Overview

• A new study by UFC-Que Choisir, released on April 8, 2025, criticizes French banks for imposing fixed minimum fees on small overdrafts, often resulting in disproportionate charges.
• The consumer group argues that these fees lack economic justification and unfairly penalize financially vulnerable households, exacerbating their financial struggles.
• Bank tariff brochures are described as overly complex and opaque, making it difficult for consumers to understand or compare overdraft-related costs effectively.
• UFC-Que Choisir is calling for regulatory changes, including integrating all overdraft fees into the TAEG (annual percentage rate) and prohibiting fixed minimum fees altogether.
• Banking associations defend their practices, citing cost caps for vulnerable clients and gradual improvements, but consumer advocates maintain that current measures are insufficient.