Livret A Simulator 2026

The Livret A simulator projects regulated savings from an opening balance, regular deposits, a duration and the rate used on the page. The centralized rate is 1.5%, effective from 2026-02-01. It separates your deposits from accumulated interest and should be read as an educational estimate because the regulated rate and application rules may change.

Formula used

Year-end balance = starting balance + deposits - withdrawals + regulated interest

The projection applies the regulated annual rate to the balance and adds periodic deposits within the deposit ceiling. In the French system, Livret A interest is normally based on fortnight periods and credited at year-end; the simulator provides a simplified view for quick scenario comparison.

Worked example and result reading

Situation

Example with the centralized 1.5% rate: €10,000 initially plus €100 per month for 5 years gives about €17,048 in the page's annualized model. Total deposits are €16,000, so estimated interest is roughly €1,048.

Interpretation

A high final balance may come mostly from deposits rather than yield. Read total deposited, estimated interest and distance from the €22,950 ceiling separately. Once the ceiling is reached, new deposits cannot be added in the same way, even though credited interest may continue to accumulate.

Detailed calculation guide

Opening balance and deposits

The opening balance gives the account its starting point. Monthly deposits often drive most of the growth when the regulated rate is moderate, so separating deposits from yield avoids overstating performance.

Regulated rate

Livret A is not a free-market-rate account. The rate is set by public authorities and may be revised. The simulation uses 1.5% from 2026-02-01, but it should be reviewed when the official rate changes.

Deposit ceiling

The €22,950 ceiling applies to deposits. Once that threshold is reached, distinguish money you add from interest credited by the bank.

Fortnight rule

In practice, a deposit starts earning interest from the following fortnight. Two deposits of the same amount may therefore earn different interest depending on their exact dates.

Liquid savings

This account is mainly valued for availability and simplicity. The simulation can help size an emergency reserve before comparing less liquid or riskier investments.

Inflation comparison

A positive nominal return does not guarantee a purchasing-power gain. If inflation is higher than the account rate, the balance rises in euros while buying less.

Key takeaways

  • The rate is regulated and must be updated when it changes.
  • The ceiling limits deposits, not necessarily interest already credited.
  • The gap between final balance and total deposits is estimated interest.
  • Fortnight rules can create a difference from a simplified annual projection.

Decision checklist

  • The rate used matches the centralized and dated regulated rate.
  • The opening balance is consistent with the expected deposit ceiling.
  • Monthly deposits are realistic and regular over the tested period.
  • Exact deposit dates are considered if high precision is needed.
  • The result is compared with inflation to read purchasing power.

Result checks before use

Compare total cost and payment

For a financial decision, do not keep only the payment, return or final amount. Check total cost, fees, duration, possible inflation and available cash flow to understand what the result really implies. This extra context makes the estimate easier to compare with a quote, statement or long-term plan.

Test an adverse scenario

Increase the rate, lower the expected return or add fees to see how resilient the result is. If a small change removes the safety margin, treat the number as a fragile assumption rather than a secured target. Keep the cautious case visible before committing money.

Separate estimate from contract

An online finance calculation helps prepare comparisons, but it does not replace a bank offer, statement, tax document or contract. Before acting, reconcile the result with official documents and rules that apply to your situation.

Document the assumptions

Keep the entered values, date, currency, rate, term and fees included or excluded. This record makes the simulation repeatable and explains why two similar outputs can lead to different decisions.

Indicative projection

Checkpoints from the example: €10,000 initially, €100 per month and an annual 1.5% rate in a simplified model aligned with the calculation engine.

DurationTotal depositedEstimated balanceEstimated interest
1 year€11,200€11,368€168
3 years€13,600€14,166€566
5 years€16,000€17,048€1,048

Scenarios to compare

Emergency fund

Project how long it may take to build several months of available expenses.

Regular deposits

Increase or reduce the monthly deposit to see how much of the target comes from saving effort.

Near the ceiling

If the balance approaches €22,950, check whether future deposits will still be accepted.

Inflation check

Compare the account rate with an inflation assumption to read the real return.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Confusing estimated interest with total deposits.
  • Forgetting that the regulated rate can change.
  • Ignoring fortnight rules when a precise projection is needed.
  • Assuming the ceiling also blocks interest already credited.
  • Comparing the account with risky investments without considering liquidity.

What to know before using the result

This page provides a general simulation, not personalized financial advice. The Livret A rate is regulated and can change; exact deposit dates, fortnight rules, tax treatment of other products and personal savings goals should be checked before making decisions.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Livret A rate fixed?

No. It is regulated and can be revised. The simulation should be updated when the rate changes.

Does the ceiling stop interest from being added?

No. The ceiling limits deposits. Interest may push the balance above the ceiling.

Why can my real result differ?

Exact deposit dates, fortnight rules and rate changes can create a difference.

Does this account always beat inflation?

Not necessarily. Compare the account rate with inflation over the same period.

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