Overview of Hello Bank
Hello Bank is the online banking arm of BNP Paribas, the largest banking group in the eurozone. Launched in 2013, it serves approximately 700,000 customers in France. Its unique positioning rests on a hybrid model: the cost advantages of an online bank combined with access to the BNP Paribas branch network for certain services.
It is the only online bank that allows you to deposit cash and cheques at BNP Paribas's 1,800 branches across France -- a significant advantage for expats and anyone who handles physical money.
Bank Cards
Hello Bank offers two main options:
| Card | Price | Requirements | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hello One | Free | None | Visa Classic with systematic authorisation |
| Hello Prime | 5 euros/month | 1,000 euros/month income | Visa Premier, deferred debit available |
The Hello One card is accessible with no income requirements whatsoever, making it one of the most inclusive offers on the market. The Hello Prime card at 5 euros/month provides Visa Premier benefits (travel insurance, high limits) at a fraction of the usual 130 euros/year charged by traditional banks.
Fees Abroad
- Hello One: 1 free foreign currency payment/month, then 0.85%; withdrawals at 1.50 euros
- Hello Prime: free foreign currency payments; free withdrawals (eurozone), 1 free withdrawal/month outside eurozone
The Unique Advantage: BNP Paribas Network
This is Hello Bank's key differentiator. As a customer, you can:
- Deposit cash at BNP Paribas ATMs (immediate credit)
- Deposit cheques at branches (hand delivery)
- Withdraw at BNP Paribas ATMs without fees
- Book branch appointments for complex operations (subject to availability)
For a tradesperson, a self-employed professional, or anyone who regularly handles cash, this advantage is decisive.
Worked Example
Thomas, a craftsman, collects approximately 2,000 euros in cash per month. With Boursorama or Fortuneo, he would need to maintain a traditional bank account in parallel (cost: 200 euros/year). With Hello Bank, he deposits his cash for free at his local BNP Paribas branch.
Savings Products
Savings Accounts
- Livret A (France's main tax-free savings account): 2.4%
- LDDS (sustainable development savings): 2.4%
- Livret Hello+: promotional rate for the first few months (up to 3.5% for 3 months), then 0.5%
Assurance Vie
Hello Bank provides access to the Multiplacements 2 contract from BNP Paribas Cardif:
- Fonds euros (guaranteed capital fund): return of 2.60% in 2025
- Entry fees: 0% online
- Management fees: 0.70% (fonds euros) and 0.85% (unit-linked)
- Approximately 300 unit-linked funds
The contract is decent but less competitive than those from Boursorama or Fortuneo in terms of fonds euros return and fund selection.
Stock Market
Hello Bank's brokerage offering is built on the BNP Paribas platform:
- Brokerage fees: starting at 1.75 euros per order (Start plan)
- Custody fees: 0 euros
- PEA (France's tax-advantaged equity savings plan): available, with 0.50% per order (minimum 2.50 euros)
- Markets accessible: Euronext + international
Brokerage fees are slightly higher than at Boursorama and Fortuneo but remain well below traditional banks.
Credit
Mortgage
Hello Bank benefits from BNP Paribas's lending expertise:
- Competitive rates: aligned with BNP Paribas rate grids
- In-person support: option to book a branch appointment for application preparation
- Response time: initial decision within 48 hours
Consumer Credit
- Personal loan: 1,000 to 75,000 euros, 12 to 84 months
- Rate: starting at 1.90% APR depending on amount and duration
- Instant online decision
Day-to-Day Services
- Apple Pay and Google Pay: compatible
- Instant transfers: free
- Chequebook: free
- Account aggregation: via the app
- Payment protection insurance: included with Hello Prime
Mobile App
- Rating: 4.3/5 on app stores
- The app is functional with standard features (account viewing, transfers, categorisation)
- Interface being modernised
Strengths
- Access to BNP Paribas branch network: cash and cheque deposits, in-person appointments
- Hello One is 100% free with no income requirements
- Mortgage backed by BNP Paribas expertise
- Hello Prime at 5 euros/month: Visa Premier at a reduced price
- Maximum financial stability of the BNP Paribas group
Weaknesses
- Less competitive assurance vie than rivals (Boursorama, Fortuneo)
- Higher PEA brokerage fees than direct competitors
- App: design and usability lag behind Boursorama
- Hello Prime is paid (5 euros/month) while competitors offer Gold/Premier for free
- Welcome bonus: often lower than Boursorama's (80-100 euros vs 150 euros)
Who Is Hello Bank Best Suited For?
Hello Bank is the ideal choice if you:
- Handle cash regularly (tradespeople, shopkeepers, mixed activities)
- Want a mortgage with the option of in-person support
- Want a safety net: access to a physical branch provides reassurance
- Need a free account without conditions: Hello One is open to everyone
It is less relevant if:
- You are an active investor: the PEA and assurance vie are less competitive
- You want absolutely zero fees: Hello Prime is paid for premium services
- You never handle cash: the branch network advantage loses its appeal
Our Verdict
Hello Bank occupies a unique niche in the online banking market thanks to its BNP Paribas backing. Branch network access for cash deposits and mortgage lending make it a smart choice for those who need a bridge between digital and physical banking. However, for pure savings and investing, Boursorama and Fortuneo remain superior.
Overall rating: 3.8/5