In Numbers: How many people still use cheques in France?
- As of 2023, nine out of every 10 cheques issued in the EU were issued in France, according to the Banque de France. On the other side of the spectrum are Finland and
Denmark
, which have completely phased out cheques as a means of payment.
2.4 percent -
Despite being a European leader, cheque usage is dropping in France. According to a 2025 study by the Banque de France, cheques only represented 2.4 percent of the total number of transactions in France. In terms of overall euros spent, cheques only represent 1.2 percent of the total money spent.
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Nevertheless, cheques can still be important for certain purchases in France, such as offering a
dépôt de garantie
(deposit) on an apartment or holiday rental, or paying a medical bill at a traditional doctor's
cabinet
that may not be equipped with a card reader.
READ MORE:
French tax authorities considering phasing out payment by cheque
Changes over 22 years -
€500 billion was spent via cheques in 2022, compared to over €2,200 billion in the year 2000. Meanwhile, the amount of spending done via bankcards increased fivefold over the same period, outperforming cheques and reaching €750 billion as of 2022, according to
Le Dauphine.
Fraud
- According to
MoneyVox
, cheques are particularly at risk when it comes to fraudulent payments. Despite accounting for less than three percent of all transactions, cheques still account for 30 percent of total payment fraud. In just the first half of 2023, payment fraud by cheques amounted to €183 million.
Expensive processing
- By one estimate from PPI, a German banking consultancy, processing a cheque is 50 times more expensive than processing a wire transfer or card payment for banks.
As such, French banks have become increasingly reluctant to offer chequebooks. In fact, it is not a requirement for banks to offer a chequebook, but if a bank declines to offer one to their clients, they must offer an explanation.
Similarly, French shop owners can refuse payment by cheque, but if they do so, they must inform clients of this rule. Retailers can also ask that clients show proof of identity when paying by cheque.
Life of a cheque
- In France, cheques must be deposited within 1 year and 8 days. After that, they are no longer considered valid.
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