French savers explore Bfor+ savings account amid Livret A interest rules

Many French savers are shifting funds from the traditional Livret A to the Bfor+ savings account offered by BforBank. The Bfor+ account features a promotional annual gross interest rate of 3.50% for the first twelve months, applicable to the first 300,000 euros deposited. While the gross rate is higher than the Livret A, the Bfor+ interest is subject to a 31.4% flat tax, resulting in a net return of approximately 2.40%. This remains competitive compared to the Livret A, which has an annual interest rate of 1.7% as of August 2026.

Unlike the Livret A, which has a deposit cap of 22,950 euros, the Bfor+ account allows for deposits up to 4 million euros. The Bfor+ offer is available until December 3, 2026, for new account holders.

In contrast, the Livret A operates under a specific 'quinzaine' (fortnight) rule for interest calculation. Interest is only earned on funds held for a full two-week period: either from the 1st to the 15th or from the 16th to the end of the month. Deposits or withdrawals made mid-period may result in lost interest if they do not complete a full fortnight cycle. Livret A interest remains exempt from income tax and social security contributions.