Payment Processing in
France

France is a country with a strong tradition of cash usage, especially for smaller transactions and in-store purchases. However, digital payment methods are steadily gaining ground, driven by the increasing popularity of contactless payments, debit cards, and mobile wallets. France has a sophisticated payment system with a mix of traditional and modern methods. Credit and debit cards (primarily Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted, and contactless payments are becoming increasingly common. Online banking is prevalent, and bank transfers are routinely used. Cash retains a role, although its usage is gradually declining. Mobile payment solutions are gaining popularity but have not yet achieved universal adoption.

Estimated Population

67 million

Currency

Euro (€)

All supported payment methods for France:

SEPA Direct Debit, SEPA Credit, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Prepayment, Online Bank Transfer, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay International, Discover, Diners Club, Invoice Payment, Maestro

Popular payment methods

Mastercard

Credit/Debit Cards

Unlock a world of payment possibilities with Mastercard, a trusted global leader in secure and convenient transactions

American Express

Credit/Debit Cards

Elevate your business with American Express, a premium payment network that attracts discerning customers and drives higher-value transactions.

JCB

Credit/Debit Cards

JCB is a leading international payment network, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to reach a growing customer base, especially in Asia-Pacific.

UnionPay International

Credit/Debit Cards

UnionPay is the world’s largest payment network, offering businesses the opportunity to tap into the vast Chinese market and beyond.

Discover

Credit/Debit Cards

Discover is a leading payment network that offers a unique combination of security, rewards, and customer service, making it an attractive option for businesses.

Diners Club

Credit/Debit Cards

Diners Club is a global payment network renowned for its premium services and exclusive benefits, offering businesses access to a discerning clientele.

Invoice Payment

Invoice

A document outlining the details of a purchase, including the goods or services provided, the amount due, and payment terms.

Maestro

Credit/Debit Cards

Maestro is a debit card network primarily used for ATM withdrawals and point-of-sale purchases. It is often associated with Mastercard but operates as a separate network.

SEPA Direct Debit

Direct Debit

SEPA Direct Debit is a secure and convenient payment method for businesses operating within the European Union, allowing for automated payments from customers’ bank accounts.

SEPA Credit

SEPA Credit Transfer is a secure and efficient way for businesses to make payments within the European Union, streamlining cross-border transactions and simplifying international payments.

Apple Pay

Wallets

Apple Pay offers businesses a convenient and secure way to accept payments from iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users, enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales.

Google Pay

Wallets

Google Pay empowers businesses to offer a fast, secure, and convenient mobile payment experience, attracting a wide range of customers.

PayPal

Wallets

PayPal is a global leader in online payments, offering businesses a secure and convenient way to accept payments from millions of customers worldwide.

Prepayment

A payment method requiring buyers to pay for goods or services upfront before receiving them.

Online Bank Transfer

Online Bank Transfers

A widely accepted payment method, allowing buyers to make payments directly from their bank accounts.