Do French companies accept payments from UK bank accounts
Despite Brexit, UK banks remain part of the Sepa (Single Euro Payments Area) agreement
Be alert to charges if using a foreign currency account to make euro payments
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Reader Question: We will be moving into our new home soon. It comes with Orange Fibre. Will they insist on a French bank account to pay for the contract?
Despite leaving the EU, UK banks remain part of the Sepa (Single Euro Payments Area) agreement, which facilitates payments between banks from different countries in Europe, both those using the Euro and other currencies.
In theory, it means you can use your UK bank account to pay bills, including broadband contracts.
Read more: How can I cash a US bank cheque in France?
Be aware however, that not all companies may accept a UK bank account, or may discourage the process, instead preferring you to use a French bank account.
Orange does accept payments from Sepa accounts, meaning that you can use your UK bank account for your bills.
International transfers and direct debits within the Sepa zone do not generally incur charges at UK banks as such, but the transfer needs to be in euros, so a conversion is applied.
Depending on your bank, this may incur a fee.
Payments from a Sepa bank account to a French service should take no longer than one working day.
Read more: Do second home owners in France need a French bank account?
US banks, as well as those from outside of Europe, are not Sepa compliant, and it may not be possible to set up bill payments with them.
A full list of Sepa countries can be found here.
