A bank account becomes dormant when two conditions are met: a total absence of activity initiated by the account holder for twelve consecutive months, and no contact with the institution during the same period. This dual condition, set by Article L. 312-19 of the Monetary and Financial Code, triggers a regulatory mechanism that many account holders discover too late.
Inactivity fees on a dormant account: the limit and its workarounds
The point that popular articles consistently overlook concerns the pricing mechanics applied to dormant accounts. The decree of January 1, 2016, caps the fees specifically charged due to inactivity at 30 euros per year. This cap remains in effect and applies to all credit institutions operating in France.
However, we observe a common practice: some banks separate inactivity fees from standard account maintenance fees. The “account maintenance” item does not fall within the scope of the regulatory cap. An account holder may thus see their balance eroded by distinct fee lines, each technically compliant, but whose cumulative effect far exceeds their perception of the legal cap.
In practice, a checking account left inactive with a modest balance can end up at zero in a few years, not solely due to inactivity fees, but through the accumulation of service charges, maintenance fees, and the capped withdrawal. We recommend consulting all articles on dormant accounts to delve deeper into these often poorly documented pricing mechanisms.
Transfer deadlines to the Caisse des dépôts et consignations
The regulatory timeline varies depending on the type of product and the status of the account holder. This distinction is the main source of confusion in the handling of dormant assets.
For a checking account with a living account holder, the bank retains the funds for ten years after inactivity is detected. After this period, the balance is transferred to the Caisse des dépôts et consignations (CDC). The account holder then has an additional twenty years to claim their assets. Beyond that, the funds are permanently acquired by the state.
Savings accounts, securities accounts, and employee savings products are subject to a longer inactivity threshold: five years without operation or contact, compared to twelve months for a checking account. The transfer to the CDC then occurs according to the same ten-year timeline.
In the event of the account holder’s death, the process accelerates. The institution has three years after becoming aware of the death to transfer the assets to the CDC. The heirs then retain a right to restitution for twenty-seven years.
- Checking account, living holder: 12 months of inactivity, then 10 years in the bank, then 20 years at the CDC
- Savings account or securities account: 5 years of inactivity, then 10 years in the bank, then 20 years at the CDC
- Deceased holder: 3 years after knowledge of the death, then transfer to the CDC for 27 years
Bank’s information obligations towards the inactive holder
The Eckert law imposes an obligation of active search on institutions. Each year, the bank must verify whether the account holder is still alive, notably by querying the national directory of identification of natural persons. In the event of confirmed death, it must inform the identified heirs of the existence of the assets.
Six months before the transfer of funds to the Caisse des dépôts, the institution is required to send a notification to the holder (or their heirs) by any means at its disposal. This notification must specify the amount of the assets concerned and the expected date of transfer.
In practice, this obligation faces a recurring problem: the holder’s contact details are no longer up to date. An unreported move, a change of phone number, and the notification remains unacknowledged. The absence of a response from the holder does not suspend the transfer process.
Searching for dormant assets via Ciclade: scope and limits
The Ciclade service, operated by the Caisse des dépôts, allows for the search of assets that have already been transferred. Its scope covers bank accounts, savings accounts, securities accounts, and employee savings contracts whose funds have been paid to the CDC.
The procedure is done online. The requester provides their identity (or that of the deceased holder if acting as an heir), and the CDC cross-references with its database. In case of a match, restitution requires the provision of identity documents and, for inheritances, a certificate of inheritance or a notarized deed.
- Ciclade only covers funds already transferred to the CDC, not those still held by the bank
- Unclaimed life insurance contracts fall under a separate system (AGIRA) and are not searchable via Ciclade
- Restitution is free, with no processing fees or commissions
The specific case of bank safe deposit boxes
Safe deposit boxes rented from a bank are also subject to the regime of inactive assets. After ten years of inactivity of the rental contract, the bank proceeds to open the safe in the presence of a bailiff. The contents are inventoried, liquidated if necessary, and then the funds are transferred to the CDC according to the standard timeline.
The rental fees for the safe continue to accrue during the inactivity period and are deducted from the holder’s assets, which can significantly reduce the recoverable value.
Reactivating a dormant account before transfer to the CDC
As long as the funds have not been transferred to the Caisse des dépôts, a simple action with the institution is enough to reactivate the account. A login to the online space, a balance inquiry at the agency, or an outgoing transfer interrupts the inactivity count.
We recommend that holders of multiple accounts check each account held at least once a year, including forgotten savings accounts or inactive PEA. Logging into the client area is sufficient as an action under the law.
Once the funds are transferred to the CDC, restitution must go through Ciclade. The original bank account is then closed by the institution. No reactivation is possible after the transfer.