Can small businesses earn interest on deposits in France?

Among the challenges for sole traders and small businesses is that savings accounts in France are dominated by government-regulated products such as the Livret A and its higher-paying counterpart, the Livret d’épargne populaire (LEP).

While interest earned in these accounts is not taxed, they have deposit ceilings of €10,000 for a LEP and €22,950 for a Livret A. 

They are intended for savings, rather than current account activities, and for private individuals rather than professional use. 

However, unless your bank expressly forbids it, they could potentially be used to earn interest from deposits if you are a sole trader or small business. 

From February 1, 2026, the interest rates fall to 1.5% (Livret A) and 2.5% (LEP). 

If you already hold a Livret A, it is not possible to open another one. 

Note that interest is calculated par quinzaine: deposits made between the first and 15th day of the month are added together for interest calculations. 

Deposits made after the 15th do not generate interest until the start of the following month.

Alongside these government- regulated products sit other savings accounts. 

A compte à terme offers competitive interest rates over a fixed term for those wishing to lock their money away for a set period of time. 

Interest rates vary by bank, term length, and type of account (fixed, progressive, or variable), and interest on them is taxed at source by banks. 

A compte sur livret is a standard instant-access savings account where customers can deposit or withdraw money at any time. 

It generally has less favourable interest rates but greater flexibility. 

There is a clear divide in most French banks between business banking and individual banking, highlighting an industry that has yet to catch up with the estimated 4.4 million micro-entrepreneurs in the country. 

Most continue to use their personal bank accounts. 

Micro-entrepreneurs are not legally required to open an account for work purposes unless turnover exceeds €10,000 per year for two consecutive years, and when they do, they can use a separate personal account. 

Many choose online accounts, where there are typically no fees to receive SEPA payments in euros. 

Where business accounts are available to micro-entrepreneurs, they are almost always fee-charging – banks can set their own rates – and, as current accounts, are not interest-bearing. ere are few savings products expressly for small businesses. 

Crédit Agricole has a Livret Excédent Pro but, like a compte à terme, it has a non-regulated interest rate and is taxed at source.