While the Livret A sits at 1.5%, a lesser-known account is paying 2.5% completely tax-free — and a significant number of UK expats in France qualify without realising it.
The LEP (Livret d'Épargne Populaire, or Popular Savings Account) is reserved for households whose tax reference income (RFR) falls below a certain threshold. For 2026, that threshold is €23,028 for a single person and €35,326 for a couple — higher than many people assume, particularly those on modest pension or part-time incomes.
You can hold up to €10,000 in a LEP and the interest is entirely free of income tax and social charges. Your bank can check your eligibility directly with the tax authority — you no longer need to present a paper tax notice.
With the flat tax (PFU) having risen to 31.4% from the start of 2026, tax-free accounts like the LEP are worth paying attention to if you qualify.
Your 2026 RFR figure will appear on your avis d'imposition (tax notice) at impots.gouv.fr in late July — worth checking as soon as it arrives, as it also determines your eligibility for MaPrimeRénov' and other means-tested benefits.