Issuance, renewal and withdrawal of a credit card
Verified 21 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)
Do you need a credit card to make your purchases and withdraw cash? Here's how a bank can issue, renew or confiscate a credit card.
The credit card is a payment card that allows you to pay for your purchases and withdraw cash. The credit card works by taking money directly from your bank account.
The bank can offer you one or more of the following credit cards:
- Immediate flow. This card operates without systematic prior verification of the provisioning of the associated bank account. Each transaction (withdrawal and payment) immediately results in a debit on your account.
- Delayed rate. This card operates without systematic prior verification of the provisioning of the associated bank account. Over a given period, all payment transactions are debited en bloc on an agreed date (at the end of each month or at the beginning of the following month). Withdrawals are debited to the account on a daily basis.
- With systematic authorization. This card works with systematic verification of the provisioning of the associated bank account. Each authorized transaction (withdrawal and payment) immediately results in a debit on your account.
FYI
There are payment cards that are not directly linked to a bank account:
- Prepaid or rechargeable card. This card operates autonomously without being linked to a bank account. It is only the money you pay in advance on the card that is used, within the limit of the available balance.
- Credit card. This card is connected to a revolving credit. It uses money that is loaned to you and that you have to pay back later. If the credit card is associated with your bank account, each time you use the card you must choose either to use the money in your account (by paying cash) or to use a fraction of the credit.
The map immediate flow rate or the card with systematic authorization is marked DEBIT.
The map delayed rate shall be marked CREDIT. Indeed, the deferred debit works like a cash advance granted by your bank for a maximum month.
Example :
Deferred debit of all your payments on the 28th of the month can help you avoid being overdrawn: if you receive your salary on the 25th of the month, your account will be replenished just before the bulk debit of your payments on the 28th. But you must remain very attentive to the total amount of your expenses over the entire period of the delay so as not to exceed your budget.
Each type of card exists in a version that can only be used in France or in a version that can be used worldwide. They allow you to pay for purchases in store or online.
The conditions for issuing a bank card are freely set by each bank, except in the context of the account entitlement.
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General scenario
The allocation of a credit card is not automatic, it is up to you to request it.
The bank appreciates the conditions under which it issues you a bank card. Each bank is free to set its own criteria for each of its cards.
For example, they can look at the proper management of your account or set a minimum income threshold to obtain the corresponding card category.
There are different ranges of services associated with bank cards that are generally classified into 3 levels of benefits, for example:
- Entry level (standard): for daily use in France and possibly abroad
- Mid-range (premium): extended withdrawal limits, international payments, extended guarantees for payments made with the card...
- High-end (prestige): high payment and withdrawal capacity, travel and repatriation insurance, advance hospitalization costs, dedicated online assistance...
Depending on your lifestyle and financial capabilities, you are free to choose the card range that suits you, if you meet the criteria requested by the bank.
The mode of operation of the card (immediate debit, deferred debit, debit with systematic authorization) is fixed with the bank in your account agreement. You can sign this document in agency or in electronic version.
Please note
You can have several bank cards in the same bank or in different banks.
If you have a joint account, each cardholder can have his own card. The card remains nominative, with only one name.
As part of the « right to account »
If you have had a 1er refusal to open an account and that you benefit from the account entitlement, the designated bank must then issue you a card.
In principle, this card is systematic authorization : your bank account must be sufficiently funded to use the card.
For each authorized operation, the corresponding sums are debited instantly from your account.
After acceptance of the bank, the physical card is given to you. It can be delivered to you in one of the following ways:
- Hand-held at the establishment's counter
- By simple mail to your home
- By registered mail with acknowledgement of receipt.
You must sign your card on the back if the plastic holder contains a zone provided for this purpose.
Your bank sends you a confidential code 4-digit in separate mail. This code allows you to use your card (when you do not use the function contactless).
Please note
To activate your credit card, you must make a withdrawal at a ticket machine or a payment at a merchant with the confidential code entered.
Your physical card can be dematerialized on your phone by following the instructions incustomer space online from your bank.
Please note
By using your payment card on your phone, you no longer need to enter the card code. It is the unlocking of your phone by a biometric means that secures the payment.
The cost of a credit card differs depending on whether you get it through the account entitlement procedure or not.
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General scenario
If the card is fee-paying, the fee is deducted from your bank account.
The rate varies depending on the bank, the type of card and the range of services associated with it. It is mentioned in the account agreement.
In some online banks, the card may be free but delivery charges may apply to receive a physical card.
In the context of the right-to-account procedure
The card issued by the bank designated by the Banque de France is free.
The procedure depends on why the credit card is renewed.
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The validity date of the card expires
The credit card has a limited validity period, generally between 2 and 3 years.
When the validity of your card ends, it is automatically replaced. The contract is tacitly renewed.
Please note
If you do not wish to renew your card, you must report this to your bank by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt. You must do so within a time limit set by your contract. This period is usually 2 to 3 months before the expiry date of your card.
Misuse of the card
If your bank believes that you are misusing the card (especially if you spend too much money on your income), it can:
- Request the return of the card by post
- Refuse the renewal of your card, justifying the reason for the refusal
- Confiscate the card, without warning, when attempting to withdraw cash from the ATM (the bank card is retained by the machine)
- Block the card remotely (canceling its validity).
You will then be registered at Central Checks File (FCC). This file can be consulted by all banks.
This registration does not make you banking ban, i.e. forbidden to pay by check. You will also not be permanently banned from a credit card. However, you will need to regularize your financial situation for the bank to agree to issue you a card again.
Theft or hacking of the card
Your bank can also remotely confiscate or invalidate your credit card if you are a victim of theft or hacking. For example, if there are large and unusual expenses on your account from the foreigner.
In this case, you are not registered with the FCC.
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