February 2026, while the shortest month, will be a costly one for French households and motorists. A series of price adjustments and administrative deadlines take effect, impacting everything from daily commutes to household budgets.
Toll Rates and Banking Fees on the Rise
Motorists will face higher costs on the highways. Toll rates are set for an average increase of 0.86% starting February 1, 2026, pending final state approval. For most drivers, the impact on a single journey will be limited to a few cents.
Meanwhile, banking is becoming more expensive. According to the consumer association CLCV, bank charges in mainland France will rise by an average of 3% from February 1. This change varies by institution and primarily affects account maintenance and bank card fees.
Savings Rates and Energy Prices Shift
The returns on popular savings accounts are being adjusted downward. The rates for the Livret A, the Sustainable and Solidarity Development Booklet (LDDS), and the Youth Savings Account will drop to 1.5% from February 1, down from 1.7%. The Popular Savings Account (LEP) rate will fall to 2.5%.
In a rare piece of positive news, electricity subscription prices will see a slight decrease. A government order will reduce the transmission tariff contribution (CTA) from 21.93% to 15%, leading to an estimated annual saving of around €10 per household on the fixed subscription cost.
Key Deadlines and Benefit Changes
February marks several critical cut-off dates:
- Voter Registration: The deadline to register to vote in the March 2026 municipal elections is February 4 online and February 6 at town halls.
- Energy Check: Eligible households who did not receive their 2025 energy check in November have until February 28 to claim it.
- Meal Vouchers: Paper meal vouchers from 2025 expire on February 1, while digital versions are valid until the end of the month unless their validity is extended.
Family benefit payments from CAF (Family Allowance Fund) are expected to decrease for some households in February, potentially rendering some families ineligible. This is due to a 1.8% increase in income thresholds coupled with the use of higher 2024 income data for calculating 2026 entitlements.
Other Notable Changes
Consumers will also navigate changes in other areas:
- Tobacco: The price of certain cigarette brands will increase by 20 to 40 cents per pack from February 1.
- Flight Compensation: The process for claiming compensation for flight delays or cancellations will become stricter from February 7. Passengers must now attempt mediation first and then file an individual lawsuit, a more complex procedure likely requiring legal assistance.
