French banks raise fees 2.7%, tightening domestic accounts and overseas card costs

Banking fees in France rose 2.7% between February 2025 and February 2026, outpacing the 0.9% inflation rate. The average annual charge for a current‑account package increased by 3.71% to €22.39, while international debit cards saw modest hikes of about 1.6%.

Over a ten‑year span, bank fees have risen 17.4% against overall inflation of 22.1%, indicating slower long‑term growth but a sharper short‑term impact on consumers. The French banking federation attributes the rise to higher staff and IT security costs, whereas consumer groups call for greater transparency and a parliamentary inquiry.

For travelers, fee structures vary widely. Online‑only banks such as Fortuneo and Boursobank offer free foreign payments and withdrawals, while traditional banks may charge fixed fees or percentages up to 1.95% per transaction. Experts advise checking card terms before trips and, if necessary, opening a secondary account with a low‑cost provider to avoid unexpected charges.