Help Centre · FAQs
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Everything you need to know about opening an account, sending money to France, making payments, and our rental services, all in one place.
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Opening an Account
Getting started with Ibanista
Everything you need to know before you open your account and start transferring money to France.
How can I open a personal account online? +
Simply click on the provided link, complete the form, and upload your proofs of address and identification. The process is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.
Can I open an account over the phone? +
Regrettably, we do not offer phone-based account opening services at this time. All accounts must be opened through our online portal for security reasons.
Why is it necessary to open an account? +
Opening an account is crucial for security measures and to prevent fraudulent activities. It also ensures a personalised service tailored to your needs, including a dedicated account manager.
Why am I required to submit my identity documents? +
Requiring identity documents is a security measure to verify and safeguard your account, ensuring it remains in trusted hands. This is also a regulatory requirement under UK financial legislation.
Converting Currency
Your money, moved smarter
From spot contracts to forward contracts, how Ibanista helps you move money to France efficiently and cost-effectively.
Isn't it easier to use my bank to transfer currency? +
Foreign exchange is a specialised field, often outsourced by banks. With 15 years of expertise, our team ensures efficient, cost-effective transfers. Choosing a bank may lead to higher fees and prolonged processing times, often without a dedicated person to help you.
Do I have a dedicated account manager? +
Absolutely, every client is assigned a dedicated account manager for ongoing assistance. You'll have a real person you can call or email throughout the process.
What guidance do you provide on currency transactions? +
We equip clients with real-time market data enabling informed decision-making. Your account manager will explain your options, spot contracts, forward contracts, limit orders, and help you choose the right approach for your situation.
What are your transfer fees? +
Fees vary depending on the currency. In most cases, there are no transfer fees, offering you a cost-effective solution for your currency exchange needs. We incorporate a small margin into the exchange rate, this is explained clearly before you commit.
Which currencies does Ibanista offer? +
Ibanista offers 37 currencies including: Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Euro, US Dollar, UK Sterling, Swiss Franc, New Zealand Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar, Japanese Yen, Norwegian Krone, Danish Krone, Swedish Krona, Singapore Dollar, Saudi Riyal, UAE Dirham, and many more. Contact us if your currency isn't listed.
What is a Spot Contract? +
A Spot Contract is a straightforward agreement to exchange one currency for another at the current market rate. It's typically used for immediate transactions, settling within two business days.
What is a Forward Contract? +
A Forward Contract allows you to fix a specific exchange rate for a future date, providing protection against potential currency fluctuations. It's an excellent tool for budgeting and planning, particularly useful for property purchases in France where there's a gap between signing and completion.
What is a Limit Order? +
A Limit Order is an instruction to exchange currency at a specified rate or better. It's useful when you have a target exchange rate in mind and want to capitalise on favourable market movements without having to watch the market yourself.
What is a Stop Loss Order? +
A Stop Loss Order is a protective measure that allows you to set a minimum acceptable exchange rate. If the market moves against you and hits that level, the order automatically executes, protecting you from further adverse movements.
How do I know when to transfer? +
This is exactly what your dedicated account manager is here for. We'll discuss your timeline, budget, and risk tolerance, then recommend the best strategy, whether that's a spot transfer now, a forward contract, or a combination of both.
Making Payments
Sending funds safely and simply
How to send money to your Ibanista account, set up regular payments, and what happens when funds are on the move.
How do I send money to my Ibanista account? +
Your dedicated account manager will furnish you with your personalised account details. You can conveniently transfer funds via internet banking to this designated account.
Can I transfer money at any time? +
Yes, however, your account manager will provide a timeframe based on the type of contracts you are engaging in. Most transfers are processed within 1-2 business days.
Why do I need to prove the source of my funds? +
This is a regulatory requirement to ensure funds are not associated with illicit activities, upholding compliance standards. This is standard practice across all regulated financial services.
Can I set up regular payments? +
Certainly — your account manager can facilitate this for you, ensuring a seamless and timely process for recurring transfers.
Can I initiate a payment before depositing money? +
Yes, but please note that funds will only be processed and released once we receive your deposit.
My payee details are incorrect, what should I do? +
Contact your account manager immediately. They will guide you on the necessary steps to rectify the situation. Acting quickly is important once a payment has been initiated.
How will I receive confirmation that my payment has been sent? +
You will receive a confirmation email verifying the successful processing of your payment.
Who is authorised to deposit funds into my account? +
For third-party payments, approval from your account manager is required. Additional documentation may be requested to support such requests.
How will I be notified when a payment is received? +
You will receive a confirmation email promptly upon the arrival of funds in your account.
Rental Services
Finding your home in France
How our long-term rental assistance works, from dossier build to signed lease, and what's included.
What does the Ibanista rental service include? +
Our Long-Term Rental Assistance service is a full end-to-end service. We build your French dossier, search for suitable properties, contact landlords and agencies on your behalf in French, organise viewings, negotiate terms, and review the lease with you in plain English before you sign.
How much does the rental service cost? +
The service costs 1,500 €. We split this into two payments: 750 € upfront to begin the search and dossier build, and 750 € only once your lease is signed. If we're unable to secure a rental for you, you receive a full refund.
What if I don't have a French employment contract? +
This is exactly the situation we specialise in. Most of our clients are retired, freelance, or earning abroad, and French agencies often screen these profiles out before reading the application. We know how to present your dossier in a way that landlords understand and trust.
Can you help me if I'm not yet in France? +
Absolutely. We work with clients who are still based abroad and arranging their move remotely. We can organise virtual viewings and handle all communications on your behalf until you're ready to move.
What areas of France do you cover? +
We help clients find rentals across France, from Paris and Lyon to the south of France, Brittany, and the Dordogne. Book a free call to discuss your preferred location.
How long does the rental process typically take? +
It varies depending on your timeline, location, and budget. Some clients have keys within 3-4 weeks; others take longer. We'll set realistic expectations on your onboarding call and keep you updated throughout the process.
Still need help?
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France is calling.
Let's make sure you're ready.
From currency transfers to finding your rental, Ibanista handles the details so you can focus on your new life in France.
Call us on +44 203 376 5117 · Back to Ibanista.com