Nickel

Nickel is a French neobank that revolutionized accessibility to banking services. It allows anyone to open a bank account in 5 minutes at a local tobacconist (Tabac) or online, without income conditions or overdraft possibilities. Users receive a French IBAN and a Mastercard debit card instantly.

Now owned by BNP Paribas, Nickel has expanded to Spain, Belgium, and Portugal. It is a legitimate and vital financial tool for the unbanked or those excluded from traditional banking, providing a secure place to deposit cash and receive salaries. It charges a modest annual fee rather than hidden overdraft fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I open an account with bad credit?

Yes, Nickel does not perform credit checks and does not allow overdrafts, so anyone can open an account regardless of their financial history or income level. It is designed to be inclusive.

2. Where can I deposit cash?

In France, you can deposit cash directly into your Nickel account at thousands of partner tobacconists (Tabacs) across the country. The funds are credited to your account instantly.

3. specific annual fee?

Yes, Nickel charges an annual subscription fee of €20 (or similar depending on the country). This fee covers the account maintenance and the provision of the Mastercard.

4. Is it a real bank?

Nickel is a payment institution regulated by the ACPR (Banque de France). While not a traditional bank, it is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, ensuring high security and stability for your funds.

5. Can I use it abroad?

Yes, the Nickel Mastercard works worldwide anywhere Mastercard is accepted. They offer competitive exchange rates and a premium "Nickel Chrome" card for lower fees on international transactions.