The bank code, also known as the bank institution code, is one of the five-digit numbers on your RIB. It indicates the bank to which you belong. Like the other information given on your RIB, it allows you to carry out all your banking transactions, whether it’s an account-to-account transfer or a money transfer with Western Union.
When you need to perform this type of transaction, knowing everything about this code will make things easier for you. What is the bank code? Where can you find it? How can you find a French bank code? We answer all your questions in this guide.
What is the bank code?
The bank code is a five-digit number that is part of the RIB and IBAN. Issued by the Banque de France and specific to each French banking institution, this code indicates the bank that holds the customer’s account. It is therefore the same for all of that bank’s customers. For example, the bank code for LCL is 30002.
The bank code indicates the bank that holds the account used for the banking transaction, and appears on the RIB and in the IBAN. While it is clearly indicated on the RIB (in the “Banque” (bank) or “Code Banque” (bank code) box), with the IBAN bank code , only the first five digits must be taken into account.
Note that the bank institution code is issued not only to all credit institutions incorporated under French law, but also to branches of credit institutions in the European area operating freely, as well as to certain authorized foreign institutions.
What is a bank codefor?
The bank code is important for several reasons:
- To send or receive money by transfer in France or international transfer,
- To be easily identified by users and public and private actors during a banking operation,
- To facilitate and secure money transfers (the right amount, the right recipient).
Where can you find your bank code?
The bank code can be found on the RIB and in your IBAN:
- On the RIB, it is the first five digits indicated,
- In the IBAN, the bank code corresponds to the first four digits following the country code (FR) and the check digit for that country (generally “76” for France). For example: FR76 30002.
You can get your RIB from your check book, or log into your bank customer account and download it directly. You can then keep it on your phone or print it out to get a physical copy. If necessary, you can also call your branch who will tell you your bank institution code.
Example of a bank code on a RIB
If you aren’t sure how to find your bank code on your RIB, don’t panic! Here’s an easy-to-remember example for finding the bank code.
[Prepare a sample RIB like this, in Western Union colors, with both red boxes highlighted]
List of bank codes in France
As we’ve seen, each bank has its own bank code. To help you find your code or the one for another institution, we have a list of 30 French bank codes:
| Bank code | Banking institution name |
| 10096 | Lyonnaise de Banque “L.B.” |
| 10107 | BRED – Banque Populaire |
| 10278 | Caisse Fédérale de Crédit Mutuel |
| 10548 | Banque de Savoie |
| 11238 | SwissLife Banque Privée |
| 11315 | Caisse d’Epargne CEPAC |
| 11899 | Banque Européenne du Crédit Mutuel |
| 12240 | Allianz Banque |
| 12548 | AXA Banque |
| 12579 | Banque BCP |
| 12869 | Oney Bank |
| 12933 | CaixaBank |
| 16188 | BPCE |
| 16228 | Société Générale SFH |
| 16607 | Banque Populaire du Sud |
| 17128 | BARCLAYS BANK PLC, FRENCH BRANCH |
| 17789 | Deutsche Bank AG |
| 18359 | Bpifrance |
| 18370 | Orange Bank |
| 18869 | Banque Française Mutualiste — B.F.M. |
| 20041 | La Banque Postale |
| 30002 | Le Crédit Lyonnais |
| 30003 | Société Générale S.A. |
| 30004 | BNP Paribas |
| 30628 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association |
| 39996 | Crédit Agricole |
| 40618 | Boursorama |
| 42799 | My Money Bank |
| 43199 | Crédit Foncier de France |
| 44729 | Banco Santander SA |
FAQs
When may you need your bank code?
You may need your bank code when you’re planning to receive money, so that you can send it to the sender of the funds. You also need to enter your bank code when setting up a transfer or SEPA direct debit.
Is the bank code the same as the IBAN?
No. The IBAN includes the bank code, but contains other additional information (branch code, bank account number, country code, etc.). As such, the bank code is part of the IBAN.
Is the bank code the same as the SWIFT code?
No. The SWIFT code identifies a customer’s bank by means of a series of letters (bank name, country, location, branch) specific to the customer’s account. The bank code only indicates the identity of the French bank.
