Which is the best bank for your PEA in 2026?
Updated 16 July 2026
The cheapest bank for a PEA (a French tax-advantaged equity savings account) in 2026 is Bourse Direct, with fees from €0.99 per order, followed by Trade Republic at €1. Fortuneo, BoursoBank and Saxo Banque complete the ranking depending on your needs. Investing in the stock market carries a risk of capital loss.
- Bourse Direct charges €0.99 to €2.90 per order depending on the amount, then 0.09% above €4,400, with no management or custody fees.
- Trade Republic offers scheduled ETF orders with no brokerage fees at all, an advantage for regular investing.
- Fortuneo offers a managed-portfolio service from €30,000 and BoursoBank profiled management from €100: two different ways to delegate part of the decisions.
- After 5 years of holding, PEA gains are exempt from income tax; only social levies of 18.6% remain due.
What criteria should you use to choose a bank for your PEA?
Choosing the bank for your PEA rests on four main criteria: brokerage and management fees, the range of securities available, the financial strength of the institution, and the quality of customer service. Here are the main points to weigh up in order to choose well:
Brokerage and management fees
This is criterion number one. High fees eat directly into your gains. Low-cost brokers should therefore be favoured, such as Bourse Direct, Trade Republic or Saxo Banque.
For an active investor, brokerage fees (charged on every transaction) are decisive.
But the PEA's management fees should not be overlooked either:
- account-keeping fees
- securities custody fees
- inactivity fees
These recurring fees can quickly erode your gains.
Range of services
The wider the range of securities and markets a bank or broker offers, the more choice you have. That includes:
- French and international shares
- Collective investment funds (trackers, ETFs, index funds)
- Derivatives (warrants, turbos, futures and so on)
Some institutions even give access to cryptocurrencies. To choose your holdings, see also our selection of the best PEA-eligible ETFs and of the best shares to hold in a PEA.
Reputation and financial strength
The soundness of the bank that will manage tens of thousands of euros for you is paramount.
Favour established institutions with a good financial rating that are transparent about their accounts.
On top of that, in the event of failure (extremely rare), your securities are protected by the Fonds de Garantie des Dépôts et de Résolution (FGDR, France's deposit and resolution guarantee fund).
Customer service and online tools
The quality of the trading platform and the apps is essential to manage your investments easily day to day.
Equally, responsive customer service, reachable by phone, chat and email, is paramount when something goes wrong.
Some brokers such as Yomoni offer a turnkey managed-portfolio service, and BoursoBank offers profiled management on its PEA.
Which are the best banks for a PEA in 2026?
Bourse Direct and Trade Republic top the 2026 ranking thanks to fees among the lowest on the market, followed by Fortuneo, BoursoBank, Saxo Banque and Yomoni depending on the profile you are after. Having covered the criteria that matter when choosing a PEA bank, here is our ranking of the leading providers:
The top 10 banks for your PEA
- Bourse Direct: the low-cost brokerage leader
- Trade Republic: the cheapest 100% mobile PEA
- Fortuneo: a hybrid PEA, self-directed and managed
- BoursoBank: the online bank of reference for investors
- Saxo Banque: a very complete platform for active investors
- Yomoni: a turnkey managed PEA, ideal for delegating
- BforBank: attractive cashback for active traders (new PEA applications closed since 2023, existing holders only)
- Monabanq: a simple, effective mass-market offer
- Hello bank!: an advantageous PEA for young investors
- EasyBourse: a discount broker backed by La Banque Postale
Here is a more detailed comparison table of the rates and services of the main offers:
| Broker | Brokerage fees (PEA) | Management fees | Range of securities | Managed / profiled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourse Direct | €0.99 (under €500) to €2.90, then 0.09% above €4,400 | €0/year | Wide | No |
| Trade Republic | €1 per order (€0 on scheduled investments) | €0/year | Shares and ETFs | No |
| Fortuneo | First monthly order under €500 free, then 0.35% of the amount (Starter tier) | €0/year | Wide | Yes (from €30,000) |
| BoursoBank | €1.99 (under €500) then 0.60% (Découverte tier) | €0/year | Very wide | Yes (profiled management, from €100) |
| Saxo Banque | 0.08% (min. €2), €0 on 70 shares until 31/12/2026 | €0/year | Extremely wide | No |
| Yomoni | None (managed portfolio) | 1.6%/year | ETFs (mandate) | Yes |
None of these brokers is "the best" in absolute terms: Bourse Direct and Trade Republic push fees down, Saxo targets active investors with its advanced platform, while Fortuneo and Yomoni will appeal to those who want to delegate the management.
Bourse Direct in detail
Bourse Direct is the long-standing leader in discount online brokerage in France. Here are the pricing terms it applies to PEAs in detail:
First, opening the PEA is free, with no application fee and no initial deposit required.
Brokerage fees are very attractive, between €0.99 and €2.90 per order, then 0.09% above €4,400
There are no PEA management fees.
Finally, Bourse Direct charges neither custody fees on PEA securities nor exit fees.
Overall it is therefore the cheapest broker on the market for investing in the stock market through a PEA. An undeniable advantage for maximising your gains.
On the services side, Bourse Direct offers:
- A wide range of securities: French and international shares, ETFs, warrants, turbos, bonds and more
- A simple, effective trading platform
- Comprehensive charting tools and analysis
- A very practical mobile app
In conclusion, if what you are after above all is the cheapest solution for your PEA, Bourse Direct will be the best choice.
Trade Republic in detail
Trade Republic is a German broker that launched its PEA in France in January 2025, with a 100% mobile approach that quickly won over new investors. Here are the terms it applies to its PEA in detail.
Brokerage fees are among the lowest on the market: €1 per order, whatever the amount. But Trade Republic's real strength is its scheduled investment plans: within a PEA, scheduled ETF purchases carry no brokerage fees at all.
On recurring fees, the offer is simple: no opening fee, no account-keeping fee, no custody fees. The only indirect cost comes from the spread, the gap between the buying and selling price, because orders go through a private venue (LS Exchange) rather than Euronext.
On the services side, Trade Republic offers:
- A very clean mobile app, designed for beginners
- Scheduled investment plans on ETFs, with no brokerage fees
- A wide selection of PEA-eligible shares and ETFs
- Interest paid on uninvested cash held in the account
In conclusion, Trade Republic is ideal for the passive investor who wants to build an ETF portfolio little by little, automatically and at low cost. Those who favour individual stocks or multiple trading venues will prefer a broker such as Bourse Direct or Saxo.
Fortuneo in detail
Fortuneo is an online bank offering a complete and attractive PEA. Here are the rates it applies in detail:
- Brokerage fees: first monthly order under €500 free, then 0.35% of the amount (Starter tier)
- Management fees: €0 per year
- Custody fees: €0
- Transfer fees: €0
Fortuneo also stands out for its managed-portfolio service on a PEA, reserved for the dynamic risk profile. Discretionary management is available from €30,000 of initial contribution, run by Arkéa Asset Management and paid through a 15% commission on the performance produced, with no additional management fees.
On the services side, Fortuneo offers:
- A wide range of securities: French and international shares, ETFs, UCITS funds, trackers and more
- An ergonomic, capable trading platform
- Comprehensive charting tools and analysis
- A very practical mobile app
In conclusion, Fortuneo is an excellent option for investors looking for an online bank with a complete PEA and competitive fees.
BoursoBank in detail
BoursoBank (formerly Boursorama) is a French online bank, a subsidiary of Société Générale. It is recognised for the quality of its products and was named the cheapest bank for the 18th year running in 2026. Here is a detailed look at the rates applied to its PEA, based on its fee schedule:
Opening the PEA is free, with no application fee.
Brokerage fees on the Découverte tier are €1.99 per order up to €500, then 0.60% of the amount. Active investors can opt for a tiered pricing plan (Trader, Ultimate Trader) with reduced commissions.
Boursorama Banque charges no PEA management fees.
Note that there are no custody fees on securities and no exit fees.
Overall, the pricing of the Boursorama Banque PEA sits in the middle of the market. Its strength lies in the quality of its customer service, known for being responsive, and in the diversity of its investment options.
Saxo Banque in detail
Saxo Banque is an online investment bank of Danish origin. It offers a competitive PEA, as we will see.
According to its fee schedule, opening the PEA is free, with no application fee.
Brokerage fees are 0.08% per order (minimum €2) on Euronext Paris.
No PEA management fees are mentioned, which is a clear advantage.
On the services side, Saxo Banque stands out for:
- A professional trading platform, with numerous analysis tools
- A wide choice of securities: shares, ETFs, options, futures and more
- A comprehensive training offer for beginner and advanced investors
- Responsive customer service, reachable by phone and email
In conclusion, Saxo Banque is an interesting option for active investors looking for an advanced trading platform for their PEA.
Yomoni in detail
Yomoni is a French online wealth management provider. Here is an analysis of the rates Yomoni applies to securities accounts and PEAs.
According to the sources, opening a securities account or a PEA is free at Yomoni, with no application fee.
The only fees mentioned are fixed management fees of 1.6% per year. No other fees are cited, in particular no transaction fees.
On the services side, Yomoni stands out for its turnkey managed-portfolio service on both securities accounts and PEAs. A personal adviser is assigned to support each client.
In conclusion, Yomoni is an interesting option for investors looking above all for personalised long-term support, with reasonable fixed fees of 1.6% per year.
Can you open a PEA without a linked current account?
Opening a PEA without a linked current account is possible at some banks. This option can be attractive for those who want the benefits of a PEA without having to open a current account at the same bank.
Options and restrictions
Note that not all banks offer this. Some require a linked current account in order to open a PEA. Others, notably online banks, allow a PEA to be opened on its own. It is therefore essential to check before choosing.
Be aware too that opening a PEA without a linked current account can come with certain restrictions. Transfer operations may be more limited, for instance, and management fees may be higher. It is therefore important to understand the specific terms of each offer before deciding.
Comparing what banks offer on this
What banks offer regarding a PEA without a linked current account can vary considerably. Some charge very competitive management fees, while others offer a wide range of investment options. It is therefore essential to compare offers to find the one that best matches your needs and investor profile.
Fortuneo, for example, requires a minimum deposit of €1 at opening and charges brokerage fees from 0.35% of the amount (Starter tier). Boursorama (BoursoBank) requires a minimum deposit of €10 at opening and charges brokerage fees from €1.99 per order (Découverte tier). BforBank, which used to offer this option, no longer accepts new PEA applications since September 2023; only earlier holders keep their contract on its original terms.
In conclusion, opening a PEA without a linked current account is an option that can suit some investors. It is essential, however, to understand the specific terms of each offer and to compare the options before deciding. For more on the best online banks, see our detailed comparison.
How can you reduce the fees on your PEA?
To reduce the fees on your PEA, negotiate with your bank, compare offers and choose a broker suited to how often you trade. Here are the concrete levers to pull.
Ways to negotiate fees with your bank
- Point to your history as a customer: if you have banked there a long time, the bank may be willing to offer you better terms to keep your loyalty.
- Compare offers: show your bank that you know what competitors charge. That can serve as leverage in the negotiation.
- Consolidate your accounts: if you hold several accounts or savings products at the same bank, ask for a reduction in PEA fees as a priority customer.
- Negotiate when transferring: if you are considering transferring your PEA, that is the ideal moment to negotiate fees. Banks are often willing to offer better terms to attract new customers.
Tips for minimising costs
- Go for an online broker: brokers such as Bourse Direct, Trade Republic or Fortuneo charge far lower brokerage and management fees than traditional banks.
- Use scheduled investing: at Trade Republic, scheduled ETF orders carry no brokerage fees, ideal for investing a little each month without eating into your gains.
- Watch for promotional offers: reimbursed transfer fees or free orders come round regularly. Saxo Banque, for instance, offers zero fees on a selection of shares until 31 December 2026.
- Group your orders: rather than multiplying small transactions, place larger, less frequent orders to limit fixed fees.
- Hunt down hidden fees: read the fee schedule to spot custody fees, inactivity fees or withdrawal fees before opening.
Before choosing, keep in mind the four habits that make the difference over the long run:
- Compare brokerage and management fees, which weigh directly on returns
- Assess the services: range of securities, platform quality, support responsiveness
- Check the soundness and reputation of the institution
- Start from your own profile: beginner or experienced, self-directed or managed, rare or frequent orders
Within a PEA, the real enemy of your return is not the market, it is fees. A few euros per order and zero custody fees, repeated over twenty years, make the difference between a good and an excellent investment. Compare, transfer if you need to, and stay the course.
Frequently asked questions
Which bank is cheapest for a PEA in 2026?
Bourse Direct is generally the cheapest broker, with brokerage fees from €0.99 per order and no custody fees. Fortuneo and BoursoBank follow closely, with no management fees. The actual ranking depends on the size and frequency of your orders.
Can you open a PEA without a current account at the same bank?
Yes, several online brokers allow a PEA to be opened on its own, without a linked current account. Others require one. Check this before opening, along with any resulting transfer constraints.
Which fees should you watch on a PEA?
Four items weigh on returns: brokerage fees per order, management or account-keeping fees, any custody fees, and transfer fees. Online brokers often reduce the last three to zero.
How do you transfer a PEA from one bank to another?
The transfer is requested from the receiving bank, which handles the process while preserving the plan's tax seniority. Allow several weeks and expect transfer fees at the departing bank, sometimes reimbursed by the new one.
What is the taxation of a PEA after 5 years in 2026?
After 5 years of holding, gains are exempt from income tax on withdrawal. Only social levies, raised to 18.6% on 1 January 2026, remain due. Before 5 years, a withdrawal triggers heavier taxation.
Self-directed or managed for your PEA?
Self-directed management suits independent investors who pick their own securities, at lower cost. A managed-portfolio service, offered by Fortuneo or Yomoni, delegates the decisions to a manager in exchange for higher annual fees, around 0.6% to 1.6%.
Sources
Impots.gouv.fr, PEA taxation after 5 years
Service-Public, Plan d'épargne en actions (PEA)
Fonds de Garantie des Dépôts et de Résolution (FGDR)
BoursoBank, cheapest bank ranking 2026 (Le Monde / Panorabanques study)
Fortuneo, PEA rates and discretionary management
Bourse Direct, PEA fee schedule
Regulatory disclaimers: Marketing communication. Investing carries a risk of partial or total capital loss. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. This article is provided for information and educational purposes only; it does not constitute personalised investment advice, a buy or sell recommendation, or tax advice. Before investing, read the Key Information Document (KID) and, where relevant, consult an authorised adviser. Finary SAS, an investment firm authorised by the ACPR under no. 19283, member of AMAFI. Insurance broker registered with ORIAS under no. 21001279, member of the CNCGP (association approved by the AMF). Crypto-Asset Service Provider (CASP) authorised by the AMF under the MiCA regime, references no. A2026-026 and no. N2026-008.
