Finance money

French PM confirms ‘minimum tax’ will apply for high earners: who is impacted?

Taxes were originally set to be scrapped before last-minute U-turn

Which banks pay interest on current accounts for residents in France?

Online-only banks are leading the trend but the earning potential varies

The new tougher rules for claiming RSA low-income aid in France

Recipients of the benefit now have to draw up a ‘commitment contract’

practical

Interest on popular ‘Livret A’ French savings accounts to drop to 2.4%

The regulated and tax-free account has not seen such a large fall in rates since 2009

Millions to receive payment from French tax service today

It relates to tax credits for certain expenses in the 2024 year

Why French bank cards are losing their printed security numbers

The new system aims to reduce fraud and simplify online shopping

State can reimburse 50% cost of a personal trainer in France: How it works

There are strict criteria to meet to ensure you can receive this

When and why are many French supermarkets phasing out shopper loyalty cards?

They have issued advice on how to avoid losing your points

Using deceased’s assets for funeral in France: How it works and new limits

The amount that an heir can take has increased by 18% this year

Significant bank fee rise in France in 2025: how to compare and tips to save

Account fees, ATM withdrawal charges, and bank card costs have all increased. How does your bank rate?

Sharp drop in prices of second-hand electric cars in France

Some models are down 20% in comparison to last year

Three questions on instant bank transfers as they become free in France

Understand the new system, its limits, and risks

Many small businesses in France to be hit with costs of electronic billing

Government scraps free platform for mandatory electronic billing, forcing firms to incur additional costs

MAP: How much can you negotiate off a property purchase in France in 2025?

Chances of a successful offer vary considerably depending on the region

Purchasing power in France set to improve in 2025

‘The inflationary episode [of 2021-23] is well and truly behind us’, one economic expert says

French driving documents can now be delivered via a simplified procedure

The change is designed to save public money

Instant money transfers now possible between French banks with just a phone number

‘Wero’ launched in France in October and states transfers will take only 10 seconds

Good news for Americans in France as dollar strengthens against euro

It comes ahead of Donald Trump’s second term, amid sluggish European growth predictions

Major changes to Paris public transport tickets begin this January

Simplified fares and a flat ‘tourist pass’ fee are among the new ticket options

Not yet received interest from your French savings account? This may be why

Interest on savings accounts such as the Livret A is calculated twice a month

Cost of living in France: five things that have changed

Pension payments, interest rates, and funeral costs have all seen significant changes

Which UK bank account number should be declared on French tax return?

Information can be updated during each tax return

How are pensions worked out if employment split between France and UK?

The UK and France coordinate on pensions

Good news on cost of living in France as inflation set to fall in 2025

Projected figures suggest that the rate will drop and stabilise

Why money may be taken by French tax office from your bank account today

If you look at your bank statement it will appear as a debit by the ‘direction générale des Finances publiques’

Money, inheritance, tax, pensions: What's new in France in 2025

European Commission set to decide on French law affecting the wills of resident non-EU nationals including, for example, those from the UK and US, potentially altering inheritance plans

Bitcoin crossed €100k – how are cryptocurrency gains taxed in France?

New European regulations on cryptocurrency come into effect this month

900,000 households yet to claim 2024 French energy aid (but it is not too late)

The scheme is scheduled to end on December 31 but could be extended

Fines levied for failure to declare bank accounts held out of France

Hefty fines can be issued for each account undeclared to tax authorities

Deals available on new electric cars as France’s state bonus set to end

Thousands of euros of discounts are available for many popular 100% electric models

Confirmed: France’s minimum wage will not automatically rise on January 1

Recent increase placed ‘Smic’ above expected inflation levels at the start of the new year

Rise in number of French businesses failing

It means 44,000 jobs will be lost by end of year. We look at what help is available for small business owners

France set to pass emergency ‘budget law’: is it good or bad for your finances?

The country will effectively be without a budget from 2025, with knock-on effects for individuals and companies

Cash, cheque, bank cards: what payment types can a shop legally refuse in France?

There are clear rules on how, when and why businesses can refuse to accept payment

Rules relaxed for French salary-savings scheme

Changes mean workers will be able to get hold of funds in more circumstances

GPs and specialists: List of new fees starting December 2024 in France

Fees will rise for consultations, firstly later this month, and again in July 2025

Pay to park by income: Where in France and how does it work?

Rennes is the most recent city to introduce the system

Can France’s prime d’activité benefit boost income of self-employed?

New ‘help’ service also promises assistance to those with low means

Inheritance alternatives for non-blood relatives in France

Robert Kent of Kentingtons explains the various options alongside traditional inheritance

Parcel frauds on increase in France: How to stay alert and avoid them

Scammers are out in force as shopping intensifies in the run up to Christmas

The top 20 cheapest ski stations in France named in new study

France has one of the lowest rates for ski passes in the world

Foreign bank accounts: French court clarifies rules after US account case

Failure to declare them can result in a steep fine

Extra fees start soon for French homes without Linky smart electricity meter

The meters were first introduced in 2018 but have attracted controversy

Retirees need at least €15,000 a year to live comfortably in France, finds report

This amount does not include the cost of accommodation or bills, and focuses only on commonly-used goods and services

The ‘windscreen mafia’: Drivers in France warned of major repair scam

Scams include offering ‘free gifts’ that never arrive, and charging extortionate prices

Parking ticket fraud on rise in France – how to avoid being scammed

Beware of the increasingly common crime of ‘quishing’ via QR code

France’s 2024 Christmas bonus: who is eligible and how much is it?

The annual one-off payment for people on income support benefits falls on December 13

Fact check: Does France offer world’s most generous health reimbursement?

It comes after a government spokesperson made the claim this week

Why parking fines in France are now more likely to be cancelled

It comes after France’s highest administrative court found in a driver’s favour

What is ideal calendar donation for French firefighters and postal workers?

There is no set price for the calendars, which are sold in workers’ spare time

Are old euro banknotes still valid in France?

A new series intended to be harder to counterfeit began circulating in 2013

Widespread Linky electricity meter checks on way across France

Enedis is cracking down on ‘illegal hacks’ that have cost €250m in electricity fraud since 2022

Why bank cards are changing in France

The new payment systems aim to make it easier to shop online and to fight fraud

French health minister proposes lower reimbursement of medicine

Patients (or their top-up insurance) will need to pay more if the proposal goes ahead

Where are you paid the most in France (out of Paris)?

A new ranking looks at pay differences and includes an average hourly rate for white- and blue-collar workers by department

Major French bank hits overseas clients with ‘admin fees’ of up to €300 a year

Many second-home owners in the UK and US are affected

What would it mean for France if the euro is weaker than the US dollar?

The exchange rate is at levels not seen since 2022 since the re-election of Donald Trump

Small increase in notaire fees for property buyers expected in France

The fee is expected to generate revenue of €30 million a year to fight against coastal erosion

Taxes, forced heirship and property ownership: Understanding French succession law

Rob Kay, a senior partner at Blevins Franks financial advice group, looks at estate planning

France's 'Livret A' savings rate set to drop

With a predicted decrease to 2.6%, experts question the viability of France's favourite tax-free savings account

How much do people in France spend on Christmas on average?

The Christmas meal and gifts are the largest expenses, with almost 50% worried about cost

Free data leak: is it possible to change French bank account number?

There are different numbers associated with your bank account

When does Black Friday start in France and which shops participate?

The American shopping phenomenon is well and truly part of the French retail calendar

Third online bank to close amid competitive market in France

'Ma French Bank' only opened in 2019. We look at what customers need to do

French parliament approves law to raise taxes on ‘super-dividends’

The tax will apply to companies with €1 billion in sales or more, such as BNP Paribas, Sanofi, LVMH, and Total

Scam email alert for clients of three leading French banks

Fraudsters link to bank’s genuine website at some points, making scam look legitimate

Driver discovers she is subscribed to insurance as she pays French parking fee

She said she had never asked for or wanted the insurance and had to right to be refunded

20 million Free clients subject to data leak: what victims should do

Some customers should inform their bank after information stolen

Does working on a bank holiday in France impact pay?

The company, sector, and collective staff agreements can all affect workers’ entitlement

Heated French budget examination to resume next week

It comes after MPs adjourned after six days of debate at the weekend

Mystery lottery winner of €1m in French Alps has until Friday to claim

The winner has still not come forward, almost two months after their win

What is ‘TIN’ number French bank is requesting?

It is related to taxation, and not social security

How to sell your jewellery or gold in France

The sale of gold is highly regulated in France. We give tips to make the most of the booming market

What people in France earn and own - new official figures

Statistics show households’ ‘gross wealth’ and the effect of inheritance and property

French property and tax: 7 common questions

Rob Kay, Senior Partner at Blevins Franks, reviews costs, taxes, and estate planning for UK nationals