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Credit vs debit card in France: what’s the difference?

Soufiane Baba

11.11.25

Read time 2 minutes

When talking about bank cards in France, confusion is common. Many people believe they’re using a credit card when, in reality, it’s a debit card — and vice versa. To avoid any mix-up, it’s essential to understand how these two payment cards differ. So, how can you tell them apart? Let’s take a closer look.

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What’s the difference between a debit card and a credit card in France?

The term “credit card” is often used incorrectly. In fact, most people who say they have one actually use a debit card. Here’s how they differ.

Debit card

A debit card is directly linked to your current account and is the most common type of card issued by banks. It allows you to withdraw cash, make in-store or online payments, and the amount is debited immediately from your account.

These cards usually display the “CB” logo for domestic use, or Visa/Mastercard logos if they can be used internationally.
For example, the Wise debit card lets you pay worldwide at transparent rates, using the mid-market exchange rate for any currency conversion.

Credit card

A credit card is different. It’s not directly linked to your current account but to a line of credit offered by the bank. Purchases made with a credit card are debited later, usually once a month — often at the end of the billing cycle.

This deferred payment gives you more flexibility and can help manage one-off or seasonal expenses, such as holidays or taxes. However, since it’s a credit product, banks must clearly display the term “credit card” (a legal requirement under the Murcef law since 2001¹).

Note: most traditional credit cards are not accepted for international payments, while debit cards generally are.

Credit vs debit card: which should you choose in France?

The choice depends mainly on how you manage your money.

If you prefer close control over your spending, a debit card is the better option — payments are deducted immediately, making it easier to track your balance and avoid overspending. However, debit cards are sometimes refused for certain transactions due to lower security guarantees.

If you need flexibility — for example, for car rentals, large purchases, or delayed payments — a credit card may be more suitable. It allows you to pay for goods or services and settle the total amount at the end of the month. Credit cards also come with extra guarantees, like travel insurance or purchase protection.

Debit or credit card for car rentals

If you’ve ever rented a car, you’ll know that most rental agencies don’t accept debit cards — even if your account has enough funds or an authorized overdraft.

Some agencies will accept them only if you purchase additional insurance as a guarantee, which can be costly.

To rent a car easily, you’ll usually need a credit card in the driver’s name. This allows the rental company to block a deposit (as security) and charge any extra costs, such as damages, later. With debit cards, this type of guarantee isn’t possible.

FAQ: Credit vs debit card in France

How can I tell if my card is a credit or debit card?

If your card was issued after June 9, 2016, the type is clearly printed on it — “débit” for debit cards and “crédit” for credit cards.
If there’s no mention, contact your bank to confirm.

Are Visa or Mastercard cards credit or debit?

Contrary to popular belief, most Visa and Mastercard cards are debit cards, not credit cards.
The payments are taken directly from your current account, not deferred through a credit line.

The Wise debit card: for everyday use and international travel

For a €7 delivery fee, you can order the Wise debit card and use it in over 150+ countries and more than 2.3 million ATMs worldwide.

It’s compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and payments are free if you hold the transaction currency.
If currency conversion is needed, Wise applies fair, transparent fees based on the mid-market exchange rate — with no hidden markups.

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Source:

Murcef Law

Last verified on September 24, 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.

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