How to call your French bank from abroad
Updated
Short answer
To call a French bank from abroad, use its "depuis l'étranger" +33 number, not the 08 or 3xxx number on your card, and dial it from a browser-based service like RobinPhone. Calls to French landlines cost $0.02 a minute, your first minute is free, and you can wait on hold without roaming charges or a French SIM. The 09 numbers most banks use for card blocking work from anywhere.
A blocked card in Lisbon, a fraud text at 3 am Paris time, a transfer that needs a voice confirmation: French banks still want a phone call for the things that matter. The 3xxx short code and the 0800 line on the back of your card only connect inside France. Below is the number that works from abroad for each major bank, and the cheapest way to call it.
Calling a bank in another country? See how to call a bank abroad.
Need the tax office or Ameli instead? See how to call French administration from abroad.
Can't receive the bank's SMS code? See how to verify your account while abroad.
Why the 08 or 3xxx number doesn't work from abroad
French 0800 to 0899 numbers are special-rate lines routed for callers inside France, and four-digit codes such as 3933 (Société Générale) or 3639 (La Banque Postale) exist only inside the French network. Every bank publishes a separate +33 line for customers abroad, usually a 09 or 01 number labelled "depuis l'étranger". Dial it with +33 and no leading 0.
Only call a number you got from the bank itself
Use the number on the back of your card, in the bank's app, or on its own website (linked under each number below). Scam texts in French ("votre carte a été bloquée, appelez ce numéro") rely on you calling them back.
Never call a number from a text message, email or search ad, even if it shows your bank's name. If in doubt, block the card in the bank's app first (faire opposition), then call the official line.
Overseas numbers for French banks
The international lines each bank publishes for customers outside France. All are standard-rate +33 numbers, $0.02 a minute with RobinPhone.
| Bank | What it handles | Number from abroad | Hours (Paris) |
|---|---|---|---|
| BNP Paribas | Problems abroad, card blocking, general enquiries | +33 1 57 08 22 00Official source | Not stated; card blocking also in the Mes Comptes app, 24/7 |
| Société GénéraleLost or stolen cards | Card blocking (opposition) | +33 9 69 39 77 77Official source | 24/7 |
| Société GénéraleCustomer service | Accounts and everyday banking (3933 from abroad) | +33 1 76 77 39 33Official source | Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm, Sat 8 am–7 pm |
| Crédit Agricole | SOS Carte: lost or stolen cards, card blocking | +33 9 69 39 92 91Official source | 24/7 |
| La Banque Postale | Card blocking and card unblocking (choose 2) | +33 1 45 45 36 39Official source | 24/7 |
| BoursoBankVisa Classic, Welcome, 10–17 | Lost or stolen cards | +33 9 77 40 10 08Official source | Not stated; blocking also in the app |
| BoursoBankVisa Premier | Lost or stolen cards | +33 4 42 60 53 44Official source | Not stated |
| LCL | SOS Cartes: lost or stolen cards (Visa Infinite: +33 9 69 32 77 77) | +33 9 69 32 03 10Official source | Not stated; blocking also in LCL Mes Comptes |
| Caisse d'Épargne | Card and chequebook blocking | +33 9 69 36 39 39Official source | 24/7 |
| Crédit Mutuel | Lost or stolen cards, card blocking | +33 3 88 40 10 00Official source | 24/7 |
| Any French bankInterbank blocking line | Blocks a card from any French bank if you can't reach yours; confirm in writing afterwards | +33 4 42 60 53 03Official source | 24/7 |
Numbers checked on each bank's website on 24 October 2026. Some banks use different lines for premium cards; if yours is a Visa Premier, Infinite or Gold, check the number in your card guide. If a line doesn't answer, use the number on the back of your card or in the bank's app.
Step by step
- 1Block the card in the app first, if it's lostEvery bank above lets you "faire opposition" or lock the card instantly in its app. Do that, then call about a replacement.
- 2Open RobinPhone in any browserWi-Fi or data is enough. No app, no French SIM.
- 3Type the +33 number from the tableFor example +33 9 69 39 92 91 for Crédit Agricole's SOS Carte. Use the on-screen keypad for the menu ("tapez 1…") and to key in your card or client number.
- 4Say you're abroad if you can't get the SMS codeFrench banks send codes to French mobiles; if your SIM is out, say so early and ask for another check. Our guide to verifying your account while abroad covers the options.
- 5Stay on hold without watching the meterA 25-minute call, hold included, costs about $0.50. If you verify your own mobile number in RobinPhone, the bank sees your usual number as caller ID.
What it costs
| France landlines | $0.02/min |
Live landline rates, billed per minute. No connection fee. Full rates for 175+ countries
Common questions
How do I block my French card from abroad?
Use the bank's app (faire opposition) if you can; otherwise call its +33 blocking line from the table, or the interbank line +33 4 42 60 53 03, which works for any French bank. Confirm in writing afterwards, as French banks require.
Can I call a French 08 number from outside France?
Usually not. 0800 to 0899 numbers are routed for callers inside France. The 09 and 01 numbers banks publish for abroad work from anywhere.
How do I call Société Générale's 3933 from abroad?
Dial +33 1 76 77 39 33 instead, Monday to Friday 8 am to 8 pm and Saturday 8 am to 7 pm Paris time. For a lost card, the 24/7 line is +33 9 69 39 77 77.
Does the bank charge me for calling the overseas number?
No. The +33 lines above are "non surtaxé"; you pay only your own call cost, which with RobinPhone is $0.02 a minute.
What if I can't get the SMS verification code?
Tell the adviser you're abroad without your French SIM. Banks can usually verify you with security questions or through their app instead.
Is the first call free?
Yes. New accounts get a free 1-minute test call to French landlines, with no payment needed. After that you buy prepaid credit from $5 and pay $0.02 a minute. Credit never expires.
More guides
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