted across the country, particularly for smaller purchases. | In-person |
Traveling beyond France? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in France?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in France.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
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.