Bank Fees 2026: +3% Increase and How to Avoid Them
French banks are raising fees by 3% in 2026. Discover which fees are increasing, how to avoid them, and whether online banks are the solution.
Bank Fee Increases in 2026
French banks are implementing an average 3% fee increase in 2026. Here's what's changing and how to minimize your costs. Explore our banking section for comprehensive financial guides.
What's Increasing
| Fee Type | 2025 | 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Account maintenance | €25-40/year | €27-43/year | +3-8% |
| Bank card (standard) | €40-50/year | €42-53/year | +3-6% |
| Overdraft fees | €8-12/use | €9-13/use | +8-10% |
| Money transfer (EU) | €3-5 | €4-6 | +20% |
| Branch operations | €5-10 | €6-11 | +10% |
Most Expensive Traditional Banks
Average annual cost for a typical customer:
- **BNP Paribas**: €215/year
- **Société Générale**: €208/year
- **Crédit Agricole**: €195/year
- **LCL**: €188/year
- **Caisse d'Épargne**: €175/year
Free or Low-Cost Alternatives
Online Banks
| Bank | Account Fee | Card Fee | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boursorama | €0 | €0 | Income/savings conditions |
| Fortuneo | €0 | €0 | One transaction/month |
| Hello Bank | €0 | €0 | €1,000 income/month |
| N26 | €0 | €0 | Basic account |
Neobanks
| Service | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Revolut | €0-€17/month | International use |
| Lydia | €0 | Daily payments |
| Nickel | €20/year | No conditions |
How to Reduce Your Fees
1. Negotiate with Your Bank
Banks can reduce fees for loyal customers:
- Request fee waivers
- Ask for promotional card rates
- Threaten to leave (politely)
2. Switch to Online Banking
Savings of €150-200/year are typical when switching from traditional to online banks.
3. Remove Unnecessary Services
Common extras you might not need:
- Premium card if basic suffices
- Paper statements (go digital)
- Account insurance
- SMS alerts
4. Avoid Fee Triggers
- Stay within overdraft limits
- Don't bounce payments
- Use your bank's ATMs
- Minimize branch visits
5. Use the Right Account Type
Match your account to your needs:
- **Basic account**: For simple usage
- **Package**: If you use many services
- **Premium**: Only if benefits exceed costs
Switching Banks Made Easy
Mobility Service (Since 2017)
Your new bank handles:
- Transfer of recurring payments
- Redirection of incoming transfers
- Account closure with old bank
Timeline
- Application: 1 day
- New account active: 5-10 days
- Full transfer: 2-3 weeks
What You Need
- ID document
- Proof of address
- RIB from old bank
- Recent bank statement
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I have accounts at multiple banks?**
Yes, there's no limit. Many people have a traditional bank for loans and online for daily use.
**Are online banks safe?**
Yes, they're regulated by the ACPR (French banking authority) and deposits are guaranteed up to €100,000.
**What if I need cash deposits?**
Some online banks offer this via partners. Neobanks like Nickel have deposit points. See also our guide on online banks vs traditional.
Related Articles
Sources
Review your bank fees annually. Switching is free and could save you hundreds of euros per year.
CheckEverything.fr Editorial Team
Writing and fact-checking
Our editorial team brings together writers specialized in energy, telecommunications, insurance and banking in France. Every article is verified against official French sources (CRE, ARCEP, ACPR, service-public.fr) before publication.
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The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute personalized advice. We recommend consulting a professional for any important decision.
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