Two French Banks Fined €9 Million for Abusive Banking Fees in 2026

• Why Were These Banks Fined?
• A History of Banking Misconduct
• Are Regulations Strong Enough?
• What’s Next for Affected Customers?
• FAQ: Your Questions Answered

In a landmark crackdown, two major French banks—Caisse d’Épargne Île-de-France and Caisse d’Épargne Grand Est Europe—have been slapped with a combined €9 million fine for charging unjustified fees to customers. The fines, imposed by France’s DGCCRF (Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control), highlight a recurring issue in the banking sector. Both banks, part of the BPCE group, were found guilty of exceeding legal limits on intervention fees and charging clients without proper justification. This isn’t the first time banks in the group have faced such penalties, signaling a broader pattern of misconduct. Here’s a deep dive into the case, its implications, and why such practices persist despite regulatory scrutiny.

Why Were These Banks Fined?

The DGCCRF’s investigation revealed that Caisse d’Épargne Île-de-France charged intervention fees even when no operational irregularities existed, effectively penalizing customers without cause. The bank also exceeded capped fee limits, resulting in a €6 million fine. Meanwhile, Caisse d’Épargne Grand Est Europe faced a €3.2 million penalty for similar violations. Both banks must now reimburse affected clients, though the exact amounts remain undisclosed. "We’ve adjusted our IT systems to ensure full compliance," one bank stated, but critics argue such measures are long overdue.

A History of Banking Misconduct

This isn’t an isolated incident. In 2026, Société Générale was fined €4.5 million for abusive fees, while six banks—including BNP Paribas and La Banque Postale—paid €2.8 million in 2020. A March 2026 DGCCRF report found anomalies in 17% of audited banks, with some charging unnecessary intervention fees or inflating rejection fees. "These practices, multiplied across millions of clients over years, generate profits far exceeding the fines," noted a financial analyst from TradingView. "For banks, it’s still a profitable gamble."

Are Regulations Strong Enough?

Despite stricter rules since July 2025—requiring sanctioned banks to display penalties on their websites—repeat offenses suggest fines alone aren’t deterrents. "The DGCCRF can’t monitor every bank, and penalties often pale next to illicit gains," said a BTCC market strategist. The contrast with decentralized finance (e.g., Bitcoin) is stark: "Crypto eliminates intermediary fees, but traditional banks still control access to money," they added. Source: AFP.

What’s Next for Affected Customers?

Both banks must reimburse clients, though the process lacks transparency. "Without public pressure, banks drag their feet," warned a consumer rights advocate. Meanwhile, the BPCE group’s third subsidiary, Banque Populaire Rives de Paris, was fined €2.5 million in late 2025—proof the issue is systemic.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Which banks were fined in 2026?

Caisse d’Épargne Île-de-France (€6M) and Caisse d’Épargne Grand Est Europe (€3.2M), both under BPCE.

How common are abusive banking fees?

Very. A 2026 DGCCRF report found 17% of audited banks had fee-related anomalies.

Will customers get refunds?

Yes, but amounts and timelines are unclear. Monitor your bank’s announcements.