Three million customers are attached to a bank charging outrageous fees that do not exist elsewhere.
This is a subject that upsets many French people, especially those most in difficulty. Bank charges are the subject of much discussion and, above all, disputes. Because studies show it: households with the least means suffer the most from these expenses. Among them, one seems to be from another time.
In today’s digital age, all banks offer their customers a personal online space to monitor their expenses and carry out various operations, such as transfers, chargebacks, bank card orders or others. Free access… but not for everyone! Yes, several establishments still charge their customers for logging into their account on the internet.
The prize for the most expensive bank on this service goes to the Banque de Savoie (1 million individual and professional customers). It charges individual customers 4.43 euros every month so that they can access their account online. At the end of the year, the bill is steep: €53.16. And this, for actions which did not require the slightest intervention from a bank employee. Fees that appear ludicrous, but nevertheless very real, mentioned in black and white on the price brochure of January 1, 2024.
This subsidiary of the Banque Populaire – Caisse d’Epargne (BPCE) group is closely followed by BRED. Indeed, the establishment, and its 1.3 million customers, does not hesitate to do the same either. Subscription cost: 3.30 euros per month, or 39.60 euros per year.
Other banks, this time Crédit Mutuel, do not offer free connection to the customer area either. First, Crédit Mutuel Antilles-Guyane. People (160,000) holding an account in this establishment present in Guadeloupe, Martinique, Guyana and Saint-Martin must pay 1 euro per month, or 12 euros per year, to be able to access their online account.
In mainland France, it is Crédit Mutuel Maine-Anjou Basse-Normandie, present in Manche, Orne, Sarthe and Mayenne, which charges its customers (700,000) so that they have access to their personal space. If the establishment deigns to offer two connections per month, each additional visit is charged 50 cents. Checking your finances once a week therefore costs 1 euro per month, or, again, 12 euros per year.
These small lines in the contract, discreet and often overlooked by customers, are part of these expenses which can be limited or stopped by changing banks or after negotiation with your banker. These prices can also be lowered through bundled offers or promotions can be applied. It is still necessary to be aware of their existence.