What it is
Carte Bancaire, usually written CB, is France's domestic card scheme that sits underneath most French card payments, including Visa and Mastercard co-badged cards. When a French shopper pays by card, the CB scheme often carries the transaction domestically. It is not a separate wallet but the local card network merchants accept through their acquirer.
- France's domestic card scheme
- Runs under Visa and Mastercard co-badged cards
- Accepted through standard card acquirers
Where it is mainly used
CB is used throughout France for in-store, online and contactless payments. With tens of millions of CB cards in circulation and millions of merchant acceptance points, it is the default card habit for French consumers both offline and online.
- France only
- In-store, online and contactless
- Default card habit for French shoppers
How your customer pays at checkout
The shopper pays with their CB card, often contactless or online with 3-D Secure, just like any card payment. Because most French cards are CB co-badged, accepting CB-compatible card acquiring means you already cover this habit without a separate button.
- Tap, insert or pay online with a CB card
- Often uses 3-D Secure online
- No separate checkout button needed
How merchants access it
Merchants accept CB through a card acquirer or PSP that is enabled for the French market. You do not sign a direct contract with CB itself; instead your acquirer connects you to the scheme. To sell into France, choose a provider that supports French card acquiring and local 3-D Secure.
- Accept via a French-enabled acquirer or PSP
- No direct CB contract for most merchants
- Ensure local 3-D Secure support
Pricing and settlement
CB transactions are priced like card payments through your acquirer, with interchange, scheme and processing fees. Rates depend on your acquirer, card type and volume. Published pricing figures you see online are for initial screening only. Confirm the provider's official pricing page or obtain a written quote before you go live, because card pricing is negotiable and varies.
- Priced like card acquiring
- Interchange and scheme fees apply
- Confirm exact pricing with your acquirer
Public contact route
CB is governed by Groupement des Cartes Bancaires (CB). Merchants access it through their acquirer rather than directly, so the practical contact is your payment provider. The official CB site has scheme information.
- Official site: https://www.cartes-bancaires.com
- Scheme operator: Groupement des Cartes Bancaires CB
- No public sales email found; use the official website contact page or LocalPayMap consultation.
Questions merchants ask
Is Carte Bancaire a separate payment method at checkout?
Not usually. It is the domestic scheme behind French Visa and Mastercard cards. Accepting French card acquiring covers CB automatically, so you rarely need a distinct CB button.
Do I need a French entity to accept CB?
You need a French-enabled acquirer or PSP. Many global providers support French card acquiring for international merchants, so a local entity is not always required.
Why does CB matter if I already take Visa and Mastercard?
In France most cards are CB co-badged, and domestic routing through CB can affect cost and approval. Ensuring CB-compatible acquiring helps you match local checkout expectations and acceptance.
What does it cost?
It is priced as card acquiring with interchange, scheme and processing fees. Published figures are for initial screening only; confirm your acquirer's official pricing page or a written quote before you go live.
How fast do I get settled?
Settlement follows your acquirer's card payout schedule, typically within a few business days, subject to any risk holding your provider applies.
Does CB support contactless and online?
Yes. CB is heavily used for contactless in stores and for online payments with 3-D Secure. Make sure your checkout supports both flows for French shoppers.