Money

Cheque use falls in France - but fraud levels remain high

The traditional payment method is still popular with many

Bank transfers in France will soon be paused for a few days

The European payment system will take a break for Easter

Self-employed workers in France must switch to electronic billing - what will it cost?

Union leaders warn sector is ‘in jeopardy’ over new rules

practical

Partner article: Where should Britons in France invest – and why?

A balanced portfolio can include offshore investing in a neutral jurisdiction

Partner article: What Americans need to know about filing US tax returns in France

US citizens must declare income regardless of their place of residence

Trump tariff rises: which American items will be worst hit and when?

Three rounds of escalating tariffs will impact €22 billion worth of US goods

French DIY stores reorganise as people reduce home projects

Several factors, including cost, have been blamed

French wealth tax: Six ways to reduce what you have to pay

The property valuation threshold for France's impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) in 2025 is €1.3million per tax household

Trump tariffs: Americans in France hit by dollar drop

Europe has said the tariffs will cause the economy to ‘massively suffer’ as France plans retaliation

Can non-residents switch banks in France easily?

Account and card costs are on the rise generally

Many Société Générale customers to be charged additional fees from April

There is some good news for international banking and instant transfers, however

Why contactless payments under €50 are sometimes rejected in France

The requirement of entering a PIN number for some small purchase is not random

How to value a property for France's wealth tax

Here is how to check if you have to pay the impôt sur la fortune immobilière (IFI) – and how much it will be

New rules for cross-border workers in France

Unemployed workers have less leeway to refuse roles

BNP Paribas plans large-scale branch closures in France

Around a third of physical branches will close amid ‘changes in the way people bank’

What are the steps to close a French bank account if moving back to the UK?

Switching bank accounts between two French accounts is easier

Divorced French woman must pay ex-husband’s €400,000 debt: Why?

The law that links former partners financially is controversial

French income tax declarations: some good news this year

We also explain the temporary exemptions brought in for gift tax

Does using ‘trustee' in French wills raise issues?

'Trusts' have different legal recognition in France than other countries

Understand France's inheritance tax rules and nue-propriété

Question relates to situation when holder of a nue-propriété predeceases the holder of the usufruit

Chart: How does France’s inflation rate compare with that of other EU countries?

France recorded lower inflation than both UK and US at beginning of year

How to plan for your financial future in France

Effective cross-border tax and succession planning requires keeping up to date with the reforms in both countries and adapting your plans

French banks applying ‘irregular’ charges on clients, fraud office check reveals

The investigation into 100 banking establishments found breaches, failings, and alleged criminal practices

France's falling inflation and rising local taxes require particular attention

Proactive financial planning can help you weather the storm

How unemployment benefit rules are changing in France from April 1, 2025

The age that people are considered ‘senior’ is set to change, with consequences for jobseeker benefit

More French banks offer virtual payment cards: How do they work?

We look at digital card costs, payment methods, and their advantages and disadvantages

Electricity bills at risk of steep rises, claims French consumer association

Bills could rise by as much as 20% next year, the association has said

French tax allowance for many over-65s is rising

New levels will help to keep income tax bills low for those concerned

Trump tariff row: How much - and what - does the US export to France and vice versa

‘The EU has been very unfair to us,’ says US President Donald Trump

VAT on small businesses: French MPs call for no reduction in threshold

Plans to lower the threshold to €25,000 would hurt micro-entrepreneurs and ‘massively destroy activity and wealth’ say critics

List: Exchange rates for declaring foreign income in 2025 French tax declarations

All foreign income must be converted and declared in euros

Watch out for these three letters on French bank transfers - they may indicate a scam

Direct debit deductions made by scammers can go unnoticed amongst legitimate payments

Recap: Recent updates and changes in France you may have missed as of February 2025

Bank fees, healthcare costs, and various changes to public transport usage are among the most noticeable

French parliament to vote on law to offer €150 a month card for healthy food

The card would be intended to benefit consumers and farmers, and comes after successful trials of similar schemes in Bordeaux and Montpellier

Return of mega promos on soap powder and other hygiene items proposed in new French bill

Supermarkets sold items at up to 80% off before the current cap of 34% was introduced

Many cigarette prices expected to fall in France this March

The reduction in prices comes after several months of increases

Many small firms and self-employed in France soon obliged to issue digital invoices

One small business group has called for more support for the extra costs

Save money on electricity bills with simple Linky smart meter check

Checking that your meter matches your electricity consumption can help you save

Four major French banks to share cash machines to better serve rural areas

The partnership is aiming to position ATMs more strategically and usefully

Record number of driving fines in France confirmed in latest official report

43 million fines for driving offences were recorded, a rise of 500,000 year-on-year

Why the cost of water is rising for homes across France

Factors including inflation and increased anti-pollution measures have been blamed

Tips to save money when hiring a car in France

From comparing deals to private swaps, and checking for extra costs and insurance, here is how

Must neo-bank ‘pots’ of non-euro currencies be declared to French tax authorities?

Foreign accounts need to be declared on annual income tax declaration

Millions of taxpayers in France will soon need to supply extra information

Returns made this spring will ‘step up’ the information requested about regular at-home help

What to do if scammers try a ‘money mule’ trick on your French bank account

Scammers send you money ‘by mistake’ and become increasingly threatening if you do not return it

This French state-regulated savings account pays 3.5% (tax-free) in 2025

The Livret d’Epargne Populaire is reserved for people on modest incomes

French budget is forced through parliament: how could it impact your finances

Numerous tax increases have been included

Is it ever OK to ask your colleagues what they earn in France?

Has a shift in attitudes lead more French employees to openly discussing their earnings?

What to consider if you lend money to family members in France

Having recourse to legal protection can be useful even when dealing with those close to you

Why are gas tariffs so high in France and will this last?

One householder has reported an annual gas bill rise of €650

Is it right time to renegotiate mortgage on French home?

Falling interest rates prompt many homeowners to consider new deals

Tips for electric car drivers on where to charge in France for least cost

From using an app to getting the best deal at home - here is how to do it

Six changes in France in February 2025

Motorway toll and electricity prices are among items that are updating

Why employees in France are likely to receive less money in January

Three changes are expected to make a dent in the usual level of net pay

More divorcees are being discharged from ex-partner’s debts in France

Under previous legislation, individuals were more often liable for their ex-partner’s debts and tax fraud

French bank set to charge clients who do not respond to request for information

Account holders will be given notice of impending charge before payment is taken

List: Industries in France at risk of price rises if Trump’s EU customs threat comes in

"The EU is very bad for us,” US President Donald Trump said

A million people in France received tax refunds after issues with new property declaration

The problem caused a €1.3 billion overpayment in property taxes with for the tax year 2023

It is now easier for people to identify a lost or forgotten bank account in France

Requests can be made directly to the tax authorities

Wealthy retirees could be taxed more under French minister’s new proposal

Levying extra taxes on the wealthiest 40% could ‘raise €500-800 million’

Graph: How France’s inflation rate compares with other EU countries

The year-on-year rate is falling - prompting a drop in interest rates

Home insurance rises depend your area of France: Where is most affected?

The cost of insurance policies is set to rise by as much as 12% in some cities

Scammers using UK phone numbers to target people in France

The calls do not actually come from the UK, but fraudsters use software to make the call appear as though it does

Ministers propose people work seven hours unpaid to clear French deficit

The measure would fund the Social security debt, ministers say, but criticism has been strong

Which grants exist in France in 2025 to help buy an electric car?

Most people are unaware of the financial aid available, a new study shows

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’

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?