France is one of Europe's largest savings markets, with a strong tradition of guaranteed savings products. In 2026, EUR savings options available to French residents and European investors range from 1.91% instant-access accounts to 3.37% on 10-year French government bonds (OAT).
Best savings accounts in France: rates at a glance
| Product | APY | Type | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Younited Credit 2Y (Raisin) | 2.67% | Fixed 24m | French FGDR €100K |
| Younited Credit 1Y (Raisin) | 2.47% | Fixed 12m | French FGDR €100K |
| Distingo Bank (Raisin) | 1.92% | Instant access | French FGDR €100K |
| Banco Cetelem / BNP (Raisin) | 1.91% | Instant access | Spanish DGS €100K |
| OAT 10 years | 3.37% | Sovereign bond | French state |
| OAT 5 years | 2.96% | Sovereign bond | French state |
| OAT 2 years | 2.63% | Sovereign bond | French state |
Rates updated daily. Source: APYData. Verify current conditions with each provider.
1. Younited Credit via Raisin — up to 2.67% (Best fixed rate, French bank)
Younited Credit is a French fintech lender with an A+ credit rating, accessible through the Raisin marketplace. It offers fixed-term deposits at 2.67% APY for 24 months and 2.47% APY for 12 months, covered by the French Fonds de Garantie des Dépôts et de Résolution (FGDR) up to €100,000.
This is one of the highest rates available through a French institution with full European deposit protection. Minimum investment: €2,000. Available to any EU resident via Raisin with no platform fees.
2. Distingo Bank — 1.92% (Best flexible, French bank)
Distingo Bank is a French savings institution (A+ rated) available through Raisin. It offers 1.92% APY with instant access — no fixed term, no minimum balance. Protected by the French FGDR up to €100,000. This is the highest flexible rate currently available from a French bank.
3. French OAT Government Bonds — 2.63% to 3.37%
French OATs (Obligations Assimilables du Trésor) are government bonds backed by the French state, rated AA. In 2026:
| OAT | Yield |
|---|---|
| OAT 2 years | 2.63% |
| OAT 5 years | 2.96% |
| OAT 10 years | 3.37% |
OATs yield more than German Bunds (Germany 10Y: 3.05% vs France 10Y: 3.37%) due to France's slightly higher credit risk. Both are investment-grade and considered core European sovereign debt. You can buy OATs through any European broker with no custody fees.
How French deposit protection works
France's FGDR (Fonds de Garantie des Dépôts et de Résolution) protects bank deposits up to €100,000 per depositor per institution, in line with EU Directive 2014/49/EU. This applies to any EU resident who holds a deposit in a French bank, including through platforms like Raisin.
France vs Germany vs Spain: quick comparison
| Option | France | Germany | Spain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best flexible rate | Distingo 1.92% | Scalable 2.50% | Revolut 2.27% |
| Best fixed rate | Younited 2.67% (2Y) | Raisin up to 3.33% | Raisin up to 2.67% |
| Government bonds 10Y | OAT 3.37% | Bund 3.05% | Bono 3.22% |
France's OATs offer the highest 10Y yield among the three major eurozone economies. For flexible savings, Germany-based platforms (Scalable Capital, Trade Republic) currently pay more than available French bank accounts.
FAQ
What is the best savings account in France in 2026?
For fixed-term savings, Younited Credit via Raisin offers 2.47% (12 months) to 2.67% (24 months) with French FGDR protection. For instant access, Distingo Bank via Raisin pays 1.92%. For larger amounts, French OAT government bonds yield up to 3.37% at 10 years with sovereign guarantee.
Can non-residents open French savings accounts?
Yes. French banks available through Raisin (Younited Credit, Distingo Bank) accept EU residents. The account opening process is digital via Raisin — no physical presence in France required.
Are French bank deposits safe?
Yes. The FGDR covers up to €100,000 per depositor per institution. For amounts above €100,000, French OATs (sovereign bonds) offer unlimited sovereign guarantee — the direct obligation of the French state.
How do French OATs compare to German Bunds?
French OATs yield slightly more than German Bunds across all maturities (e.g., 3.37% vs 3.05% at 10Y) due to France's slightly higher fiscal risk premium. Both are AA/AAA-rated, euro-denominated, and accessible through any European broker. For shorter maturities, German Bunds at 3M and 6M also outperform French equivalents due to Germany's superior short-term rating.