Understanding and using payment methods safely
Various payment methods are available for your everyday transactions, such as purchasing goods and services, paying bills or managing routine expenses. Each method has its own features and requires specific security measures, whether you choose cash, a payment card, cheque, bank transfer or direct debit. The Institut d’Émission d’Outre-Mer (IEOM) provides all the information you need to use these methods safely and securely.
As part of its financial education initiatives (EDUCFI), IEOM also offers free training sessions to help you use payment tools securely, recognise fraud and manage your budget effectively. These sessions are available through the EDUCFI liaison officer at your local office.
Whether you’re new to managing your finances or already experienced, our resources will help you to better understand your options and choose the method that best suits your needs while keeping your money safe.
Find the information you need in the corresponding section:
Coins and banknotes
IEOM provides information on the use of euro cash, including circulation, payment limits and counterfeit prevention.
Bank card
Learn how to use your bank card securely with our practical tips and fraud protection measures.
Cheques
Cheques remain a preferred payment method for certain financial transactions. Discover our tips for using them properly and avoiding fraud.
Bank transfer & Direct debit
Best practices and advice for using bank transfers and direct debits effectively
Tips in case of fraud or identity theft
Our advice to help you avoid the most common payment-related scams, and what to do if you become a victim.
Nos réponses à vos questions
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Each note (500, 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 CFP francs) has a ‘New Caledonian’ side and a ‘Polynesian’ side, as well as symbols representing Wallis and Futuna.
To verify the authenticity of a CFP franc banknote, use the TRI method :
- Touche: The note should feel firm and crisp with raised print areas.
- Look : Hold the note up to the light to check for the watermark and security thread.
- Tilt : Look for colour-shifting elements and glossy effects.
More details can be found in lon the European Central Bank website.
➡️ Plus d’infos dans notre rubrique Pièces et billets
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To exchange a damaged CFP franc banknote, visit your local IEOM branch :
- If the banknote is partially damaged, but more than 50% of its surface remains intact, you will receive a replacement immediately.
- If the banknote is severely deteriorated, an expert assessment will be required. Reimbursement will be made by bank transfer after verification.
More information is available in the « Banknote exchange » section of your IEOM officeI indicate my place of residence. -
The French Monetary and Financial Code sets cash payment limits in CFP francs:
- 119 300 CFP francs for payments between a professional and an individual, or between professionals, provided that the debtor is a French tax resident.
- 1 193 315 CFP francs when the debtor is not a French tax resident, is acting in a non-professional capacity and pays someone who is not subject to anti-money laundering obligations.
- 1 789 975 CFP francs when the debtor is not a French tax resident, is acting in a non-professional capacity and pays someone who is subject to anti-money laundering obligations.
These limits do not apply to payments between individuals or to persons without a bank account.
➡️ More information can be found in our Banknotes and coins section.
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Retailers must accept banknotes and coins in F CFP that are legal tender in the Pacific territories. However :
- They may ask you to provide the exact amount..
- They may also refuse payments made with more than 50 coins.
- Banknotes and coins must be in good condition.
➡️ More information can be found in our Banknotes and Coins section.
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If your bank card is lost or stolen, act immediately :
- Contact your bank to block your card without delay (they are available 24/7)..
- Report the loss or theft to the police.
This prompt action is essential to prevent any fraudulent use of your card.
➡️ More details can be found in our Bank Card section.
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If you notice a suspicious transaction, follow these steps :
- Immediately block your card by contacting your bank.
- File a report with the police if the fraud is confirmed.
Your bank will refund fraudulent transactions if you have taken reasonable steps to protect your banking information.
➡️ Visit our bank card bancaire section.
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Yes, if you issue a cheque without sufficient funds and fail to resolve the situation, your name will be added to the Payment Incidents files (FIP), which is managed by IEOM.
Your bank will notify you by registered letter and you will be required to return all your cheque books.➡️ More information can be found in our Cheques and Payment incident filesFichier des incidents de paiement section.
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Act without delay. Contact your bank immediately to stop the payment, either by calling your advisor or using the 24/7 emergency number.
If your cheque book was stolen, file a report with the police or gendarmerie.
Once the stop payment has been recorded, the cheque cannot be cashed and the relevant information will be entered in the Payment Incidents Register (FIP), which is managed by IEOM.
➡️ More information can be found in our Cheks section.
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Unlike cash in CFP francs, merchants in the Pacific territories have the discretion to accept or refuse cheques.
They may refuse this method of payment, but they must inform customers by displaying visible signage, in accordance with the Consumer Code.➡️ More information can be found in our cheks section
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Once confirmed by your bank, a transfer is irrevocable. SOnly scheduled transfers with a future execution date can be cancelled before they are processed. For example, if a transfer is set for the 30^(th), you can cancel it up until the previous working day by contacting your bank.
If you suspect fraud, contact your bank immediately to initiate a recall procedure, although recovery is not guaranteed.
Please note that the bank is not liable if the mistake results from incorrect information that you provided.
➡️ More information can be found in our Transfers and Direct Debits andScams and Identity Theft sections.