Did you know that Crédit Agricole has a branch at CERN? It opened on the Prévessin site more than 40 years ago and is the only bank located on the French part of the CERN site. The branch can be found in Building 866, next to Restaurant 3 and the post office.
Crédit Agricole launched a renovation programme in 2014 and, since 2019, has modernised all of its branches in order to bring them into compliance with the latest safety standards and improve access for people with reduced mobility. The renovation of the CERN branch has afforded it roomier offices, a new ATM outside (in the corridor of Building 866), a more spacious and visitor-friendly reception area and improved lighting.
The branch on the Prévessin site provides the CERN community with all the day-to-day services that are traditionally offered by the major banks (loans, insurance, account management and an ATM). Access is restricted to current and former members of the CERN personnel and the bank’s services are available to newcomers as soon as they arrive. When an account is opened, which can be done in either euros or Swiss francs, Crédit Agricole offers preferential conditions for everyday banking – preferential exchange and lending rates and a fixed ceiling on administrative fees for loans, whatever the amount. Branch director Fabio Bertelli says that, in line with the bank’s motto, “Acting every day in the interest of our customers and society”, its employees are “always ready to help our clientele”.
The Prévessin branch has two full-time employees, both of whom speak French and English, one employee in charge of asset management, who is present one day per week, and a director and vice-director, each of whom is present half a day per week. The branch welcomes current and former members of the CERN personnel all year round (except during closures), from 9.00 a.m. to 12 noon Tuesdays to Fridays, from 1.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and from 2.15 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.