Livret Jeune vs Livret A in France: Which is Better in 2026?
Both the Livret Jeune and Livret A are French government-backed savings accounts with zero risk on your capital. If you're under 25 and living in France, you can hold both — and the combination is the optimal starting point for your emergency fund.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Livret A | Livret Jeune |
|---|---|---|
| Current rate (2026) | 2.4% | ≥ 3.0% (bank sets it, min = Livret A) |
| Capital ceiling | €22,950 | €1,600 |
| Tax on interest | None (fully exempt) | None (fully exempt) |
| Liquidity | Instant withdrawal | Instant withdrawal |
| Eligibility | Everyone (French residents) | Age 12-25 only |
| Per person limit | 1 per person | 1 per person |
| Capital guarantee | State-backed | State-backed |
The Strategy: Hold Both
If you're between 12 and 25, the optimal approach is:
- Max out the Livret Jeune first: €1,600 cap, but earns the highest rate (≥3%). Fill it completely.
- Then use the Livret A for the rest of your emergency fund up to €22,950.
There's no reason not to have both. They're not mutually exclusive, they're complementary.
What is the Livret A Rate in 2026?
The Livret A rate is set by the French government twice a year (February and August). As of early 2026, the rate is 2.4% after falling from the 3% peak of 2023-2024.
The Livret Jeune rate is set by each bank individually, but by law it must be at least equal to the Livret A rate. Most banks offer 3-3.5% on the Livret Jeune to attract young customers.
Call or check online — some banks (BoursoBank, Fortuneo, Hello bank!) offer up to 4% on the Livret Jeune. It takes 5 minutes to switch banks for this product.
Are These Accounts Worth It for an Emergency Fund?
Yes — for your emergency fund, absolutely. Key properties:
- Zero risk: capital guaranteed by the French state
- Instant liquidity: withdraw any time, same or next business day
- Tax-free: interest is exempt from income tax and social contributions
The only limitation: these accounts pay below-inflation returns in a high-inflation environment. They're not investment vehicles — they're liquidity reserves. For any money you can lock away for 5+ years, a PEA + ETF portfolio is significantly better.
The LEP: Often Forgotten, Often Best
If your income is below a certain threshold, you may be eligible for the Livret d'Épargne Populaire (LEP). Its rate is consistently higher than both the Livret A and Livret Jeune — currently around 3.5-4%. It's often the best savings account in France that nobody knows about.
Check eligibility at your bank — it's based on your last tax return.
Track your savings alongside your investments
TREESTEP lets you add your Livret A, Livret Jeune, PEA, and investment portfolio to one dashboard. See your complete financial picture and earn XP for every good financial decision.
Try TREESTEP free →Frequently Asked Questions
Can an expat open a Livret A or Livret Jeune in France?
Yes — any person fiscally resident in France can open a Livret A, regardless of nationality. The Livret Jeune requires being aged 12-25 and resident in France. Neither requires French citizenship.
What happens to the Livret Jeune when you turn 25?
The account is automatically closed in the year you turn 26. Your bank will transfer the balance to your Livret A or current account. Make sure you've already opened a Livret A before this happens.
Is the Livret A a good investment?
It's not an investment — it's a savings vehicle. For long-term wealth building, the stock market (via PEA + ETF) offers far superior returns. Use the Livret A for your emergency fund (3-6 months of expenses), then invest the rest.