BNP Paribas’ headquarters are in Paris. The domestic markets include France, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg. BNP, however, has a much broader presence. It operates in 65 countries throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia. BNP Paribas is one of the largest banking groups in Europe and one of the most influential in the world. In 2021, the group reported revenues of €46 billion and a net income of €9.5 billion. According to Fitch Ratings, BNP Paribas is rated as stable with an A+ score.
Several years ago, BNP Paribas was named the “World’s Best Bank for Corporates”. The bank also won five other prestigious awards, including the “Best Digital Bank in Western Europe” award. Digital banking has evolved significantly since then. Is BNP keeping up with progress? Our BNP Paribas app review aims to determine if the bank still provides an award-winning digital experience.
BNP Paribas app review
BNP Paribas offers banking apps for individuals and businesses in every country it operates. Plus, there are separate apps for brokers, investors, shared group accounts, etc. For customers only in France, Paribas provides a mobile banking app, an app for budgeting and investing, an insurance app, an app for mortgage customers, and an app for shared group accounts. Our BNP review will focus on just one – a basic mobile banking app called “Mes comptes” for French clients.
BNP Paribas app (Google Play)
Category: Finance, Banking
Released: Sep 2, 2010
Current version: 4.51.2
Latest update: Apr 13, 2023
Downloads: over 1 million
Rating: 3.7
Mes Comptes BNP Paribas
The latest update added a new promotion to the app. “Option Travel” is a way to save while travelling. “Option Travel” costs 10 euros per month and enables BNP customers to withdraw cash abroad without limits and commissions.
Onboarding
BNP Paribas is a traditional bank. One will most likely have to visit a BNP branch to open a current account. However, it is possible to apply for a current account online, on BNP’s official website. A simple 3-step procedure involves completing an online form with personal information, uploading identification documents, and transferring a deposit. Many factors determine the minimum deposit amount, so it may vary from customer to customer. The list of required documents is generally the same for everyone: an ID card, a rental agreement, and a paycheck stub. Only upon approval of the current account application, do customers receive credentials to access the Mes Comptes app. A few functions and services, though, can be accessed without logging into the app, including technical support and bank contact information.
Services
BNP offers various types of current accounts, including accounts for minors, students, and pensioners. Although these accounts differ slightly in document requirements and tariffs, they are all very similar to the basic current account, and give access to all services for comfortable everyday banking:
- Overdrafts, loans, and mortgages
- Free cash withdrawal at BNP Paribas ATMs
- Contactless payments
- Bank accounts aggregation
- Easy and fast QR payments
- Real-time money transfers
- Automated bill payments
- Account statistics
- Budgeting tools
- Pension and insurance plans
- In-app archive of user’s bank statements
- Cards control (freeze/unfreeze, specific payment blocks, etc.)
- Branch / ATM locator
- Cashback and reward programs
There are also some investment tools available. The app can find stock information, portfolio advice, and market news.
Design & Usability
The BNP Paribas app has 4.0 stars in Google Play. It’s a favorable rating that confirms that most users are satisfied with the platform and its functionality. The app features an attractive modern design, clean backgrounds, laconic icons, and intuitive navigation. Even non-tech savvy customers have no problem using it. The account statistics are represented with comprehensive graphs and charts. There seems to be only one major issue with the app: it doesn’t have an English version.
Reliability & Security
BNP Paribas complies with all security regulations and takes all modern security measures to protect customers’ data and money. The app uses security keys, encrypted connection, AI fraud detection, session timeouts, and multi-factor authentication (Touch ID, Face ID). Plus, users have control of their accounts and cards through the app. For instance, a stolen card can be reported or frozen within seconds. In the meantime, the app’s stability is questionable. Many users report frequent app crashes, functions that disappear for hours or days, and problems logging into the app.
Support
BNP Paribas offers multiple communication channels. FAQs and detailed information about bank products are available in the online help center. Several phone hotlines are available for general questions and emergencies. In addition, one can reach support representatives through live chat and social media pages. Furthermore, a special team at BNP Paribas provides sign language, cued speech, and instant speech transcription services in line with the bank’s inclusive policy. Not too shabby overall. However, many customers criticize the BNP support team for being inefficient.
Our verdict
4.4 stars out of 5. BNP Paribas is a stable and reliable bank that offers a full range of products and services, including online and mobile banking. Mes Comptes is a good-looking, user-friendly, and feature-rich app. It’s not flawless, though. Moreover, it wouldn’t receive the award for “Best Digital Bank in Western Europe” in 2022. Competition in digital banking is too fierce today. Besides, the app experiences some performance issues. Plus, there is no English version, which is a downside for many expats.
What we like about BNP Paribas:
- Bank accounts aggregation
- Free cash withdrawals
- QR payments
- Contactless payments
- Real-time transactions
- Scheduled payments
- Account statistics
- Budgeting tools
- Investment tools
- E-documents archive
- Cards control
- Branch / ATM locator
- Discounts and reward programs
- Inclusive support service
What we dislike about BNP Paribas:
- Minimum opening deposit requirement
- Costly cash withdrawals abroad
- Customer support needs some improvements
Why BNP Paribas?
BNP Paribas is one of the largest and most stable banks in France and in the EU. It complies with all the regulations, so customers’ data and money are safe. Paribas is a traditional bank but it keeps up with technological advances. Through the Mes Comptes app, customers can easily manage their money without having to schedule appointments with bank managers. Though, if necessary, there is always a bank right around the corner.
Value for customers:
BNP Paribas offers everything one expects from their bank: deposit protection, access to mortgages and loans, financial advice, and a large network of ATMs. BNP’s modern mobile application helps not only manage money, but also earn it by investing in a smart portfolio. Compared to many European banks, the fees are quite reasonable. Cash withdrawals are free. Additionally, customers can save money on bank fees and shopping with special promotions.
Value for partnering businesses:
From other financial institutions and insurance companies to fintechs and retailers, BNP Paribas welcomes collaboration with all kinds of companies. Getting a partnership requires only a value proposition. Applicants need to contact the bank and present the product or service. The details can be found on the BNP Paribas Factor website.
