Practical Guide 2005 - Banque Populaire Occitane

1.1 How does the account work?
1. Current account
A current account can be opened as a single
or a joint account (married couples or not, members
of the same family or not, etc...).
Power of attorney can be given to someone else in order
for this person to act on your behalf in all sorts
of banking transactions.
This account is not a savings account (no interest)
but is the account used for all your transfers, direct debits,
debit card and chequebook payments.
This current account is called “Compte de dépôt”,
not to be mistaken with a deposit account called
“Compte sur livret” or “Livret d’épargne”.
You will get a (free) monthly statement
for your current Account, in French or in English,
which can also be issued fortnightly,
weekly or daily if requested.You will not get a statement
for your savings account, but it is possible for you to access
all your accounts online.
1.2 The documents required
to open an account
How does the account work? 1.1
The documents required to open an account 1.2
Overdraft 1.3
- an authenticated copy of your passport,
- copy of your driving license,
- a recent utility bill of your permanent/legal address,
- copies of your last three months bank statements,
- copies of your last three payslips,
- copy of P60 or tax document,
- any documents necessary to substantiate your financial status.
These documents depend on your profession and the source
of your funds.
1.3 Overdraft
You must ensure that there is always sufficient funds
in your account in order to honour all payments you make.
However, an overdraft facility can be arranged
with your adviser, but be aware that even with an overdraft
facility, you will have to pay some charges (interests)
(“AGIOS”,“ARRETE DE COMPTE”,
“COMMISSION DE SERVICE”).
An overdraft facility in France is considered as a loan...
2. Debit cards
Using a debit card in France 2.1
Upgraded debit card : Visa Premier 2.2
Options 2.3
Credit cards 2.4
There are two means of payment you can use with a current
account:
- a chequebook
- a debit card
2.1 Using a debit card in France
Whether you use it for purchases or for withdrawing money,
your bank card will prove useful both in France and abroad.
You should be aware that cards do not work in the same way
as in the UK.
With these debit cards, as soon as you make payments
or withdrawals, it is immediately debited from your account.
You must always ensure that you have enough provision
in your account before you debit it
or you will have charges to pay for the overdraft.
When paying with a debit card :
You can use your card to pay up to a maximum
of 2 300 Euros per month (3 500 Euros for the Visa Premier).
When withdrawing cash with a debit card :
If you make a withdrawal at any Banque Populaire cash
point, you may withdraw up to a maximum of 900 Euros
per week (2 400 Euros for the Visa Premier)
in several transactions.
If you make withdrawals at any other Bank cash point
then the maximum will be 300.
A card can be ordered from your Bank Populaire adviser
and usually takes around 10 days to arrive at your legal
address.The 4 figures pin number will also be sent
to your legal address by post one or two days before
or after your card.
In order to activate your card, you need to enter the pin
number in a cash point or in a shop.
(You cannot activate a card by using it the first time on the
internet, for example, as you do not enter the pin).
In case of theft or loss: the emergency telephone number
for reporting a lost or stolen debit card or chequebook
if you are in France is : 01 77 86 24 24
If you call from abroad : 0033 254 546 724
If your card was stolen then you also need to report it
to the police.
2.2 Upgraded debit card : Visa Premier
2.3 Options
This debit card will allow you :
You can order safely online with an E-Carte Bleue,
which is one of the free services (Internet connection still
at your charge) offered by VISA for your every day shopping.
A unique virtual number will be given to you every time
you buy something online, which avoids you giving
your card number. As this unique number can only be used
once, it will be impossible to carry out a fraud on your card.
The virtual number will change for every purchase you make.
Furthermore, you will benefit from a delivery insurance
for an amount up to 6 000 Euros.
You will need to contact your adviser in order to activate
your E-Carte Bleue.This option will enable you
to pay certain purchases in three instalments according
to criterias agreed with your adviser.
Higher withdrawal and payment possibilities than
a classic card (payments up to a maximum of 3 500 Euros
over 10 days and withdrawals up to 2 400 Euros per week).
Insurance and assistance for all your travelling
(Repatriation, medical assistance for you and your family when
travelling together or separately, car rental insurance,
cover against cancellation/interruption of your holiday,
cover against flight or luggage delays, cover in case of theft
or loss of your card...).
Skying cover : help and search expenses, public liability,
ski pass refund, damage to skis… You and your family
are covered for all your mountain activities!
Many other Privileges :“Premier Voyages” and
“Premier Spectacles” agencies will help you to organize
your holidays and your leisure activities (preferential prices
for hotels, car rental and flights, exclusive offers for holidays/
short stays and week-end trips, instant telephone bookings
to all shows in Paris and throughout the country).
This debit card means SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS FOR YOU
as you do not have to take an insurance policy out
every time you travel as long as you pay your holiday
(journey and staying) with the VISA PREMIER card.
2.4 Credit card
With these cards, you can benefit from a cash reserve
facilitating your expenses management (interest to pay
from the moment you purchase with the card).
Only residents in France can apply for these cards.
Since July 2009, when buying on internet, you will also be asked
for your date of birth, unless you pay by e-card.
To make any large payment it is always better to write
a cheque, as the debit card in France has a payment limit.
Cheques are accepted everywhere and for any amount,
and you do not need a cheque guarantee card
(you may be asked to show some form of ID with a cheque
for a large amount,).
You must ensure that you always have enough provision
in your current account when writing a cheque,
as having a cheque rejected in France is very serious.
3. Chequebook
Different chequebook formats 3.1
How to fill in a cheque 3.2
You cannot cancel a cheque you have written and given
to the payee except if the cheque has been lost, stolen or
you have been victim of a fraud.
To obtain your first chequebook, you should make a request
to your Banque Populaire Occitane adviser.
It can be sent to your legal address or kept at your local branch.
When you have only 10 cheques left, another chequebook
will automatically be issued.
Each chequebook also contains R.I.Bs (Bank Details Slips).
3.1 Different chequebook formats:
1
3
2
5
4
6
3.2 How to fill in a cheque ?
1.
The amount in words
2.
The name of the beneficiary
3.
The amount in digits
4.
The place where you are when writing the cheque
5.
The date when writing the cheque
(a cheque is only valid for one year)
6.
Your signature
For your information:
- In case of a discrepancy between the figures and the sum
in words, the words prevail.
- A cheque is only valid for one year and eight days
- Always ensure that you sign the back of a cheque before
crediting it in your account
- It takes 3 days for a cheque to clear
If you are in need of permanent information
on your account situation, Internet banking can help
at a distance anywhere in the world,
24 hours a day with total confidentiality and security =
CYBERPLUS.
4.1 Access to the site
4. Internet Banking
Access to the site 4.1
The main transactions you can do online 4.2
You go to the website
www.occitane.banquepopulaire.fr
On the homepage, you need to click on
“Accéder à mes comptes” (access my accounts).
On the next page you need to type your ID number
(“QXXXXXX” ) under “Numéro d’abonné”
and your password under “Mot de passe”.
For your first connection:
you will have to change the password we initially gave you
“Mot de passe actuel”
with your own one “Nouveau mot de passe”.
Then enter again your new password to confirm it
“Confirmation du nouveau mot de passe”
Your password must be between 8 and 12 characters,
with at least one digit and one letter,
You cannot use space or special symbols (“ + & § ! ...)
4.2 The main transactions
you can do online
You need to use a Card-Reader
for some Digital Banking transactions.
But don't worry,
it's really simple and easy to use.
To contact your bank
by email “Mon espace” + “Contacter ma banque”
- “Ma demande” (your request)
- “Pour me répondre” (for the way, day and time you want
to receive your response).
To look at the balances and all the transactions of your
account(s) (“Mes Comptes” + click on the balance amount).
To search for a specific transaction within the last 90 days
(“Mes Comptes” + click on the balance amount
+ “Recherche écritures”).
To look at the interest earned for your savings account(s)
(“Mes Comptes” + “Intérêts acquis”).
Transfers (“Mes opérations” + “Virements”).
You can only transfer money within your accounts or
to a third party in France (prior to the third party’s bank
details having been entered by your adviser in the database).
You cannot transfer abroad.
To print your Bank Details Slip
(“Mes opérations” + “Impression RIB IBAN”).
To look at different exchange rates
(“Mes opérations” + “Cours en devises”).
5. Package:
Equipage ACB
Equipage ACB 5.1
DuoPlus 5.2
All accounts in our Bank are organised to be what
we call “active” which means that we will supply a set of services
attached in a constructive and low cost offer called
a package system EQUIPAGE ACB.
5.1 Equipage ACB
It includes:
A current account (compte de dépôt).
A savings account with yearly interest (Livret).
Funds are totally and immediately available and may be moved
from one account to the other without notice.
A secured access online for all your accounts.
Monthly bank statements in French or in English.
An international debit card (access in France and abroad).
An insurance for the means of payment against fraud, theft
or loss (chequebook and card are covered).
A term life insurance (Different types of cover available.
Contact your adviser for more details).
A minimum of 4 Parts Sociales (up to a maximum
of 750 Parts Sociales per holder).
An automatic “accounts manager”: DuoPlus.
5.2 DuoPlus
With DuoPlus, you decide the minimum amount to stay
in your current account every month, either to pay
your standing expenses or to keep an available lump sum
of money, and only the surplus money
of your current account will AUTOMATICALLY be transferred
to your savings account and bring interest at an attractive rate.
With this automatic transfer service
this surplus money is not “sleeping” in your current account
but is earning you interest.
With DuoPlus, your current account can never go in debit:
DuoPlus will identify all your impulse expenses
and will automatically transfer money back from your savings
to your current account (as long as there are funds
in your savings account of course).
All these transactions are clearly identified
(“Duoplus Aller” + “Duoplus retour” on your statements,
online banking…) DuoPlus means total peace of mind for you!
6.1 House Insurance
6. Insurance
House insurance 6.1
Car insurance 6.2
Complementary Health Insurance “Mutuelle” 6.3
A policy for everyone
Your advisor will help you to choose the best insurance cover
to suit your needs and budget.
Depending on the type of home you have (main or secondary
residence, house or apartment) or the contents
(furniture, high-tech, valuable objects),
you can choose from “Formule Confort” or “Optimal”.
Made-to-measure peace of mind
You’d like to feel even more at ease? Feel free then
to personalize your chosen policy with the options you really
need, such as legal defence (in case of lawsuits with
a neighbour for example) or additional cover for all exterior
fixtures such as swimming pools, fencing, etc.
Advantages which make all the difference!
If your home is uninhabitable because of an accident
- we refund your mortgage monthly instalments
- we refund the rent of a property while your house is being
repaired
- 24/7 assistance
6.2 Car Insurance
Mobility package
Assistance in case of a breakdown “zero km”
(that is to say assistance even if the breakdown
occurs at home). Replacement car
for a maximum period of 14 days if agreed
by the assistance.
Any experienced driver (25 years old or more with more
than 3 years driving licence) may drive the car
without being named.There is an overrated excess in case
the vehicle is driven by a young driver.
The cover for a Fully Comprehensive car insurance
contract includes:
- Damage to the car and other damages
as a consequence of the event.
- Public liabilities, third party risk.
- Juridical protection.
- Corporal damages to the driver up to 1 500 000 €.
- Theft.
- Fire, explosion.
- Storm, hurricane.
- Natural catastrophes.
- Broken windscreen, glass roof and headlight.
You can also opt for the following two package:
Financial package
If your car is stolen or cannot be repaired,
you will get an extra lump sum of money equal to
the price you bought the car for, if it happens within
the 24 months following the 1st registration.
After this period the extra lump sum will decrease.
In order to give you a quote, we will need:
- car registration papers / logbook (Carte Grise)
- driving license
- “no claim bonus” certificate (certificate from
your last insurance broker showing the maximum
number of years you have had without claim).
6.3 Complementary Health insurance
“Mutuelle”
There are several “complémentaires” top up medicals
which can be defined as follow:
Basic cover (also the cheapest) will pay you an equal amount
to what the French Social security refunds.
A common disease, a doctor's visit, medecines,
hospitalisation, surgery, heavy treatments are covered 100 %
when you subscribe to the basic complementary insurance.
The basic complementary insurance has obligation to refund,
if necessary, as much as what CPAM refunds.
Certain treatments are not very well refunded by the CPAM.
They mainly concern treatments to teeth, sight, hearing
(prothesis, braces, glasses, etc…)
As the basic complementary refunds as much as what
CPAM refunds, if CPAM refunds very little
then the complementary will also refund a small amount.
Example:You buy a pair of glasses for 250 €.
French Social security refunds 25 €.
Then the basic top up (Vitamin’100) will refund
maxi… 25 €.
Total: 50 €. 200 € will be from your pocket.
Therefore Mutuelles Complémentaires offer different
levels of cover.The higher level of complementary health
insurance you opt for, the higher refund you will get.
It means that glasses and teeth would be better covered
because on top of the very low refunding by CPAM,
the mutuelle would refund same as CPAM plus a lump sum,
which increases the higher your cover is.
The higher level of cover you choose, the higher premium
you have to pay too.
When subscribing for the first time to a mutuelle
complémentaire, you have also to be aware that there is
a period during which you have to pay before you are taken
in charge.
This period is called a “stage”:
- 3 months to pay before you are covered for basic
treatments to sight, hearing, teeth
and common illnesses.
- 6 months to be covered for hospitalisation.
- one year for dental prosthesis, transplants.
Once this period is done, it has never to be done again
even if you change from one broker to another.
The premiums are calculated for each person according to
their age when joining and the level of cover chosen
(Vitamin’ 100,Vitamin’ 200, Vitamin’ 300,Vitamin’ 500).
We will need your National Health Number/CPAM number
to join a complementary health insurance.
We offer competitive personal loans for all your purchases (car,
electrical equipments, etc…).
We also offer competitive mortgages to purchase land,
properties or to renovate an existing property.
The maximum duration is 25 years.
7. Mortgages
and Loans
You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire in English, in order
for your adviser to assess if you are eligible.
You cannot borrow against your property. In France, banks
will look at your incomes (not including the value
of your properties) and your charges (existing loans, rent,
credit card balances…).
If your debt level is less than 33% then you may be eligible.
The majority of our mortgages have a fixed rate.
We can also offer flexible rate mortgages and bridging loans.
Once your mortgage file has been accepted by our mortgage
department, the official offer will be sent to you.
You will have 11 days cooling-off period before signing
and returning it.
The offer is valid for 30 days.
Banques Populaires were born at the beginning
of last century, thanks to women and men’s initiatives
who were convinced that common capital fundings,
even when they were of small importance,
plus man’s will and solidarity, could contribute
to insure their projects and enhance the development
of our regions.
Sociétariat, what is it?
Societariat is originally a strong featuring of the cooperatives
spirit in which customers are sharing common interests.
This is the case of Banque Populaire which is a cooperative
banking Group, and develops the values of citizenship,
close partnership, and solidarity.
8. Parts Sociales
When you are a Sociétaire you are an actor
of the bank existence, contributing to the capital and to
the necessary means of its development.
The Board of chairmen of the Bank is constituted by
Sociétaires.
What is a Part sociale?
The Sociétaires of the Banques Populaires own 100 %
of the capital of the Bank.
The parts sociales are nominative shares of the capital open
to any person.
They are always refunded to their nominal value.
They normally pay a yearly dividend.
They also include a right of vote to name the successive board
of chairmen, and validate the main decisions taken by the bank.
Yearly general assembly of the sociétaires.
When requested, only a limited number of shares is allocated
to each client.
Parts sociales may be refunded at first demand
(one day notice).