Electronic or e-banking is an umbrella term referring to the ability of customers to perform basic to advanced banking transactions electronically (i.e., remotely) without having to visit a brick-and-mortar structure. E-banking is also referred to as personal computer (PC) banking, internet banking, or online banking. (Phone banking services also fall under this category). To date, the majority of the world’s major and minor banks have established, at a minimum, informational websites to support customer inquiries. However, it is websites with transactional capabilities that are being increasingly demanded by consumers. The primary benefits of e-banking are convenience for the customer and vast cost savings for the banks themselves.

In France, major banks with brick-and-mortar presences are referred to as “high street” banks. In addition, however, France has an exploding presence of internet banks. These internet banks include Axa Banque, AGF Banque, BRED, eLCL, Monobanq, Boursorama Banque, ING Direct, Groupama, and Filbanque. Although referred to internet banks, however, nearly all have some affiliation with a traditional financial institution (with Axa, AGF, and Groupama, themselves, being insurance companies). Overall, between 2000 and 2003 alone, e-banking in France (or the number of online bank accounts in the country) grew by nearly 80%, mirroring the surge in online accounts seen in other EU countries.