un compte courant ön cont cu-RAN
a current account
“Un compte courant” = the everyday account (also called “compte de dépôt”). To open it you need an ID and a “justificatif de domicile” (proof of address: a recent bill). At the end you get a “RIB” (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) — the slip with your IBAN, asked for salary, rent or any payment.
la carte bancaire la cart ban-CER
the bank card
In speech people often say “la CB” (say-bay) — from “Carte Bleue”, the old brand turned generic name. The card usually arrives by mail within a few days, and the PIN usually comes separately (in its own envelope, or via the app at some banks), for security. At the till the classic question is “Carte ou espèces ?” (card or cash?).
le distributeur lö dis-tri-bü-TÖR
the ATM
“Le distributeur” (short for “distributeur automatique de billets”) is the cash machine where you withdraw money; on signs it's marked “DAB”. The wall machine that also does other operations (deposits, statements) is a “GAB” (Guichet Automatique de Banque). Casually many just say “le distrib'”.
le code lö COD
the PIN code
“Le code” = the secret 4-digit code, officially “le code confidentiel” or “le code secret”. When paying you'll often hear “Tapez votre code” (enter your code). Don't confuse it with your phone's PIN; at the bank people usually just say “le code”. Small payments, under about 50 €, often go “sans contact” (contactless), with no code.
les frais le FRÈ
the fees
“Les frais” = the fees. The best-known are “les frais de tenue de compte” (the monthly/yearly account upkeep) and “les frais bancaires” in general. Online banks (Boursorama, Fortuneo) lure customers with “sans frais” (no fees). Always ask about “les agios” — the charges when you go overdrawn (“à découvert”).
ScenaLingua
