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CIC exchange rates and fees outside France and the SEPA zone

Soufiane Baba
Soufiane Baba
04.11.25
Read time 3 minutes

If you live in France and regularly make transactions abroad, it’s useful to know what CIC charges for payments, withdrawals, or transfers outside the SEPA zone. This guide explains how CIC applies its exchange rates and what fees you can expect — especially when paying or withdrawing in a foreign currency.

For lower fees abroad and conversions at the mid-market exchange rate, the Wise card could be a good option.

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CIC exchange rates: are they marked up?

When you make a transaction in a foreign currency, CIC applies the rate provided by the card issuer (Visa or Mastercard) at the time of the transaction.¹
However, this rate includes CIC’s own margin, so it is slightly marked up compared with the mid-market rate.²

By contrast, Wise always converts money at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden mark-ups, which could make it a more transparent alternative for foreign payments.

CIC fees for overseas transactions

Withdrawals outside the Eurozone

When you withdraw money abroad using your CIC card, specific fees apply depending on where and how you withdraw. Here’s what CIC charges for ATM withdrawals outside the Eurozone:²

Type of withdrawalFees
Withdrawal from another bank’s ATM2.90% + €3.30 (max. €10)
Withdrawal at another bank’s counter€10

On top of this, the exchange rate applied for the currency conversion includes a commercial margin — so the total cost may be higher than expected.²
Some foreign banks may also add their own ATM usage fee.

If you want to limit your costs abroad, the Wise card allows you to make up to 2 free withdrawals per month, totalling €200 (or equivalent in another currency). After that, a small 1.75% + €0.50 fee applies.

Payments abroad with CIC

When you make a payment in a foreign currency, CIC automatically applies transaction fees, in addition to its exchange rate margin.²

Type of transactionFees
Payment in a foreign currency2.90% + €0.33 (max. €10)

Be aware that some shops abroad may offer to charge you in euros instead of the local currency — a process called dynamic currency conversion.
It’s best to refuse, as these “conversions” usually involve higher rates than paying directly in the local currency.

If you want to reduce such costs, the Wise card lets you pay in the local currency with no extra fees when you already hold that currency in your account. If a conversion is needed, it’s done at the mid-market rate, with small and transparent fees.

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CIC transfers outside the SEPA zone

International transfers with CIC come with the following fees:²

Type of operationFees
Transfer sentOnline: €17.50 / At the counter: €22.90
Transfer received€17.50
Exchange commission€10

Additional fees may also apply — for example, correspondent bank fees if the transfer passes through intermediary banks, or reception fees from the recipient’s bank.

CIC vs Wise: exchange rate comparison

CIC’s dollar-to-euro rate

When you make transactions in US dollars with CIC, the bank applies its own commercial margin on top of the exchange rate.²
This means your euros are converted at a slightly less favourable rate than the mid-market rate.

Wise’s exchange rate

With Wise, your foreign currency transactions are always converted at the mid-market exchange rate, without mark-ups.
Some currencies are even guaranteed for a short period, so you’re protected if the market rate suddenly changes.

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FAQ: CIC foreign exchange fees

What exchange rate does CIC apply?

CIC applies the rate in effect at the time of your transaction, which includes the bank’s margin.²

How much does a non-SEPA transfer with CIC cost?

Transfers outside the SEPA zone cost €17.50 online and €22.90 at the counter. Receiving a transfer costs €17.50, plus a €10 exchange commission.²

What are the fees for a CIC withdrawal abroad?

Withdrawals outside the Eurozone cost 2.90% of the amount + €3.30 per transaction (capped at €10). Withdrawals at another bank’s counter cost €10.²
In both cases, an exchange rate margin is also applied.²

What are the fees for payments abroad?

CIC applies a 2.90% commission + €0.33 per payment (up to €10), plus the exchange rate margin.²

Save on foreign payments and withdrawals with Wise

With the Wise card, you can manage your spending abroad with ease and transparency. It allows you to:

  • Pay in local currencies without fees when no conversion is needed.
  • Make 2 free withdrawals per month (up to €200 or equivalent).
  • Convert your money at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden mark-ups.
  • Order your card for a one-time €7 delivery fee, with no monthly subscription.

Your international transfers from the Wise account are also fast, transparent, and come with no hidden costs.

Order your Wise card

Sources:

  1. CIC General Terms and Conditions
  2. CIC Price List

Last verified on July 3, 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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