Best bank for students : 2026 comparison
Are you a student and don't know which bank to choose in 2026? Between account maintenance fees that can quickly add up and apps that crash, choosing your student bank can quickly become a headache.
Are you looking for a bank that costs you nothing, or rather a partner that supports you for your first student accommodation? Having a good bank with a solid offer that meets your needs is essential.
Don’t panic, we’ve reviewed the 2026 offers for you. In this article, we’ll compare traditional banks, online banks and neobanks so you can find the perfect match. We’ll talk about fees, withdrawal limits, instant transfers, and even insurance for your internships abroad. Ready to grow your euros? Let’s go!
How to choose your bank when you’re a student?
Choosing your first bank isn’t just about comparing welcome bonuses. In 2026, with an average increase in banking fees of 3%, every criterion counts to keep control of your banking finances. A good bank account must adapt to your student income.
The 5 main criteria for choosing your bank
Before confirming your registration, scrutinize the offer based on these five essential points:
- Conditional free services: Most online institutions (BoursoBank, Fortuneo) are free, but often require a payment per month with the card to avoid non-use fees (between €2 and €5). A free bank card with included services is a major asset for students.
- Overdraft management: If you have a tight budget, choose a bank that doesn’t apply intervention fees. An unexpected credit can quickly become expensive without a good payment offer.
- International mobility: If you’re considering a semester abroad, check that payments outside the euro zone are unlimited and free. The cost of withdrawals in foreign currency can vary from one bank to another.
- Bank card by debit type (Immediate vs Deferred): For students, immediate debit is recommended. The standard debit card remains the safest tool to avoid excessive withdrawals and maintain a positive balance each week.
- Access to interest-bearing savings: Don’t let your euros sleep. Check if you can open a Young savings account (average rate of 2.4% to 3% in 2026) or an LEP. A savings account is perfect for saving your income each week.
The 3 types of banks that exist in 2026
Each student profile has different needs. Here are the three options available on the market:
What is the best bank for students? The 2026 comparison
1. BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama)
It’s the favorite online bank. Its Welcome offer is an offer without any income requirements. In addition to the free student bank card, you have access to instant transfer services. BoursoBank is the leader in the banking sector for young people.
2. Fortuneo
The Fosfo offer provides an international visa card with a high level of insurance. It’s one of the few banks to offer zero fees on withdrawals, without any restrictive limit. The fosfo card from Fortuneo is ideal outside the euro zone.
3. Revolut
More than a bank, it’s a coach. Its standard offer is free. The “Pockets” allow you to manage your unlimited payments. The balance display is immediate, perfect for monitoring your euros. Revolut makes studying abroad easier.
4. Hello bank!
A subsidiary of BNP Paribas, the Hello One offer is perfect for a cash deposit. You benefit from a network to make free withdrawals everywhere. Hello bank! combines the flexibility of being online with banking security.
5. Monabanq
Accessible without income requirements, Monabanq offers a dedicated advisor. It’s one of the few online banks that accepts check deposits. Monabanq offers quality services for a minimal price in euros.
6. Société Générale (Sobrio Jeune)
The traditional bank Société Générale offers a robust digital offer. The insurance included with your card covers the loss of your keys or your visa. These insurance policies and services are a real plus for the security of students in higher education.
7. Crédit Agricole (Globe-Trotter)
A payment offer designed for 18-30 year olds. At Crédit Agricole, you have an advisor to discuss credit or a student loan, while enjoying a card with no fees outside the euro zone. It’s an ideal banking solution to combine a physical branch and online services.
Why do BoursoBank and Fortuneo dominate the youth market?
Their secret? They speak the language of students: total free services. In 2026, they’re the only ones offering a bank card with basic services included. These online banks allow you to keep your euros for your leisure activities. With BoursoBank and Fortuneo, the card is free and without prohibitive income requirements. It’s the most competitive offer in the banking sector.
💡 Expert advice for choosing wisely:
- Want a free card? Go with BoursoBank or Fortuneo.
- Need loans or credit for your studies? Choose traditional banks.
- Are you a student in a hurry? Revolut is unbeatable for instant account opening.
The comprehensive 2026 comparison table (Student special)
What is the best bank for foreign students in France?
If you’re coming from abroad, the bank is your priority to receive income, a salary, or a scholarship in euros. When you’re a foreign student in France, the following three criteria are important:
1. Opening an account without proof of income: neobanks
Neobanks like Revolut are ideal because they don’t require income requirements or pay slips. The standard offer is free and allows unlimited payments and easy withdrawals from your arrival.
2. Managing your money transfers and currencies without fees
Sending money can be expensive in banking fees. Institutions like Revolut or Fortuneo allow you to save many euros. An international transfer is much simpler than at a traditional bank, with an often instant exchange rate.
3. Getting a French RIB
Having a “FR” RIB is crucial for an instant transfer of your benefits (CAF) or your income. Services like BoursoBank, Hello bank! or Monabanq offer this essential service for your studies and rent.
Guide : How to open a student account (steps and documents)
Step 1: Choose your institution based on your profile
- Scholarship recipient: Priority to free and complimentary services (BoursoBank, Fortuneo).
- Work-study student: With your income, you can aim for a Premier card or a premium Visa card.
- International student: Neobanks (Revolut) for an instant French IBAN.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Prepare your ID (visa, national ID card), proof of student status (student card) and proof of address.
Step 3: Signature and initial deposit
The signature is done online securely. An initial deposit by transfer is often required to activate your card. It arrives at your home within a week.
Loans, savings accounts and budget management : essential banking services
Managing your money in 2026 means using the right tools to avoid fees and finance your projects.
How to get a zero-interest student loan?
The student loan is a specific credit that allows you to repay your studies only after obtaining your degree. Here are the options to prioritize:
- The good deal: Aim for 0% interest micro-loans (often up to €5,000) offered by Crédit Agricole or Société Générale at the start of the academic year.
- Without guarantor: Use the government guarantee (Bpifrance) if your relatives cannot act as guarantors.
Livret A, LEP and youth savings: grow your money
Don’t let your euros sit idle in your checking account and invest them to earn interest without any risk:
- Livret Jeune: It’s the best rate for 18-25 year olds, with a cap limited to €1,600.
- LEP (Livret d’Épargne Populaire): If you’re a scholarship recipient or file your own tax return, it’s the savings account that offers the highest return on the market in 2026.
- Livret A: It’s your emergency savings, available with one click to pay your security deposit or an unexpected expense.
Managing your budget without overdraft
The goal is to avoid overdraft fees thanks to digital tools integrated directly into your banking app:
- Real-time notifications: Enable instant alerts after each payment (Revolut, BoursoBank, Fortuneo) to track your balance in real time.
- Budget vaults: Set aside your rent money at the beginning of the month using the “Pockets” or “Vaults” features available at Revolut or Monabanq.
- Limits: Block your spending via your app by adjusting your withdrawal and payment limits if your monthly budget is nearly reached.
FAQ
FAQ : Frequently asked questions about the best bank for students
BoursoBank and Fortuneo dominate thanks to their free services and no fees abroad.
Tip: Check that account maintenance fees are waived and that your Visa card includes insurance coverage for your travels.
BoursoBank’s Welcome offer or Revolut are ideal to start without income requirements.
The tip: Choose an account allowing free payments and withdrawals outside the eurozone to anticipate your future internships or vacations without extra costs.
Revolut or Nickel prevent any overdraft and overdraft fees thanks to balance control. The plus: A standard offer is enough to manage your budget, as it blocks payments if money is missing, thus preventing you from accumulating banking incidents.
Crédit Agricole or Société Générale perform well for micro-loans at the start of the academic year.
Good to know: Application fees are often waived. Even with a standard account, this facilitates your withdrawals at branches and strengthens your banking relationships throughout France for the future.
Revolut and BoursoBank are the best options because they provide a French IBAN immediately, essential for CAF benefits or rent.
The extra tip: Choose these banks because exchange fees are often waived, which allows you to save on your payments compared to a traditional bank. Additionally, their Visa card guarantees lower-cost withdrawals throughout France and internationally from your arrival.
