Some French ATMs now allow card-free cash withdrawals - how does it work?

An increasing number of ATMs in France now allow you to withdraw cash without a card, via your banking app.

Not all banks yet offer the service, but those that do are calling it a step forward in convenience.

Two banks offering this are Banque Populaire, with its ‘SM@RT'retrait’ feature; and Crédit Mutuel, with its ‘e-retrait’ service.

How can I use this feature? 

In the case of Banque Populaire, it is not enough to have a Banque Populaire account and the relevant app; you must first activate the option with a company advisor.

For Crédit Mutuel, you can access the service at any time via its app, or the online customer area on your computer. Unlike with Banque Populaire’s SM@RT retrait service, children who have a Crédit Mutuel account or relatives can also use the service (if they have access to the details).

With each service, you can use your smartphone to choose which account to debit, enter the desired amount, and the date of the withdrawal. You will then receive a unique number which will be the access key at the bank’s own ATM (in the same way as a card PIN).

You can then withdraw cash from a selected ATM at the desired time using only your phone.

So far the service is only available from your own bank's ATMs. So, for example, you must use a Banque Populaire ATM if you bank with Banque Populaire, and a Crédit Mutuel ATM if you are a Crédit Mutuel customer, etc.

This may continue to be the case as more banks roll out the service although it could change in future.

Why would I use this feature?

The system could be useful for those who have their phone but forgotten their bank card; or who did not think they would need their card and later realise that they do need to pay for something.

It could also be useful for those who have lost or had their card stolen. Of course, in this case, you should still report it to the bank as soon as possible, and check any transaction statements to ensure they have not been a victim of fraud.

However, users who have lost their card, or had it stolen, could use this smartphone system to withdraw cash from an account immediately. This would give them quick access to their money, while the bank replaces their stolen card.

Similarly, as Crédit Mutuel allows children with accounts to use the service, you could set a cash amount and date of withdrawal in advance, and enable your child to withdraw cash without giving them the actual account card.

Smartphone payments

Most smartphones now offer the option to store your card details on them, with access granted via biometrics such as a fingerprint or face recognition. 

This means that you may not use the new ATM system at all and simply pay for purchases with your ‘card’ (even if you do not have the physical, plastic card with you) via your smartphone if you have your cards in the phone’s digital ‘wallet’.