Overview of Boursorama Banque
Boursorama Banque is France's leading online bank with over 6 million customers in 2026. A subsidiary of the Societe Generale group, it benefits from the financial strength of a major banking player while offering some of the lowest fees on the market.
Founded in 2005, Boursorama has been voted France's cheapest bank for 17 consecutive years by the comparison site Panorabanques. Its stated goal of surpassing 7 million customers by the end of 2026 reflects its continued momentum.
Bank Cards
Boursorama offers a range of 4 bank cards, two of which are entirely free:
| Card | Price | Requirements | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome | Free | None | Visa Classic with systematic authorisation |
| Ultim | Free | None | Visa Premier with systematic authorisation |
| Ultim Metal | 9.90 euros/month | None | Visa Premier + premium insurance |
| Metal | 9.90 euros/month | None | Metal card with concierge service |
The Ultim card is the bestseller: it provides Visa Premier benefits (travel insurance, high spending limits) at zero cost, provided you accept systematic authorisation (your balance is checked with every payment).
Fees Abroad
- Foreign currency payments: free with Ultim and Metal, 1.94% with Welcome
- ATM withdrawals abroad: free with Ultim and Metal (minimum 1 withdrawal/month), 1.94% with Welcome
Savings Products
Regulated Savings Accounts
Boursorama offers all French government-regulated savings accounts at the statutory rates:
- Livret A (France's main tax-free savings account): 2.4% (rate effective 1 February 2025)
- LDDS (sustainable development savings account): 2.4%
- LEP (low-income savings account): 3.5% (income-tested)
Assurance Vie (BoursoVie)
The BoursoVie contract, underwritten by Generali, is one of the most competitive on the market:
- Fonds euros (guaranteed capital fund): return of 3.10% in 2025 (net of management fees)
- Management fees: 0.75% per year on unit-linked funds (unites de compte)
- Entry fees: 0%
- Over 600 unit-linked funds available (ETFs, SCPI real estate funds, mutual funds)
- Minimum investment: 300 euros
For a saver investing 50,000 euros (50% fonds euros, 50% unit-linked at 6%/year), the overall gross return is approximately 4.5%, compared to 2-3% at a traditional bank.
PEA and Brokerage Account
Boursorama is a benchmark for stock market investing in France:
- Brokerage fees: starting at 0.50% per order (Decouverte plan)
- Custody fees: 0 euros
- Market access: Euronext Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels + international markets
- Commission-free ETFs: a selection of ETFs with no brokerage fees (EasyBourse offer)
PEA Comparison Example
For a PEA portfolio of 30,000 euros with 2 orders of 500 euros per month:
| Bank | Annual Fees |
|---|---|
| Traditional bank | 200-400 euros |
| Boursorama (Decouverte) | 60 euros |
| Savings | 140-340 euros |
Mortgage
Boursorama offers mortgages at competitive rates:
- Fixed rate: starting at 3.10% over 20 years (excluding insurance)
- Application fees: 0 euros for existing customers
- Early repayment: no penalties in most cases
- Online simulation and initial response within 24 hours
For a 250,000 euro loan over 20 years at 3.10%, the monthly payment is 1,404 euros, compared to approximately 1,440 euros at 3.40% at a traditional bank -- a savings of 8,640 euros over the life of the loan.
Strengths
- Unbeatable pricing: the vast majority of services are free
- Mobile app recognised as one of the best on the market (4.6/5 rating)
- Full product range: current account, savings, stock market, credit, insurance
- Responsive customer service: available 6 days/week, 8am to 10pm on weekdays
- Enhanced security: strong authentication, real-time alerts
- Welcome bonuses: up to 150 euros upon opening
Weaknesses
- No physical branches: everything is handled online or by phone
- No cash deposits: it is impossible to deposit banknotes
- Systematic authorisation on Ultim: can cause issues for certain payments (toll booths, vending machines)
- Mortgage: complex applications (self-employed, expats) are sometimes declined
- Processing times: certain operations (estates, powers of attorney) take longer than at a traditional bank
Our Verdict
Boursorama Banque fully deserves its position as France's leading online bank. With a comprehensive free offering, a high-performing assurance vie, and a competitive PEA, it suits the vast majority of profiles. Savers and investors will find an unmatched quality-to-price ratio. Only those who need in-branch support or regularly handle cash will need to look elsewhere.
Overall rating: 4.5/5