French bank checks: how to obtain them and avoid fraud

Bank checks in France are issued directly by a bank on a customer's request, with the amount immediately blocked or withdrawn from the account, guaranteeing payment to the beneficiary. They are commonly used for high‑value private transactions such as buying a used car, purchasing expensive second‑hand goods, or making payments to a notary, because they protect sellers from non‑payment.

To obtain a bank check, a customer must request it from their bank, which then prepares the check and provides it within a few days; fees and processing time vary by institution. Users are warned to beware of counterfeit checks, a frequent scam. In cases where a regular check bounces due to insufficient funds, French law allows the bank to pay checks of €15 or less automatically if presented within 30 days, and the issuer must reimburse the holder. The holder should first contact the issuer, possibly sending a registered letter, and may request the issuer’s bank to block the account until the amount is covered. Alternative payment methods such as a new bank check, a transfer, or cash can also be used to settle the debt.