Compare Fixed Deposits in France

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20 live offers compared from 16 providers, from 2.70% gross. Updated daily.

What are fixed deposits in France?

A fixed deposit — the compte à terme (CAT) or dépôt à terme — locks a sum of money away for a set period, from a few months to several years, in exchange for a guaranteed interest rate agreed at the outset. Unlike an instant-access livret, the money is committed for the term; withdrawing early usually means a reduced rate or a penalty. It suits savers who can set cash aside and want a known, guaranteed return.

How the French market works

Fixed deposits are offered by banks and, increasingly, through deposit marketplaces that aggregate rates from multiple European banks. Platforms like Raisin FR let French savers access term deposits from banks across the EU, all covered by national deposit guarantees. Domestic providers such as Distingo Bank, Fortuneo, BoursoBank, Caisse d'Epargne, Crédit du Nord, Cdiscount Banque and Crédit Mutuel also market compte à terme products, often with rates that step up the longer you commit. Some contracts offer a fixed rate for the whole term, others a progressive rate that rises each year to reward staying invested, and a few allow partial early exit at a reduced rate. Because term-deposit rates track the wider interest-rate environment, they became far more attractive after the European Central Bank raised rates, giving savers a guaranteed alternative to volatile markets.

Benefits

Guaranteed rate — The return is fixed for the whole term, unaffected by later rate cuts.

Capital security — Balances are protected by the deposit guarantee, like a savings account.

Higher yield than livrets — Longer terms typically pay more than instant-access accounts.

How to choose

Match the term to when you will need the money, since early exit erodes the return. Compare the gross rate, whether it is fixed or progressive (taux progressif), the minimum deposit, and the early-withdrawal conditions. Remember that interest is taxable — usually at the 30% flat tax — so compare the net return against a tax-free Livret A before committing.

Leading providers in France

Raisin FR aggregates competitive term deposits from banks across Europe under national guarantees. Distingo Bank, Fortuneo and BoursoBank offer strong online rates, while Caisse d'Epargne, Crédit du Nord, Cdiscount Banque and Crédit Mutuel provide compte à terme products through their networks.

What it costs

Fixed deposits have no fee; the number that matters is the gross annual rate. This comparison shows rates from about 2.7% to 4.5%, generally rising with the length of the commitment. Because gains are taxed, the effective return is lower than the headline — factor the 30% flat tax when comparing against tax-exempt regulated savings. A gross 3.5% term deposit, for instance, yields roughly 2.45% after the flat tax, which may or may not beat a tax-free Livret A depending on the day's rates. Longer commitments and larger balances tend to earn the best rates, so the practical approach is to keep an accessible cushion in a livret and lock only money you are confident you will not need before the term ends.

Protections and regulation

Deposits are guaranteed up to €100,000 per person per bank — by the FGDR for French banks, or the equivalent national scheme for EU banks accessed via marketplaces — and banks are supervised by the ACPR. Terms must be disclosed clearly at signing, including the rate, term and early-exit rules. Spreading large sums across banks keeps each within the guarantee ceiling.

Common questions

Can I withdraw early? — Usually yes, but with a reduced rate or penalty; the product is designed to be held to term.

Is the interest taxed? — Yes, typically at the 30% flat tax, unlike the tax-free Livret A.

Are foreign-bank deposits safe? — Those accessed through EU marketplaces are covered by the relevant national guarantee up to €100,000.

Fixed-Rate Deposits in France — FAQ