Bank referral commission
Remuneration paid directly by the bank to the broker after the notarial deed is signed and funds are disbursed, in consideration for bringing the file. It typically represents 0.7–1% of the borrowed capital, contractually capped in partner agreements. It is separate from any client brokerage fee and must be disclosed in the remuneration transparency section of the mandate.
Key points
- Paid by the bank, not the borrower, after the authentic deed is signed.
- Typically ranges from 0.7% to 1% of borrowed capital, depending on partner agreements.
- Must be transparently disclosed in the mandate and the onboarding document.
- It is separate from any brokerage fee the broker may additionally charge the client.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bank commission the same across all partner banks?
No. Each bank negotiates its commission rates within bilateral agreements with the broker or broker network. These rates vary depending on the volume of business brought, the quality of files, and the length of the partnership. Some agreements include progressive tiers where the rate increases once a monthly volume threshold is exceeded.
Why must the borrower be informed of the bank commission received by the broker?
This transparency requirement, provided for by IOBSP regulation, aims to prevent conflicts of interest: a borrower who knows their broker earns a higher commission at certain banks can verify that the recommendation made is genuinely in their interest and not the broker's. Disclosure is made in the DER and in the mandate.
Can a broker collect both a bank commission and client fees on the same file?
Yes, accumulation is legally permitted provided both remunerations are clearly disclosed in the mandate and the total remuneration remains reasonable relative to the service rendered. Some brokers practise this dual model, particularly on complex files where their added value is greater. Transparency is the essential condition of its legality.
In practice
For a €250,000 loan, a bank pays the broker a referral commission of 0.8%, i.e. €2,000 gross, after the notarial signing; this amount is separate from the €1,500 client fee additionally charged to the borrower and stated in the mandate.
Official sources
- The banking-operations intermediary (IOBSP) · ABE Info Service (Banque de France / ACPR)
- Single register of intermediaries · ORIAS