Can Your Livret A Account Be Suddenly Closed by Your Bank? Here's What the Law Says

Since the Eckert Law of 2016, inactive accounts can be closed by banks. A Livret A account is considered inactive when no transactions (neither deposit nor withdrawal) have been carried out for five consecutive years, and the holder has not responded (connection to the customer area, exchange with the bank, updating contact details, etc.).

After this period, the bank is required to inform the customer. If there is no response from the customer, the Livret A account can be closed and the funds transferred to the Caisse des Dépôts. The holder then has twenty years to claim their money back. After that, the sums become the property of the state.

A context that increases the risk of forgetting

Since July 2023, a discreet but significant change has been added: it is now possible to fund a Livret A account from a current account opened at another bank. While this measure facilitates banking mobility, it can also encourage a disconnect between the customer and their account. A savings product held in a bank that is rarely consulted is therefore more likely to be forgotten.

However, it doesn't take much to keep your Livret A active. One transaction every five years, or simply logging into the customer area, is enough to keep the account open. It is also advisable to regularly check your personal information (postal address, email) so that the bank can contact the holder if necessary.

Don't panic, but a useful reminder

No, the Livret A is not being abolished. No, the government is not going to suddenly empty savings accounts. But yes, vigilance is still required, especially if the booklet is used like a simple piggy bank forgotten in a corner. In short, as long as you remain at least minimally active, there is nothing to fear. The Livret A remains a safe, accessible and useful investment - provided you don't forget about it.

How to avoid closing your Livret A?

• Carry out at least one transaction (deposit or withdrawal) every five years.
• Regularly log in to your online customer area.
• Make sure your contact details (postal and email address) are up to date. day from your bank.