Caisse d’Epargne exchange rates and fees in France: the complete guide for expats
The savings bank charges fees on all foreign currency transactions. Is it possible to save money by taking advantage of the real exchange rate?
BNP Paribas foreign exchange fees: understand and reduce costs
BNP Paribas is one of the most established banks in France for managing everyday accounts and payment cards. But what are the fees when you use your card or account for foreign currency transactions abroad? Here’s what you need to know.
To help reduce the cost of your international transactions from France, you could consider a Wise account. It offers an alternative to traditional banking and applies the mid-market exchange rate on all currency conversions, without hidden markups.
Buying or transferring foreign currency with BNP Paribas: what are the fees?
Fees on international transfers
Here’s an overview of the standard fees for non-SEPA outgoing transfers made in a foreign currency with shared fees:¹
| Type of fee | Online | In branch |
|---|---|---|
| Issuance fees | * To a BNP Paribas subsidiary: €3 * Otherwise: €15 * Free if the transaction is in the same currency. | * To a BNP Paribas subsidiary: €8 * Otherwise: €20 |
| Exchange commission | Margin on the applied rate | Margin on the applied rate |
For non-SEPA incoming transfers, BNP Paribas applies a reception fee of €11.¹
Learn more about international transfers with BNP Paribas →
Card withdrawal fees abroad
BNP Paribas charges fees for withdrawals made outside the Eurozone. The amount depends on your card type:¹
- Visa Infinite card: 2% + €2.20
- Other cards: 2.90% + €3
Withdrawals made through the Global Alliance or BNP Global Network ATMs are free — excluding exchange fees or additional charges from local banks.¹
Card payment fees abroad
When paying by card outside the Eurozone, BNP applies the following fees:¹
- Visa Infinite card: 2% + €0.60
- Other cards: 2.90% + €0.90
Exchange rate fees with BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas does not use the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversions. Instead, it applies a marked-up rate — meaning you pay a hidden margin that isn’t clearly displayed.
For foreign currency card payments, the rate used is based on Visa’s internal exchange rate conditions.
For international transfers, BNP adds a commercial margin to the exchange rate, making it less favourable than the market rate.¹
Additional fees abroad
In some cases, local banks abroad may charge additional fees for ATM withdrawals. These may not always appear clearly on your account statement, depending on the local banking regulations.
Buying foreign currency from BNP before travelling abroad
If you’re travelling from France and want to buy foreign currency before you go, you can order it through BNP Paribas. However, the waiting time is about one week, and the service includes several costs:
BNP applies a commission within the exchange rate and charges an additional €4.50 for orders under €760.¹
You can also wait to withdraw or pay directly with your card once abroad — though this option involves additional fees.
Understanding BNP Paribas exchange rate fees
The foreign exchange markets
Foreign currencies can be traded on several markets. The three main types are:
- Spot market: The transaction and payment occur immediately.
- Forward market: The transaction is completed at a future date.
- Forex market: A speculative market based on currency pair fluctuations.
Purchase and sale prices: what’s the difference?
BNP Paribas applies two different rates depending on your operation:
- Buying currency: The bank uses a “selling price” (less favourable to you).
- Selling currency: The bank applies a “buying price.”
The cross rate is another concept — it represents the value of one currency compared to another, calculated via a third reference currency.
What is the exchange rate?
The “exchange rate” refers to the price of a currency on the interbank market — the rate at which banks exchange money between themselves.
As a BNP Paribas customer, you don’t benefit from this rate: the bank applies its own markup on top of it.¹
Why do exchange rates fluctuate?
Exchange rates vary constantly based on several factors.
In the short term, supply and demand play a major role — a currency becomes stronger when demand increases, and weaker when demand falls.
Over the long term, factors such as inflation, economic growth, and the country’s standard of living also influence a currency’s value.
Alternative providers offering fairer exchange rates
Managing exchange rates effectively can make a significant difference when making foreign transactions.
Today, several providers allow you to make international payments, withdrawals, or transfers using the mid-market exchange rate — without hidden markups.
Wise is one such provider. It offers a multi-currency account and debit card that help you save on all your international transactions.
With a Wise account, you can hold 40+ currencies and convert them at the mid-market exchange rate. Transfer fees are fair and always displayed transparently.
The Wise card lets you withdraw money wherever major cards are accepted. You can withdraw up to €200 per month for free (within 2 withdrawals) and use it just like any standard debit card.
Source: 1. [BNP Paribas Fee Schedule](https://mabanque.bnpparibas.com/content/dam/mabanque/rsc/contrib/pdf/conditions-et-tarifs/conditions-tarifaires-particuliers-2025.pdf)
Last verified on September 08, 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.
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