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Caisse d’Epargne exchange rates and fees in France: the complete guide for expats
Caisse d’Epargne makes it easy to pay, withdraw, and transfer money in foreign currencies.
However, this flexibility comes at a cost — especially when it comes to exchange rate markups and transaction fees.
If you want to reduce these surcharges on your international payments and withdrawals, consider a Wise account. Wise applies the mid-market exchange rate and charges only fair, transparent fees — no hidden costs.
Buying foreign currency at Caisse d’Epargne: fees to expect
Caisse d’Epargne’s exchange fees vary between regional branches.
The following examples are based on Caisse d’Epargne Île-de-France.
Incoming and outgoing transfer fees
Outgoing transfers
For non-SEPA transfers made in foreign currencies:¹
| Type of transfer | Fees |
|---|---|
| Sending a transfer | * 0.10% (min. €23) * Exchange commission: 0.05% (min. €15) * Correspondent fees: €25 |
| Receiving a transfer | * €15 * Exchange commission: 0.05% (min. €15) |
Learn more about international transfers with Caisse d’Epargne →
Withdrawal fees
Outside the euro area, Caisse d’Epargne applies both fixed and variable fees:¹
| Type of withdrawal | Fees |
|---|---|
| ATM withdrawal at another bank | 2.80% + €3.20 |
| Branch withdrawal | 2.80% + €6.25 |
Card payment fees
Every card payment made outside the euro zone incurs these charges:¹
| Proportional commission | 2.80% |
|---|---|
| Fixed commission | €1 |
Exchange rate-related fees
Caisse d’Epargne does not specify the exact exchange rate it applies.
However, it clearly states that an exchange commission is added to every transaction in a foreign currency.¹
Local ATM surcharges
Some foreign banks may add a local surcharge when you withdraw from their ATMs.
Depending on local laws, these extra costs may not appear on your French bank statement.¹
Buying foreign currency at Caisse d’Epargne: how it works
You have two main options:
- Buy before you travel: You can order foreign currency at your Caisse d’Epargne branch. Expect a delay for availability and a 3% service fee (min. €5).¹
- Use traveller’s checks: These also incur a 3% commission (min. €5), but keep in mind they are not accepted everywhere.¹
- Withdraw or pay abroad: You can use your bank card abroad, but each transaction will include a foreign exchange surcharge.
| 💰 Tip: Want to save money on exchange rates? The Wise account lets you use the real mid-market rate with no hidden markups! |
|---|
All about exchange rate fees
The different currency markets
The market you buy or sell currencies on affects the final price:
- Spot market: Exchange and payment happen simultaneously.
- Forward market: Payment occurs at a future date; the final rate depends on market fluctuations.
- Forex market: Traders speculate on the relative value between two currencies.
How currencies are valued
Caisse d’Epargne applies different rates depending on the transaction type:
- Selling rate: When the bank sells you a foreign currency.
- Buying rate: When you sell your foreign currency back to the bank.
- Cross rate: The value of one currency against another, based on a third (reference) currency.
What is an exchange rate?
The exchange rate is the price at which banks trade currencies with each other — also called the “interbank” or “mid-market” rate.
You can check it at any time on an online converter.
Why do currency rates fluctuate?
Rates vary due to multiple factors:
- Supply and demand imbalances.
- Economic performance and living standards.
- Political decisions, such as fixed or pegged exchange rates.
With Wise, get the mid-market rate with no limits or hidden markups
To ensure transparent pricing and lower costs, consider Wise, which always uses the mid-market exchange rate.
Wise guarantees transparent, no-surprise pricing and can even lock in your rate for around 48 hours — so you know exactly what you’ll pay.
With the Wise account, you can also choose when to convert your money, making budgeting easier for expats in France.
Source:
Last verified on September 21, 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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