Livret A, LDDS, LEP in France (2026 Overview)

The Livret A, LDDS (Livret de Developpement Durable et Solidaire) and LEP (Livret d'Epargne Populaire) are France's three flagship regulated savings accounts in 2026. Rates and conditions are set by the State, interest is fully exempt from income tax and social contributions, and deposits are State-guaranteed. The Livret A is capped at EUR 22,950 and open to everyone (one per person), the LDDS at EUR 12,000 for adults tax-resident in France, and the LEP at EUR 10,000 for households below an income threshold — but pays a higher rate than the Livret A. For most households, the priority order is: LEP first (if eligible), then Livret A, then LDDS. Visit our banking section for related guides.

> **Key takeaways**

> - Three regulated savings accounts: Livret A (cap EUR 22,950), LDDS (EUR 12,000), LEP (EUR 10,000).

> - Interest on all three is exempt from income tax and social contributions.

> - LEP pays a higher rate than Livret A and is reserved for households under an income threshold.

> - Rates are set by the State and revised periodically by the Banque de France.

> - Priority order if eligible: LEP first, then Livret A, then LDDS.

What "Regulated Savings" Means

Regulated savings accounts (livrets reglementes) have their rate, cap, and conditions set by the State. The Banque de France publishes the official rate. Common features in 2026:

Capital guaranteed by the State
Total tax exemption on interest
No account-keeping fees
Funds available at any time (liquidity)

Livret A

The Livret A is the most widely held savings account in France, with over 55 million holders. The rate is reviewed periodically by the Banque de France (typically February and August).

**Cap**: EUR 22,950 (excluding interest)
**Who can open**: any individual including minors
**Number**: one per person
**Tax**: fully exempt

It is the default emergency-savings account thanks to full liquidity and State guarantee. See the Banque de France page on Livret A for the current rate.

LDDS — Livret de Developpement Durable et Solidaire

The LDDS works like the Livret A but with a lower cap and an adult-only condition. Funds finance sustainable-development and social-economy projects.

**Cap**: EUR 12,000 (excluding interest)
**Rate**: same as Livret A
**Who can open**: adults tax-resident in France
**Number**: one per person

The LDDS is typically used as a complement once the Livret A is full.

LEP — Livret d'Epargne Populaire

The LEP pays the highest rate of the three but is reserved for modest-income households. The bank checks eligibility against your latest tax notice (avis d'imposition).

**Cap**: EUR 10,000 (excluding interest)
**Rate**: higher than Livret A
**Income condition**: tax reference income (revenu fiscal de reference) below thresholds revised annually
**Number**: one per person

Official details on Service-Public.fr — LEP.

Priority Order

**LEP** — if eligible, this is the highest-paying risk-free account in France in 2026.
**Livret A** — for the rest of your emergency savings up to EUR 22,950.
**LDDS** — once the Livret A is full, add up to EUR 12,000 more.

How Much to Hold in These Accounts

A common rule of thumb is 3 to 6 months of expenses in fully liquid savings. Beyond that, longer-term options like life insurance or a PEA (stock savings plan) become relevant, but they involve different risk and liquidity profiles.

Interest Calculation

Interest is calculated by fortnight (quinzaine). To optimise, deposit at the start of the fortnight (1st or 16th of the month) and withdraw at the end (15th or last day).

Other Regulated Options

**Livret Jeune**: ages 12 to 25, cap EUR 1,600, rate at least equal to Livret A.
**PEL (Plan Epargne Logement)** and **CEL**: dedicated to housing projects, with their own rules. See our PEL closure March 2026 guide.

Non-regulated bank savings accounts (super-livrets) sometimes offer promotional rates but interest is taxed at the standard PFU (30% flat tax) or at the marginal income-tax rate plus social contributions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cap on the Livret A in 2026?

EUR 22,950, excluding accumulated interest. Once you reach the cap, interest can still be added, but no new deposits.

Who is eligible for the LEP in 2026?

Households whose tax reference income (revenu fiscal de reference) is below the annual threshold set by decree. Check eligibility on Service-Public.fr or with your bank using your latest tax notice.

Can I open a Livret A at any French bank?

Yes — any bank authorised to distribute regulated savings can open a Livret A. You can hold only one Livret A in your name across all banks in France.

Is interest on the Livret A, LDDS, or LEP taxed?

No. Interest on all three regulated accounts is fully exempt from income tax and social contributions in France in 2026.

Can I have a Livret A and a LDDS at the same time?

Yes. Each is capped separately, and they can coexist. The LEP, if you are eligible, can be combined with both.

Where can I see the current Livret A and LEP rates?

On the Banque de France website and on Service-Public.fr. Rates are revised periodically; banks display them on the account documentation.

Sources

This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Rates, caps, and eligibility thresholds for regulated savings accounts can be revised — confirm current values with your bank or on official sites before deciding.