High fees, the absence of a vending machine nearby, disappointing customer service, moving to another city: here are some reasons to change bank account. Thanks to the Macron law facilitating the bank mobility, the change of account, which involves closing one account and opening another, is now simpler. Opening a new account means getting a new RIB. This personal number identifies your bank account and allows you to receive and issue transfers.
Thus, if you have changed your account or opened a new one, you must inform all your payment partners of your new bank details, therefore the RIB. Do it quickly after the change to avoid any discharge of flow, which can be unfortunate and costly. So, who warns first?
Employers and clients: The first to prevent
Your employer and customers are the first to know your new bank details in order to continue payments without interruption.
Inform your employer: Steps to follow
To ensure that your salary reaches your new account, notify your employer as soon as possible and provide the new BIR. This can be done via your HR service or online, depending on your company's procedures.
Clients: Ensure continuity of payments
If you change your account, it is also vital to notify your regular customers. Update the bank information on your invoices and notify them by email or mail to avoid failed payments on the old account. For example, loyal clients such as SMEs can be notified with a formal letter template to ensure a smooth transition.
Documents required for updating
- New RIB: Essential for transactions.
- Change form: Used by some companies.
- Former RIB: For reference if necessary.
Pre-authorized debited providers: Ensure continuity of your services
Providers who debit your account directly must also be informed to avoid service interruptions.
Edit Your Online Banking Information
Use the providers' websites to change your banking information quickly. This includes insurance companies, service subscriptions (telephone, internet), etc. Today, according to the Bank of France, 75% of companies accept the online update.
Issue an official letter
For providers without online update options, send an official letter with your new RIB and a request to modify the bank information. Use a letter template for clarity and professionalism.
Audit of Change Consideration
Check each provider after modification to ensure your new contact information has been taken into account. It is crucial to check your statements regularly to confirm that the samples are taken from your new account.
Public benefits: Informing State bodies
To ensure the continuity of public services, it is imperative to update your bank details with the various public bodies.
Online steps to update your information
Visit online portals of organizations such as CAF or Pôle Emploi to update your banking information. Follow the instructions to ensure a correct update. For example, on the CAF site, about 1 million RIB changes are made each year.
Visits to physical offices
If online approaches are not possible, go directly to the offices of the organizations concerned to make the changes. Bring your new BIR and supporting documentation. For example, the Paris CAF accepts changes directly on site, with immediate consideration.
Specific deadlines and procedures
Time frames for consideration may vary between organizations. Check specific procedures and deadlines on their official websites or by contacting their customer services. In general, changes are taken into account within 10 working days.
Tax Service: Update to avoid tax worries
Updating your bank details with the tax department is essential to avoid debit problems.
How to declare your new contact information
Visit the tax website and select the appropriate section to change your banking information. Prepare your new RIB and follow the instructions. For example, on the online tax return, click on the section « Bank details » and update the information.
Preferences for paper returns
For more security, it is often wise to send an official letter to indicate your new RIB for future levies. This ensures a trace and proof of your request.
Synchronization with tax returns
Make sure that the change is effective before the next tax due date to avoid any interruption or error in collection. For example, in France, source levies must be updated before 31 December to ensure their proper functioning the following year.
To learn more about the steps to take, discover our full guide on how to change bank without charge.
To learn all about the steps to be taken, discover how a bank change takes place With ease.
What remedies are available in case of problems?
In case of difficulties or refusal of bank change by your former bank, there are remedies to guarantee your rights.
Contact ACPR
If your bank refuses to take bank mobility into account, please contact the Supervisory and Resolution Authority's (ACPR) Business Practices Control Directorate for a complaint. The CAPRA deals with approximately 7,000 claims per year, a majority of which concern problems of bank mobility.
Request mediation
In case of persistent litigation, ask a bank mediator through the services offered by your bank or a consumer association to find an amicable solution. In France, banking mediation is successful in more than 80% of cases, according to the annual report of the Banking Mediation.
Compensation for injury suffered
In case of damage caused by non-compliance with the banking mobility procedure, you are entitled to compensation. Make sure you collect all the necessary evidence to justify your request. For example, for the costs of rejecting unwarranted levies, your bank must reimburse you in full.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about bank account change
Find out the answers to the most frequent questions about bank mobility and account change.
What if my bank refuses to change the account?
If your bank refuses your request for bank mobility, check if there are irregularities in your account, such as overdrafts or current loans. Once the situation is settled, resubmit your application.
What are the deadlines for each stage of the transfer?
The deadlines vary for each step: 2 days for the initial application, 5 days for the original bank's response and 10 days for informing debtors and creditors. See our timeline chart for more details.
Is the bank mobility service free of charge?
Yes, the bank mobility service is completely free, as stipulated by the Macron law. Banks cannot charge you for this service.