Interest Breakdown
Published December 12, 2023In France, there is no automatic interest rate on a refund obtained after a scam. Interest depends on how the case is settled: agreement with the bank, mediation or court decision.
During a complaint or mediation, the discussion usually covers the amount lost. Interest can be requested, but the bank is not required to offer it.
Before a court, an order to pay a sum generally carries interest at the legal rate. When it runs until payment, the exact amount is only known on the day of payment.
The legal interest rate is set every six months. For individuals, it is 6.84% for the second half of 2026.
If you are paid interest, ask the bank for a written breakdown of the amounts.
An example at the legal rate
Here is an example for a sum of €1,000, with interest at the legal rate of 6.84% running for 6 months.
€1,000 x 0.0684 = €68.40 interest for a full year
€68.40 ÷ 2 = €34.20 interest for 6 months
To do the calculation, proceed as follows
Sum due x legal rate = interest for one year
Interest for one year ÷ 365 days = interest for one day
Interest for one day x number of days concerned = total interest.
The result can vary
The legal rate changes every six months: a calculation over several periods uses the rate of each one.
The start date for interest also depends on the decision or agreement.
If you borrowed to make the payments, say so in your file: this cost may be part of your loss.
Interest is not automatic
In many cases, neither the bank nor the mediator offers interest. An agreement may cover only the amount lost.
You can choose not to claim interest
If for any reason you would rather not claim interest, let us know.
Each complaint is written to measure, so we can adapt it.
