Overview

• Major banks have detailed merit-based bonuses for new account holders, with Société Générale offering €80 (doubling or tripling with mobility), CIC providing €40–€160 by mention and Banque Populaire granting a flat €50 to every graduate.
• Regional councils confirmed tiered grants for top achievers, including €1,000 in Île-de-France, €500 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, €400 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and €200 in Bretagne for those with mention très bien.
• Municipalities such as Cannes, Montrouge, Villemomble and Drancy rolled out additional awards up to €2,000 subject to dossier review and mention-based conditions.
• Private brands joined the effort with in-kind rewards, from Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s free TER round-trip tickets (July 5–August 31) to McDonald’s complimentary sundaes and Best Of menus for top mention holders and Bill’s Burgers’ 50 percent discount.
• Eligibility requirements vary but generally include opening a new bank account, obtaining a scholarship or enrolling in higher education, reflecting banks’ strategy to attract and retain young clients.