Glossary

Billets = bank notes
 CB (carte bleue) = general term for all payment cards in France (both credit and debit)
 CEP (Compte d'Epargne Logement) = long-term saving account
 Change = exchange
 LDD (Livret de développement durable) = Sustainable Development Booklet
 Compte courant = current account
 Compte d'épargne = savings account
 Découvert = overdraft
 Distributeur = ATM (cash) machine
 Encaissement = cheque clearance
 Guichets automatiques = ATM (cash) machine
 Livret (or properly Compte d'Epargne sur le Livret) = savings account
 Payer en espèces/en liquide = to pay in cash
 PEL (Plan d'Epargne Logement) = long-term saving account
 PIN (Personal Identification Number) = 4-digit code which secures the payment cards
 RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) = bank account details;
 For some regular payments (e.g. electricity, phone or rent) or for other transactions (such as receiving your salary), you might be asked to provide a RIB, which provides your bank account details. It is available on your bank statements and in your chequebook. You can also usually print an RIB at an ATM machine or ask for one in your bank.
 Relevé de compte = statement of account
 Opposition = stop a payment order
 Solde = balance
 TIP (Titre Interbancaire de Paiement) = interbank payment; Often after providing your RIB, you will receive bills with a detachable slip called a TIP . This has the amount to be paid and your bank account details pre-printed on it. To make the payment, you date and sign it, then to send it to the specified address - ordinary mail is adequate.
 Virement = bank transfer