lefigaro.fr
French Bank Fees Rise 1.7% in 2025, Outpaced by Inflation
French bank fees will rise by 1.7% to an average of €228.90 in 2025, a smaller increase than inflation. Account maintenance fees increased by 6.8%, while out-of-network withdrawal fees increased by 7.8%.
- What is the overall change in average bank fees in France for 2025, and how does this compare to inflation rates?
- In 2025, the average French person will pay €228.90 in bank fees, a 1.7% increase from 2024. This rise is lower than last year's inflation rate of 2.4% (Banque de France) and the 2024 average annual inflation of 2% (Insee). The increase in account maintenance fees was particularly notable, rising by 6.8% to €22.10 annually.
- Which specific bank fees experienced the most significant increases in 2025, and what factors contributed to these changes?
- The modest increase in overall bank fees is despite significant rises in specific areas. Account maintenance fees saw the largest jump, with three Crédit Agricole branches newly implementing charges. This contrasts with online banks and some traditional banks offering free account maintenance. The cost of debit cards also increased, with deferred debit cards slightly cheaper due to higher interchange fees for merchants.
- What are the potential long-term implications of the observed trends in bank fees, and what steps might consumers take to mitigate the rising costs?
- The trend of rising bank fees, particularly those associated with services like account maintenance and out-of-network withdrawals, is likely to continue. The decrease in free out-of-network withdrawals, coupled with the increasing costs of other services, suggests a shift towards greater monetization of previously included services. This indicates a potential need for consumers to critically evaluate their banking choices and associated fees.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the increase in banking fees in a relatively neutral tone, highlighting both the increase and the fact that it's lower than inflation. The headline could be considered slightly negative by focusing on the increase, but the body of the text tempers this by emphasizing the lower-than-inflation increase. The use of statistics and comparisons with previous years supports this neutral tone. However, the selection of data points (e.g., focusing on specific fee increases) subtly directs the reader towards a conclusion that the increase is acceptable because it is less than inflation.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, employing precise figures and direct quotes. However, phrases like "gonfle encore" (still swells) when referring to the increase in fees for withdrawals from other banks' ATMs could be considered slightly loaded, implying a negative consequence. A more neutral alternative would be to simply say that the fees "increased". Similarly, describing the account maintenance fee increase as a "sensible" increase might be interpreted as subjective. A more neutral phrasing would be something like a "significant increase" or "substantial increase".
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the increase in banking fees, providing specific examples and figures. However, it omits information on potential reasons behind the increase, such as increased operating costs for banks or changes in regulatory requirements. While the article mentions that some banks have started charging account maintenance fees, it doesn't explore the reasons why these banks have made this decision. The article also lacks information on the overall profitability of banks and how these fee increases affect their bottom line. This omission prevents a complete understanding of the context surrounding the fee increases.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of banking fees by focusing mainly on the comparison between the increase in fees and inflation. While this is a relevant comparison, it doesn't explore the complex factors influencing banking fees, such as competition, technological advancements and economic conditions. For example, the article mentions the difference in cost between debit and deferred debit cards but does not analyze the broader economic impacts of these differences. The reader is not given the complete picture regarding the multitude of factors involved.
Sustainable Development Goals
The increase in bank fees disproportionately affects low-income individuals, exacerbating existing inequalities. Those with limited financial resources are more likely to be impacted by rising costs of essential banking services like account maintenance and card usage, widening the gap between socioeconomic groups.