Livret A savings: timing deposits and managing limits

Savers using the Livret A in France should be aware of specific rules regarding interest calculations and deposit limits to avoid losing potential earnings.

Under the ‘rule of the fortnight’ (règle des quinzaines), interest is only calculated on fixed dates. A deposit made on the 1st of a month, such as October 1, 2026, will not begin earning interest until the 16th of that month, resulting in a loss of 14 days of interest. To maximize returns, it is recommended to transfer funds into the account before the end of the month rather than waiting for the 1st.

Additionally, savers must manage the account's deposit ceiling, which is set at 22,950 euros. While this limit applies to personal deposits, it does not apply to accumulated interest. Once the ceiling is reached through personal contributions, banks will no longer allow new deposits, which can impact long-term savings management for retirees and other savers.