Any French bank has the right to refuse the opening of a bank account for any person.
Many reasons can justify such a refusal. The bank is however not legally obliged to explain the reasons for its decision. As a matter of fact, in most cases banks refuse to explain why they refuse the opening of an account.
However, if a bank refuses to open an account for a company, it must provide a certificate or written letter of refusal to open an account.
This certificate or letter must indicate that the applicant can contact the Banque de France to designate an institution that will open an account for them.
The bank is obliged to give this certificate of refusal. Very often, banks do not provide it spontaneously, and the applicant must require it.
This certificate of refusal is very important, as it is a document which must be provided to Banque de France should the applicant decide to benefit from its right to have a bank account (art. L. 312-1 of the French Monetary Code) and solicit that the Banque de France designates a bank establishment who will be under the obligation to open such an account.
