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In brief
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Duration: Negotiation authorisation — 1 appointment; regularisation — from days to weeks
Cost: Agios (rates ~16 to 21 %), intervention commissions ≤ 8 €/transaction
On-site only

Who this guide is for

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  • You if you're out of sight and don't know what to do
  • You if the agios and commissions worry you
  • You if you want to apply for an overdraft authorization

To be prepared in advance

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  • The banking contract (overdraft conditions)
  • Income history and expenses (for negotiation)
  • Contact with your banker

Step-by-step procedure

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  1. 1Distinguish the types: authorized overdraft (cash facility — agreed with the bank, agios ~8 to 16%) vs unauthorized (without agreement — higher agios, intervention fees).
  2. 2Ask for permission: Talk to the banker, explain the reason (passenger difficulty). The bank may grant a facility up to a certain amount and time limit.
  3. 3Agios: interest in using the overdraft. Since 2017, ceiling on overdraft allowed < 80 € regulated (max rate ~21,24 %).
  4. 4Intervention commissions: for each unauthorised overdraft transaction. Since 2017 — ≤ 8 €/transaction, ≤ 80 €/month for fragile customers (CSS, RSA, etc.).
  5. 5Commissions of movement: for every movement in the open — usually illegal, challenge.
  6. 6Incidents: in the event of a long overdraft, the bank can classify an incident — Bank of France (FICP) stamping. That's blocking the credits.
  7. 7In case of abuse (unfair commissions): challenge in bank, then consumer mediator, ACPR.
  8. 8Solution: Regularize the discovery as quickly as possible. In case of recurring problems — see the guide on debt.
  9. 9Prevention: precise budget, reserve savings, avoid recurring overdraft.

Common mistakes

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  • Ignore the commissions — they are accumulating.
  • Do not apply for permission — higher fees.
  • Ignore the ceilings for intervention commissions.
  • Believing that the bank cannot refuse permission — it can.
  • Leave a long overdraft — FICP filing.

Official sources

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Show sources in this section

Useful links

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OverdebtBanking fraud

Important remark

Overdraft conditions vary among banks. This information is indicative — on your behalf, see your bank's agreements.

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