Some banks are more understanding than others when it comes to customers in difficulty. Here are those which have “the most questionable practices” according to a survey by the 60 million consumers association.
Being overdrawn is always a source of stress for most French people, who, in addition to being in financial difficulty, are already seeing themselves paying fees to their bank. But according to a survey published on September 26, 2024 and conducted by the association 60 million consumers, in partnership with the NGOs Fair Finance, Oxfam, Profundo, Reclaim Finance and Transparency International France, not all banks apply the same practices. Some of them are more strict than others when it comes to customers in financial difficulties.
The study also looked at indicators other than their social responsibilities. Among the themes scrutinized: profits placed in tax havens, control of money laundering and the fight against corruption, financing of deforestation and even salary gaps between employees and managers. Thus, according to the study, “large banks like BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole and Société Générale have the most questionable practices” and Crédit Agricole is the group “which displays the most damning overall results”.
Regarding the social part: “BNP Paribas is particularly ruthless towards vulnerable customers” denounces the association. Whether it’s overdraft fees or billing rates for account-debtor newsletters… Customers in financial difficulty risk paying much more than elsewhere.
In fact, other banking establishments are rather recommended for the most vulnerable customers. Crédit coopératif for example, a member of the BPCE group, or the Postal Bank should be more suitable, estimates the association of 60 million consumers.