A practical guide to money management for Americans living in France. This section covers the FATCA compliance problem that makes French banking harder for US persons, which banks and digital solutions currently accept American clients, how to get a French IBAN before you have a permanent address, and how to navigate the proof of address catch-22 that blocks so many new arrivals. We also cover managing US brokerage accounts from France, the implications of holding Fidelity or Schwab accounts as a French tax resident, wire transfers, currency exchange, and how to structure your finances across two countries without triggering unnecessary reporting obligations. If money is moving between the US and France, this section tells you what to expect and what to prepare.
If you read one guide on this topic, make it French Bank Account for Americans: Which Banks Say Yes and What to Do If You're Refused.
Some French banks quietly decline US persons over FATCA. Refused? The droit au compte obliges the Banque de France to designate a bank for you within days.
Aurelio Maurici28 min read
A wire in euros can show no fee and still cost you in the exchange rate. How to send dollars to France, compare quotes in euros, and what the CFPB and IRS say.
Aurelio Maurici14 min read
Sending money from the US to France? The 1% remittance tax only hits cash-funded transfers. The exchange rate spread is the real cost. How to compare and cut it.
Aurelio Maurici15 min read
RIB, IBAN, virement, prélèvement automatique, and cheques explained for Americans in France: what each is, when you use it, and how to set each one up.
Aurelio Maurici19 min read
Americans in France can open a Livret A but it triggers FBAR and US tax. PEL, LEP, assurance-vie access, and the after-tax return calculation explained.
Aurelio Maurici17 min read
What French banks ask for, how to handle the proof of address problem, and the fastest path to a working account when you first arrive in France.
Aurelio Maurici17 min read
US accounts, the PFIC trap, the IFI wealth tax and its 5-year window, inheritance and FATCA: the complete money map for Americans moving to France in 2026.
Aurelio Maurici18 min read
What a French assurance-vie is, how France taxes withdrawals and the transfer to heirs, which U.S. reports it triggers, and what the official pages do not settle for Americans.
Aurelio Maurici11 min read
Most French investment products are PFIC tax traps for Americans. How the US-France treaty helps and where US citizens can actually invest in 2026.
Aurelio Maurici17 min read
France treats your 401(k) and IRA as foreign accounts. Form 3916 is due yearly, even with zero withdrawals. Roth treatment is unsettled. RMDs still apply.
Aurelio Maurici19 min read
Americans can get a French mortgage, but FATCA, the 35% debt ratio, assurance emprunteur, and income documentation create specific hurdles. Here's how.
Aurelio Maurici20 min read
Moving to France? Fidelity and Schwab may restrict your US brokerage account. What happens and which alternatives work for American expats.
Aurelio Maurici20 min read
Which US bank accounts to keep, credit cards, brokerage decisions, Medicare Part B, Social Security, and wire transfers before moving to France.
Aurelio Maurici20 min read
