Best PEA in 2025: Complete PEA Comparison Guide

• Key Selection Criteria for Choosing Your PEA
• Our Top 11 PEA Rankings for 2025
• How PEA Works: The Complete Picture
• Getting Started: How to Invest Through Your PEA
• Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for the best PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) in 2025? You're not alone. With over 7.2 million French citizens holding a PEA by the end of 2024 and more than €114 billion invested through this tax-advantaged scheme, choosing the right PEA has never been more important. This comprehensive guide compares 11 top PEA options, analyzing fees, usability, platform quality, investment products, and reliability to help you make an informed decision.

Key Selection Criteria for Choosing Your PEA

Before diving into our rankings of the best PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) options for 2025, it's essential to understand the key factors that differentiate these investment accounts. The PEA market has evolved significantly in recent years, with online brokers now offering more competitive terms than traditional banks. Here's what we considered in our evaluation:

1. Fee Structures: The Silent Wealth Killer

Our analysis reveals dramatic differences in fee structures across providers. The most competitive options like Trade Republic and Fortuneo have eliminated most fixed fees, while traditional banks still impose various charges:

• Trade Republic: €0 fees with scheduled investment plans
• Fortuneo: First monthly order under €500 free, then 0.35%
• BoursoBank: 0.50% for orders under €399
• Crédit Agricole: €96 annual fee unless you make 12+ trades/year

According to TradingView data, these fee differences can compound to thousands of euros over a 10-year investment horizon.

2. Platform Reliability and Parent Companies

We examined each provider's:

3. Investment Product Availability

The best PEAs offer:

• French and European stocks
• PEA-eligible ETFs (including global index funds)
• Fractional shares (available at Shares and coming to Trade Republic)
• Scheduled investment plans (currently only Trade Republic)

4. User Experience and Customer Service

Platform interfaces range from beginner-friendly (Trade Republic, Fortuneo) to advanced (Saxo). Customer service responsiveness varies dramatically:

• Yomoni: 4.8/5 (best in class)
• Trade Republic: 4.2/5 (but slow response times reported)
• Bourse Direct: 2.8/5 (frequent complaints)

The BTCC team's analysis confirms that fee structures have become more transparent since the 2019 PACTE law, which capped annual management fees at 0.5% of assets under management. This regulatory change has made PEAs more accessible to retail investors.

When choosing your PEA, consider your investment style:

• Passive investors: Prioritize low fees and automated investing
• Active traders: Look for advanced tools and low per-trade costs
• International investors: Watch for foreign currency conversion fees

Our comprehensive comparison table (available as a Google Sheet) tracks all these criteria and is updated regularly to reflect market changes.

Our Top 11 PEA Rankings for 2025

1. Trade Republic PEA (Tie) - 4.58/5

Standout features of this digital-first platform:

• No commission on recurring investments
• Flat €1 fee for manual trades
• Intuitive mobile-first design
• Cash sweep feature at ECB rates
• Integrated investment ecosystem

Distinctive automated investing functionality sets it apart from competitors. The platform consolidates multiple investment products with seamless navigation.

1. Fortuneo PEA (Tie) - 4.58/5

Key competitive advantages:

• Threshold-based fee waiver
• Unrestricted order sizing
• Established banking infrastructure
• Multi-product dashboard

Ideal for investors making periodic, moderate-sized investments. The banking parentage provides additional financial services integration.

3. BoursoBank PEA - 4.38/5

Notable characteristics:

• Tiered commission structure
• Legacy bank stability
• Specialized ETF program
• Upcoming fee adjustments

Offers transitional benefits for small-scale ETF investors before impending policy changes take effect.

4. Crédit Agricole Investstore Integral - 4.35/5

Traditional banking proposition:

• Volume-discounted pricing
• Activity-based fee waiver
• Physical branch access
• Comprehensive research tools

Maintains relevance through progressive pricing tiers despite institutional overhead.

5. EasyBourse PEA - 4.25/5

Postal banking solution:

• Fixed-fee entry tier
• Domestic tax simplicity
• Established brand backing
• Traditional investment approach

Appeals to investors prioritizing administrative convenience over advanced features.

6. Shares PEA - 4.33/5

Innovative newcomer attributes:

• Partial share capability
• Referral incentives
• Modern interface
• Graduated pricing model

Disruptive features challenge established providers, particularly for small-balance investors.

7. Saxo PEA - 4.04/5

Professional-grade offering:

• Institutional-level platform
• Ultra-low percentage fees
• Global market access
• Sophisticated tools

Caters to experienced investors willing to navigate complexity for advanced functionality.

8. XTB PEA - 3.92/5

Aggressive market entrant:

• Generous free tier
• Local tax domicile
• Streamlined interface
• FX-focused pricing

Competes on price but lacks some PEA-specific features available from more established providers.

9. Bourse Direct PEA - 3.92/5

Seasoned specialist platform:

• Multi-tier pricing
• Decades of operation
• Pure-play brokerage focus
• Basic interface

Appeals to cost-conscious traders prioritizing function over form.

10. Interactive Brokers PEA - 3.83/5

Global trading specialist:

• Micro-commission structure
• Professional tools
• International orientation
• Flexible account options

Best suited for active traders with cross-border investment needs.

11. Yomoni PEA - 3.42/5

Full-service solution:

• Comprehensive management
• Premium service level
• High entry threshold
• Hands-off approach

Targets affluent investors seeking complete delegation of investment decisions.

How PEA Works: The Complete Picture

The PEA (Plan d'Épargne en Actions) has emerged as a cornerstone of French wealth-building strategies, with recent Banque de France statistics showing remarkable adoption rates. This tax-efficient investment wrapper offers unique advantages for market participation while complying with European regulatory frameworks.

Structural components of the PEA system include:

• Equity Selection: Focused on European markets with strict eligibility criteria
• Fund Options: Curated selection of compliant investment vehicles
• Account Architecture: Dual-component design separating cash management from securities holdings

Operational parameters investors should note:

The taxation framework presents compelling advantages:

Strategic considerations for prospective investors:

• Provider Evaluation: Assess technological infrastructure and service quality
• Portfolio Construction: Emphasize long-term, diversified approaches
• Contribution Strategy: Systematic funding to maximize account potential

Historical performance data indicates that disciplined investment through this vehicle can yield substantial benefits, particularly when combined with the account's unique tax characteristics.

Getting Started: How to Invest Through Your PEA

Opening a PEA is straightforward - most providers let you start with €100 or less. Once opened, you'll:

For example, to buy the EWLD (Lyxor World) ETF:

Remember to consider dollar-cost averaging - investing smaller amounts regularly rather than lump sums - to smooth out market volatility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes a PEA different from a regular brokerage account?

The PEA offers significant tax advantages after 5 years - capital gains and dividends become tax-free, unlike standard brokerage accounts where you pay capital gains tax. However, PEAs have restrictions on eligible investments and contribution limits.

Can I have more than one PEA?

No, French residents are limited to one PEA per person. However, you can transfer your PEA between providers without losing its tax-advantaged status or "age."

What happens if I withdraw money from my PEA before 5 years?

Early withdrawals trigger account closure and loss of tax benefits. You'll owe income tax (not capital gains tax) on any profits at your marginal rate, plus potentially social charges.

Are there PEA options for young investors?

Yes! The "PEA jeune" allows 18-25 year olds attached to their parents' tax household to invest up to €20,000. At 25, it automatically converts to a standard PEA.

How do I choose between a PEA and life insurance for investing?

PEAs generally offer better long-term returns for equity investors due to the tax-free status after 5 years. Life insurance provides more flexibility and asset protection but typically has higher fees. Many investors use both for diversification.

Can I invest in US stocks through a PEA?

Not directly - PEA rules restrict investments to European equities and certain funds. For US stocks, you'd need a standard brokerage account (CTO in French), though some global ETFs with PEA eligibility provide indirect exposure.

What's the difference between PEA and PEA-PME?

PEA-PME is a variant focusing on small and mid-cap companies. It has a lower €75,000 contribution limit but offers the same tax benefits. Some providers offer both account types.

How often should I contribute to my PEA?

Regular investing (monthly or quarterly) helps smooth out market volatility through dollar-cost averaging. Many top PEA providers offer automated investment plans to facilitate this strategy.