Do you know Nickel? Launched 10 years ago and with a network of nearly 7,500 points of sale, this FinTech is not only the most present in France, but also one of the most effective. In just five minutes, it gives you an account and even a bank card.
To open an account at a traditional bank, you need to provide mountains of documents and a good dose of patience. Not to mention that sometimes your request is not successful because you do not meet all the required criteria. But not at Nickel.
Founded in 2014, this financial institution simplifies access to a bank account and offers nearly 7,500 partner points of sale, located mainly at tobacconists. Without knowing it, you probably have one near you. If Nickel is very present throughout the country, the group does not ignore the digital counterpart and offers as a bonus a successful mobile application to effectively manage its accounts remotely.
The good compromise between traditional banking and online services
To choose your new bank, several criteria come into play: prices, the scope of services and the availability of advisors if needed. Neobanks and traditional banks each have their strengths, but generally compromises are necessary.
Faced with this observation, the founders of Nickel tried to bring together the best of both worlds and in 10 years, the group has won over more than 3.5 million people. Such success can be explained both by a large physical presence across France and by its mobile application that is as complete as it is easy to use.
While banking groups tend to close their branches and focus on 100% digital, Nickel is keen to keep both options available to its customers. Mainly present in tobacconists, Nickel has nearly 7,500 points of sale, an undeniable advantage when it comes to depositing cash for example.
His goal : be easily accessible everywhere and by everyone. And, to achieve this, there is no question of ignoring digital technology. Thanks to its Nickel application available on Android and iOS, it is possible to consult your account balance in real time, carry out all your banking transactions and even manage your Mastercard card.
An account for everyone and competitive rates
Through its offering and services, Nickel attempts to meet the needs of as many people as possible. Moreover, Nickel is one of the rare establishments to offer a bank account accessible to everyone, regardless of age and financial situation. Such conditions of access to the account are permitted in particular thanks to the absence of authorized overdraft, regardless of the formula chosen. However, there is no shortage of services offered.
For just 25 euros per year, Nickel gives you a bank account, as well as a Mastercard payment card that can be used anywhere in the world. And, thanks to its large network, when you are in France, you can deposit or withdraw cash very easily at all Nickel points of sale, but also at ATMs.
Little extra: if you want to add a touch of color to your Mastercard, Nickel offers you, for 10 euros more for 5 years, the My Nickel option. 15 different colors and personalization of the card with your name are then possible.
Nickel also offers premium offers
Travel lovers are not left out and also benefit from specific packages, adapted to their own needs. By subscribing to the Nickel Chrome option at 30 euros per year (in addition to the 25 euros annual account keeping fees), customers benefit from major advantages for their stays abroad.
All card payments are free, even outside the euro zone, and withdrawal fees are reduced. Available in your choice of Black, Gold or Silver colors, the Nickel Chrome card also gives access to exclusive insurance and assistance, very useful when you go on vacation. An appreciable asset, in France and abroad, especially in the event of:
- flight cancellation or delay;
- loss or damage to your baggage;
- rental of a vehicle, knowing that it automatically includes insurance for theft and damage.
On a daily basis, the Nickel Chrome card provides additional insurance for your online purchases, an extended warranty on certain products, including household appliances, as well as reimbursement of costs incurred by the theft of your identity papers or your keys.
Do you want even more? With the Nickel Metal card at 80 euros per year (in addition to the 25 euros annual contribution), all payments and withdrawals made in France and abroad are completely free. This is the most complete and premium offering currently offered by FinTech.
5 minutes are enough to open an account and have your bank card
Usually, when you open an account in a bank, you must prepare the file, then wait for the verification and validation of the establishment before you can start enjoying the services.
At Nickel, the procedure is much simpler. You can already choose to open your account online.
All you need to do is have a valid ID, provide your mobile number and take a selfie to confirm that you are the originator of the request.
Then, all that remains is to go to the Nickel point of your choice to pay the 25 euros annual fee and collect your bank card, if you were not already there. Once collected, you receive your PIN code by SMS and your card can be used immediately.
The most patient can request a Mastercard delivery by post.