Inactivity fees, often perceived as a hidden surcharge, affect millions of bank accounts in France. These charges, applied when customers do not make any transactions on their account for a specific period, can add up quickly. Depending on the sources, banks charge between 5 and 25 euros per month for inactive accounts, with an annual maximum of 30 euros in case of failure to comply with the legal criteria.
Why do these rates exist?
Banks justify these fees with the costs of managing dormant accounts. However, their application depends on strict criteria: absence of customer-initiated transactions for 12 months (5 years for savings accounts or regulated securities) and absence of manifestation by the owner.
Inactivity criteria
Two cumulative conditions trigger the idle state:
- Lack of operations : No transactions (transfer, direct debit, withdrawal) initiated by the customer or his legal representative for 12 months.
- Absence of manifestation : No contact with the bank (call, mail, online connection) in the same period.
Special cases :
- Deceased accounts : Inactivity detected if no beneficiary steps forward in the year following death.
- Legal unavailability : Accounts frozen by court decision or agreement are not affected by the Eckert Act.
The financial and administrative consequences
Commissions: a trap for small balances
Inactivity fees can drain a low-balance account in a matter of months. For example, an account with 50 euros would suffer a monthly reduction of 25 euros, becoming negative in two months.
Account closure :
After a period of inactivity (from 6 months to 2 years depending on the structure), the bank can close the account. This decision complicates the recovery of funds and may affect the customer’s creditworthiness.
Banks faced with the Eckert law: obligations and limits
The information obligation of banks
The Eckert Law requires establishments to:
- Inform yourself regularly customers about the inactivity status of their account.
- Specify the consequences : costs, possible closure and reactivation methods.
Evidence to be provided :
Banks need to track the latest customer transactions or events to determine the start date of the inactivity.
Exceptions to the Eckert Law
Some accounts escape the inactivity rules:
- Accounts under judicial supervision : Blocked by court decision.
- Accounts subject to legal restrictions : E.g. legal protection accounts.
Negotiate or dispute expenses
Negotiation :
- Contact the bank : Request the removal or reduction of fees, citing involuntary inactivity.
- Change bank : Opt for institutions without account maintenance fees, such as some online banks.
Dispute :
- Excessive commissions : If the expenses exceed 30 euros per year, send a registered letter to contest them.
- Mediation : In case of dispute, contact the banking mediator.
Closing the account: a radical but effective solution
Advantages :
- Blocking charges : No additional costs after closing.
- Simplification : Reduction in the number of accounts to manage.
Risks :
- Impact on credit : A closure due to inactivity may be noted in the credit records.
- Complexity of recovery : Funds can be transferred to the Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations after 10 years.
Alternatives to traditional accounts
Online banks: an economical solution
Advantages :
- No fees for maintaining the account : For most current accounts.
- Transparency : Online management with inactivity alerts.
Limits :
- Inactivity criteria : The same rules apply, with possible charges after 12 months without surgery.
Regulated savings accounts: a safe alternative
Booklets A, LDD, LEP :
- High inactivity threshold : 5 years without intervention are considered dormant.
- Limited commissions : Subject to the annual cap of 30 euros in case of inactivity.
Towards greater transparency of bank fees
The impact of regulation on banking practices
Fare cap :
Since 2016, inactivity fees cannot exceed 30 euros per year, a measure aimed at protecting low-income customers.
Persistent limits :
- Complexity of conditions : Customers should actively monitor their accounts to avoid fees.
- Information asymmetry : Banks do not always clearly communicate inactivity criteria.
The importance of customer vigilance
Best practices :
- Configure alerts : On operations and balance.
- Perform regular operations : To maintain the business, a monthly transfer of 1 euro is sufficient.
- View statements : Check for any unexpected charges.
Monitoring tools :
- Banking apps : To monitor activity in real time.
- Mediation services : In case of dispute, contact the banking ombudsman or the ACPR.
Inactivity fees, while legal, represent a financial trap for negligent customers. The Eckert Act regulates these practices, but vigilance remains essential. By choosing transparent banks, monitoring their accounts and actively trading, customers can limit these expenses. To fully protect consumers, a more ambitious reform would be needed, including systematic information and longer inactivity thresholds.
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