In order to accept credit card payments, retailers first need to have a contract signed with a bank that offers this kind of service. The bank will provide the retailer with an EFT device capable of processing credit card payments, along with a contract and general terms defining their relationship.
Rules in France for offering payment by credit card
Public
France
Author: Kristina Dosen
Category:
Fiscal subject related
General information
Views:
1228
Content accuracy validation date:
09.03.2023
Content accuracy validation time:
08:14h
Accepting credit card payments can be a convenient way for businesses to expand their customer base and simplify transactions. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth process for both the business and the customer.
Firstly, it is important to establish any limitations or restrictions on credit card payments. Businesses have the option to set a minimum amount for credit card payments, refuse certain types of credit cards, or request identification from the customer. However, these limitations must be clearly communicated to customers before any transactions take place. This can be done through signs at the store entrance or checkout, as well as through other visible means.
Additionally, there are specific procedures that businesses must follow when processing certain types of credit card payments:
- Payment with a foreign card not equipped with an electronic chip involves having the ticket issued by the EFT signed by the customer and verifying the consistency of the signature on the bank card.
- Payments above a certain threshold, established in your contract, must also be signed by your customer on the ticket. This ceiling is generally set at around €1,500.
It is important to note that if you plan on offering credit card payments for your online store, in situations where the customer is not present in person, you must sign a separate contract with the bank for electronic distance sales.
The costs incurred around this process center around the hardware and the operating costs associated with it, in particular the chosen subscription offered by the bank. There are also communication costs, payment-related commissions, and card acceptance fees.
Other news from France
New event was created: Join our free webinar: End of Self-Certification in France - What Retailers need to know
Public
France
Author: Nikola Novković
France
Author: Nikola Novković
France is ending self-certification. This is not a minor update - it’s a compliance breakthrough. France is ending self-certification. This is not a minor update - it’s a compliance breakthrough.Join Nikola Novkovic on April 24 at 3 PM for a webinar that will give you the full roadmap to staying compliant in France’s updated fiscal system.What we’ll cover: ➡️ The exact fiscaliza... Read more
France: Parliament Rejects Amendment to Delay B2B E-Invoicing to September 2026
Public
France
Author: Nikola Novković
France
Author: Nikola Novković
On April 11, 2025, the French National Assembly rejected a proposed amendment to delay the e-invoicing mandate by one year. As a result, the original timeline remains: all businesses must be able to receive electronic invoices by September 1, 2026, with large and intermediate firms also required to send them, while smaller businesses must comply by September 1, 2027. Interoperability testing among... Read more
New document was uploaded: S4F backoffice patch
Author: Dejan Šijačić
S4F backoffice patch is intended for users who have already installed S4F backoffice and are intended to update existing installations to latest version. To do so apply only patches that are marked with version number that is newer than your currently installed instance of backoffice. Read more
TLv6 Implementation Marks Significant Shift in EU’s Trust List Format
Public
All countries
Author: Ivana Picajkić
A new EU Trust List format, TLv6, will officially replace TLv5 in May 2025 as part of the updated eIDAS Regulation (EU 2024/1183). It introduces key technical changes like a new URI field, updated signature format, and optional phone number support. Organizations must update their systems to avoid signature validation failures and service disruptions, as TLv5 will no longer be valid once TLv6 take... Read more
France Delays the Requirement B2B E-Invoicing Deadline: A New Schedule for Companies
France
Author: Nikola Novković
France may once again delay the rollout of mandatory B2B e-invoicing, with a new draft law proposing to push deadlines back by a year. Read more
France: VAT Rates and Updates Regarding Exemptions in the 2025 Finance Act
France
Author: Nikola Novković
The 2025 Finance Act in France has significantly adjusted VAT rates, notably raising electricity and natural gas subscriptions from 5.5% to 20% effective August 1, 2025, while reducing VAT on renewable energy heat supplies to 5.5% starting March 1, 2025. Residential property renovation work, including fossil fuel boiler installations, will see an increase in VAT to 20% unless contracts are finalized before March 1, 2025; conversely, solar equipment installations in homes benefit from a reduced 5.5% rate effective October 1, 2025. Read more
VIDA regulation adopted—what does that mean for business?
Public
Author: Nikolina Basić
The EU adopted the VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) package on March 11, 2025, introducing major changes to the VAT system starting January 1, 2027. Key reforms include mandatory digital VAT reporting by 2030, new VAT collection rules for online platforms, and expanded One-Stop Shop (OSS) registration to simplify cross-border compliance. Additional measures, such as mandatory e-invoicing, phasing out... Read more