This bank will close permanently in 2025, what will become of its customers ?

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It's over for Ma French Bank! The closure of the La Banque Postale subsidiary, which has been in place since 2024, will take effect in a few days. This closure is not surprising, as the French digital banking landscape has had a rather difficult year in 2024.

The closure process has already been underway since June 2024. La Banque Postale has taken the lead and has been supporting its customers since the announcement. A system has therefore been put in place to ensure a smooth transition.

Each account holder receives a letter detailing the procedure to follow, with an initial deadline of two months to initiate the closure of their account. Latecomers have a second chance: an additional 60 days' notice is given to them to organize the transfer of their assets.

Concretely, since December 4, customers can no longer use mobile payments. Exit Apple Pay and other digital wallets as well. A first step that already sets the tone for this gradual dismantling. However, La Banque Postale wants to be reassuring: until the final closure, customers retain full access to their accounts and funds.

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La Banque Postale plays the loyalty card

What then happens to Ma French Bank customers ? La Banque Postale is deploying a rather aggressive strategy to retain its customers. On the menu: a welcome bonus of 50 euros and free international transactions until the end of 2024. Not sure that this will be enough, as the competitors still alive are becoming more and more competitive.

Because this closure is not an isolated case. The French banking landscape is undergoing a real restructuring. In 2024, HSBC has already handed over to Crédit Commercial de France for its individual customers, i.e. 800,000 customers. Orange Bank has chosen another path by joining forces with Hello Bank!, the digital branch of BNP Paribas. With them, customer migration was accompanied by advantages of up to 430 euros.

In any case, the economic model of these establishments, often based on free services and rapid customer growth, may be showing its limits. Traditional players, who have developed their own digital solutions while maintaining a physical presence, seem better equipped to face the challenges of the sector. Apart from a few gems like Revolut for individuals, or Qonto for professionals.

• Ma French Bank is closing permanently in 2025, leaving 700,000 customers looking for an alternative
• A gradual closure process is being put in place with strict deadlines for closing accounts
• La Banque Postale is trying to retain its customers with a 50 euro bonus and specific benefits

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