Is Revolut reliable in France: everything you need to know
Is Revolut reliable? What about its security systems? What do we really know about it in terms of offers and prices? Let's discuss!
Banque Populaire France exchange rates: everything you need to know about conversion fees
While Banque Populaire offers free withdrawals and payments within France, additional bank fees apply as soon as you travel or make payments abroad.
Withdrawals, card payments, and international transfers can all include commissions — particularly for currency conversions.
To save money, you could consider a provider like Wise. Wise applies the mid-market exchange rate (without hidden markups) and offers transparent, low-cost fees, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises.
How much does it cost to buy foreign currency with Banque Populaire?
Banque Populaire’s pricing isn’t standardized — fees vary by regional branch.
The following examples are based on Banque Populaire Rives de Paris.
Note: the rates below apply to non-SEPA foreign currency transactions.
Transfer fees
Here are the standard fees for sending and receiving international transfers:¹
| Type of operation | Fees |
|---|---|
| Sending a transfer | * 0.06% (min. €13.15, max. €165) * Processing fee (paper orders): €5.45 |
| Receiving a transfer | €18.80 |
On top of these fees, a currency exchange commission applies:¹
| Amount | Currency exchange commission |
|---|---|
| ≤ €80,000 | 0.05% (min. €15.40) |
| > €80,000 | +0.025% (min. €15.40) |
ATM withdrawals
Withdrawing cash abroad with your Banque Populaire card costs €3.15 + 2.92%.¹
Card payments
When you pay for purchases abroad, Banque Populaire adds a 2.92% fee.¹
Exchange rate markups
In addition to these fixed charges, Banque Populaire applies an exchange rate markup. The bank doesn’t specify its rate but mentions that an “exchange commission” is included — effectively its profit margin.¹
Extra charges abroad
Foreign banks may also charge fees for using their ATMs. Depending on local regulations, these surcharges may not appear on your French bank statement.¹
How to get foreign currency at Banque Populaire?
Banque Populaire offers several options for obtaining foreign currency:
- In-branch purchase: You can buy cash directly from a local branch. Plan ahead — foreign currency is not always available immediately.
- Using your card abroad: If you have an international Visa or Mastercard, you can withdraw cash or pay in local currency. However, note that some merchants may not accept international cards.
Currency exchange fees: what to know
The different foreign exchange markets
Banks operate on several types of currency markets:
- Spot market: The exchange and settlement occur immediately.
- Forward market: The exchange is agreed upon for a future date.
- Forex market: Traders speculate on the value difference between currency pairs.
Not all banks provide access to these markets, so check directly with Banque Populaire.
Buying and selling rates
Like other banks, Banque Populaire uses different rates for buying and selling currencies.
- The buying rate applies when you sell foreign currency to the bank (to get euros).
- The selling rate applies when you buy foreign currency with euros.
- The cross rate reflects the value of one currency against another, based on a third (base) currency.
Exchange rate definition
An exchange rate represents the value at which banks trade currencies — the so-called interbank rate.
You can check it at any time using an online currency converter.
Any rate different from this benchmark includes a markup added by the bank or exchange service.
Why do exchange rates fluctuate?
Exchange rates constantly change due to several factors:
- Speculation: Heavy buying of a currency can drive up its value.
- Economic performance: A stronger economy often leads to a stronger currency.
- Political influence: Government interventions (such as pegged or controlled rates) can also impact exchange rates.
These are just a few of the many mechanisms that cause exchange rates to vary daily.
Payment solutions that use the mid-market rate
Why pay more when you can use a secure, transparent, and fairly priced payment provider?
For all your foreign currency transactions, consider Wise.
The Wise account lets you hold 40+ different currencies and send money to 140+ countries.
Conversions are made at the mid-market exchange rate, without any hidden markups.
You’ll also get 8+ local account numbers (EUR, USD, GBP, etc.) — perfect for managing money internationally from France.
Open your Wise account now for free, with no monthly subscription.
Source:
Last verified on September 19, 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.
Money without borders
Find out more
Paying online in a foreign currency from France: how to avoid conversion fees?
How do you pay online in a foreign currency? What are conversion fees and how can you avoid them? What precautions should you take? Let's take a closer look!
BNP Paribas bank card limit in France: everything you need to know
What are the spending limits for the cards offered by BNP Paribas? How can I change the payment and withdrawal limits on the app and website?
Société Générale International Option: offers, rates, and fees for expats in France
Everything you need to know about the international option offered by Société Générale: what are the different offers? How much do they cost?
Sendwave money transfer from France: fees and complete guide
How do you send money with Sendwave and to which countries? What are the fees and charges? Find out everything in this guide!
Commission-free exchange office in France: how to save on your exchange fees?
What is a commission-free currency exchange? Does it really exist? How do you choose the right currency exchange? Investigation!
