France's most-used mobile payment app (5 million+ users, launched 2013), built around small transfers and splitting bills; interoperates with French banks including Revolut and N26 via open banking.
!Not a bank. Lydia is an ACPR-licensed electronic money and payment services institution in France, upgrading to a payment account past verification thresholds; balances are not bank deposits. Its sister brand Sumeria (founded 2024) is the licensed bank whose deposits enjoy France's FGDR guarantee up to EUR 100,000 — that does not apply to Lydia itself.
Partially. A free account needs only a French phone number, with P2P transfers, QR codes and payment links working immediately; identity verification kicks in above EUR 150 received/sent in 30 days or EUR 1,000 cumulative top-ups. Best suited to longer stays rather than short visits.
No mandatory minimum top-up｜Transfers up to EUR 250 per month are free; above that up to 2.5% depending on the funding source; crowdfunding withdrawals 0%-4%
Identity verification is required above EUR 150 received/sent in 30 days or EUR 1,000 cumulative top-ups; features are limited before verification. Balances are not FGDR-protected.
Partially. A free account needs only a French phone number, with P2P transfers, QR codes and payment links working immediately; identity verification kicks in above EUR 150 received/sent in 30 days or EUR 1,000 cumulative top-ups. Best suited to longer stays rather than short visits.
Local bank account: Not required for basics (a French number is enough to create a wallet); full features and withdrawals usually need a French bank account. Items typically needed: A French phone number; (For upgrades) ID and proof of address.
Typically: A French phone number; (For upgrades) ID and proof of address.
How to sign up: Register in the app (French number) → basic wallet works instantly → verify identity past thresholds to upgrade to a payment account (Registration takes about 5-10 minutes). Steps: 1) Download Lydia 2) Register with a French number 3) Transfer and collect instantly with the wallet 4) Verify identity to upgrade to a payment account when needed 5) Open a virtual Visa card if desired Fees: Transfers up to EUR 250 per month are free; above that up to 2.5% depending on the funding source; crowdfunding withdrawals 0%-4%
Identity verification is required above EUR 150 received/sent in 30 days or EUR 1,000 cumulative top-ups; features are limited before verification. Balances are not FGDR-protected.
E-wallet rules change often — always follow the latest instructions in the official app.