# Can you deposit share capital without going through a bank?

Updated : 2026-10-24 · Source : https://legalrapide.fr/en/reponses/depot-capital-sans-banque/

Yes: the capital of a commercial company can be deposited **with a notary** instead of a bank. However, it cannot be deposited with a **payment institution on its own** (if an online account offers the deposit, check which institution receives the funds), and the **Caisse des dépôts** has no longer accepted it since 1 June 2021. An **SCI** has no obligation to deposit its capital.

## The options
| Option | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Bank, in branch or online | Issues the certificate of deposit of funds; the funds then become the company's account |
| Notary | Issues the certificate of deposit; after registration, the funds are paid into an account opened in the company's name |
| Payment institution on its own | Not possible for the capital |
| Caisse des dépôts | Closed since 1 June 2021 |

## You still need a bank account afterwards
Depositing with a notary lets you avoid the bank at formation, not afterwards: a commercial company must have a bank account to receive its released capital and operate.

## After the deposit
The depositary issues a certificate of deposit of funds, to be attached to the registration application. The funds are released on presentation of proof of registration.

## Sources
- [Service-public: forming and depositing share capital](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F32333)
- [Service-public: a company's business bank account](https://entreprendre.service-public.gouv.fr/vosdroits/F37369)