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The Livret A allows you to keep savings accessible: deposits and withdrawals are possible at any time. For an individual, the deposit limit is 22 950 €, but interest can take the balance above it. Here are the points to check when planning your deposits and withdrawals, without prejudging future returns.
What is the deposit limit for a Livret A?
For an individual, the maximum amount of savings held in a Livret A is 22 950 €. When the balance reaches the limit or exceeds it following the addition of interest, no further deposit can be made. Interest nevertheless continues to be added as long as the account remains open, even above the limit.
Before making a deposit, check your account balance. A balance above the limit does not necessarily mean that an additional deposit has been made: it may result from the addition of interest.
How can you pay into your Livret A?
You can pay into a Livret A by cheque, by depositing cash at a branch counter or by transfer from an account belonging to the account holder. This transfer can come from a current account held at a bank other than the one where the Livret A is held. There is no requirement to make periodic deposits.
As a general rule, the minimum deposit is 10 €. For a Livret A opened at La Banque postale, the minimum is 1,5 €. Check the amount applicable at your bank before preparing a deposit.
Livret A withdrawals: what are the limits?
Deposits and withdrawals are possible at any time. There is no maximum withdrawal amount, but you cannot withdraw more than the amount held in the account. The balance must never be negative.
The minimum withdrawal is generally 10 €. At La Banque postale, it is 1,5 €. The account holder can make a withdrawal at any branch; their legal representative can withdraw only at the branch where the account was opened.
For a minor account holder, withdrawal is not possible before age 16. Even after age 16, their legal representative can oppose the withdrawal by notifying the bank by registered letter. These rules should be considered before relying on the money in the account for an expense.
How do dates affect interest?
Interest is calculated on the 1st and 16th of each month. Deposited sums earn interest if they are held for full fortnightly periods. The value date varies according to the date of the deposit or withdrawal.
For a deposit made up to the 15th of the month, the value date is the 16th of the same month; from the 16th onwards, it is the 1st day of the following month. For a withdrawal up to the 15th of the month, the value date is the last day of the previous month; from the 16th onwards, it is the 15th of the month. If you are planning a transaction, these dates help you understand its effect on the interest calculation, without determining future returns.
On 31 December each year, the interest accumulated over the year is added to the principal. It can then take the balance above the limit. Livret A interest is exempt from income tax and social contributions.
Which documents should you consult before a transaction?
The account-opening agreement sets out the rules governing the Livret A, particularly for deposits, withdrawals and interest calculations. Deposits and withdrawals appear on account statements. Opening, deposit, withdrawal and closing transactions are free of charge.
To prepare for a transaction, consult your statement and agreement, then ask your bank if you have a question about the terms applicable to your account. This general information does not constitute personalised advice.