France's retirees confront EDF energy discount reforms and credit‑card guidance

A new guide outlines how retirees can use credit cards to smooth expenses, earn rewards and avoid debt, emphasizing careful balance monitoring, choosing cards that offer travel or medical discounts, and paying in full each month.

Meanwhile, the French government is reviewing the 80‑year‑old "tarif agent" that lets EDF employees and retirees pay a heavily reduced price for electricity and gas—sometimes over 90 % below the public rate. The benefit covers roughly 140,000 people and is seen as a target for budget cuts, with proposals to lower the discount rate, cap eligible consumption or partially tax the advantage.