How to choose your forward account well?

Not all banks offer the same conditions for a term account. Rate, duration, flexibility... as many criteria that influence the final performance. Here is a practical guide to choose the CAT most suitable for your situation.

1. Choose the duration of the placement ⏳

The term of the account varies from 1 month to 10 years.

The longer the duration, the higher the rate is generally.

Be careful not to hold your capital too long if you think you need it.

👉 Tip: if you hesitate, opt for a short duration with the possibility of renewal.

2. Compare interest rates 📈

Banks offer different types of rates:

Fixed rate: stable and guaranteed over the entire duration

Progressive rate: increases over time to retain the saver

Variable rate: indexed to a market rate (less frequent)

👉 Check if interest is paid at maturity or regularly (quarterly, yearly).

3. Review early withdrawal conditions 💡

If you withdraw your funds before the scheduled date, the bank will apply penalties (often partial or total loss of interest).

It is therefore important to know the exact conditions in case of unforeseen events.

4. Evaluate taxation 📊

All the interests of CAT are submitted:

to PFU (30%) by default,

or the progressive income tax scale, if more advantageous.

👉 Always compare returns net of taxes, not just gross posted rates.

5. Compare the offers of banks 🔍

Each institution freely sets the terms of its forward account. It is therefore essential to put several banks in competition before choosing.

Conclusion

Choosing a term account is based on the balance between rate, duration, withdrawal conditions and taxation. It is an ideal investment if you are looking for security and guaranteed return, but it must be chosen carefully to maximize your earnings.