Société Générale Multi-Currency Account: what you need to know

More and more individuals and businesses in France need to hold multiple currencies for their travels, international activities, or cross-border transfers. But does Société Générale actually offer a multi-currency account? Here's what you need to know.

You’ll also discover an easy solution to hold multiple currencies and convert your money at the mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups: the Wise Account.

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Société Générale multi-currency account: does this option really exist?

There isn’t currently a Société Générale account that allows you to hold multiple currencies at the same time. Most Société Générale accounts in France are denominated in euros and designed for everyday use.

That said, the bank does offer various international options that make it easier to send or receive money in other currencies, and to manage foreign currency while travelling.

In practice, you can carry out transactions in foreign currencies, but there’s no single Société Générale account that lets you hold all your currencies in one place — unlike alternatives such as the Wise Account.

Société Générale and foreign currency transactions: what options do customers in France have?

Make purchases and withdrawals in foreign currencies with your card

When you travel abroad from France, your Société Générale card allows you to pay for purchases and withdraw cash directly in the local currency. The conversion happens automatically.

However, each transaction incurs fees — both for payments and withdrawals — and a markup is added to the exchange rate.¹

For frequent travellers, Société Générale offers an international option (paid monthly) that reduces or removes many of the fees on payments and withdrawals abroad, excluding currency conversion costs and any fees charged by correspondent banks.¹

If you’d like to avoid ongoing fees without subscribing to a monthly plan, consider the Wise card. For a one-time delivery fee of €7, it lets you spend like a local almost anywhere in the world.

Buy your foreign currency in advance

If you prefer to have cash on hand before leaving France, Société Générale allows you to order foreign currency in advance, either in a branch or directly through your online account.

This can be useful for destinations where card payments aren’t always accepted.

Keep in mind, however, that ordering foreign cash incurs a commission on the amount, plus a markup on the exchange rate. The final cost is therefore higher than the market rate.¹

Transfer money abroad from France

If you need to send money abroad from France, Société Générale offers international transfers in various currencies directly from your account.

However, as with many traditional banks, each transfer comes with fixed fees and a markup on the exchange rate — meaning regular or large transfers can quickly become costly.

Read also: International transfers with Société Générale →

Wise: a simple way to hold and convert multiple currencies from France

If you regularly use or receive money in several currencies, Wise allows you to hold 40+ currencies in one account. Whether you’re sending money abroad, receiving income, or paying during your travels, it’s all managed from the same place.

Conversions are made at the mid-market exchange rate — the rate you’ll find on Google — with no hidden fees or markups, so you always know how much you’re paying or receiving.

The Wise Account also lets you send low-cost transfers to 140+ countries, whether for personal or business purposes.

The Wise card, linked to your account, allows you to pay directly in the local currency without extra fees if no conversion is needed. If a conversion is required, it’s done automatically at the mid-market rate, with fair and transparent fees.

You can also make up to 2 free ATM withdrawals per month, up to €200 in total.

Open your Wise Account

FAQ: Société Générale multi-currency account for customers in France

What are the benefits of a multi-currency account?

A multi-currency account lets you hold several currencies in one place, simplifying international payments, currency withdrawals, and transfers. It can also help reduce conversion costs when managing money across countries like France, the UK, or the US.

How many currencies can a multi-currency account hold?

That depends on the provider. Some services support only a few, while others (like Wise) let you hold dozens of currencies in the same account — ideal if you live in France and frequently make payments abroad.

How can I track my spending and transfers in multiple currencies?

Most online and multi-currency accounts allow you to view your balances and transactions by currency. You can easily track and manage your activity from an app or online dashboard, directly from France.

Can the card linked to a multi-currency account be used worldwide?

It depends on the provider. For instance, with the Wise card, you can pay and withdraw cash in 150+ countries, making it convenient for your travels and online purchases from France.

Is it possible to receive money in multiple currencies in the same account?

Yes. A multi-currency account lets you receive money in different currencies — for example, euros, pounds, or dollars — without having to open separate accounts in each country.

Is it easy to convert money from one currency to another?

Yes. Most multi-currency accounts allow instant conversions between currencies. With solutions like Wise, conversions are done at the mid-market rate, often making them cheaper than at traditional French banks.

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.