Meaning, Pros and Cons, FAQs

What Is a Euro Deposit?

A euro deposit is a deposit of foreign funds into a bank that operates within the European banking system. These banks function on the consolidated European currency—the euro. When an external investor deposits foreign currency into one of these banks, they are effectively depositing in euros. By putting money into a European bank account, the account holder may expect to accrue interest at the floating interest rate determined by the European Central Bank (ECB).

How a Euro Deposit Works

A euro deposit can be a method for a foreign citizen, or company, to protect their money if their home currency sharply loses value. Banks can stipulate minimums for these foreign deposits. European banks have historically paid customers generous interest rates for “parking” their money in these accounts. This practice encourages wealthy customers and large companies to keep a more considerable amount of money in these European accounts.

However, in 2014, the European Central Bank (ECB) lowered interest rates to below zero for the first time. The rate has since seen a number of increases and, as of August 2023, is positive.

The previous lower interest rate meant imposing negative interest rates on deposits. Many international banks deposit their funds in the ECB. When the ECB initiated negative interest rates, those foreign banks, in essence, began paying to park funds in the ECB.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Euro Deposits

Pros of Euro Deposits

There’s a handful of reasons why entities may choose to hold euro deposits. Currency diversification is beneficial for those with frequent transactions or financial interests in the eurozone, as it helps mitigate risks associated with exchange rate fluctuations. Holding euro deposits also reduces exchange rate risk, as holding funds in euros avoids the costs and risks associated with converting currencies back and forth during cross-border transactions.

International transactions within the eurozone are also simplified by eliminating the need to convert currencies. This provides the additional benefit of saving time and money on currency conversion fees. Euro deposits also provide investment opportunities, making it easier to seize investment opportunities within the eurozone without the need for currency conversion.

Regarding companies specifically, businesses operating within the eurozone can benefit from easier access to local markets and customers. Euro deposits offer stability compared to other currencies that might experience higher volatility. Meanwhile, the company can still earn interest revenue on deposited funds, generating additional income.

Cons of Euro Deposits

There are some downsides to holding euro deposits as well. Holding euros can reduce exchange rate risk for transactions within the eurozone, but it also exposes you to the risk of a weakening euro if you need to convert the funds back to a home currency. Fluctuations in exchange rates can impact the value of your deposits.

Interest rate variability on euro deposits can vary over time, potentially affecting the purchasing power of your funds. Though holding euros creates some opportunities holding funds in euros may also prevent you from taking advantage of investment opportunities in other currencies or regions that could offer higher returns.

There are some general, broad risk considerations as well. There is financial risk on the financial health and stability of the bank or institution where you hold your deposits. Regulatory changes within the eurozone or your home country could affect your ability to access or move your euro deposits. Inflation risk can decrease the real value of your funds if the rate of inflation exceeds the interest rate on your euro deposits. These types of risks are more applicable to most type of deposits.

Special Considerations

Banks in the U.S., such as JPMorgan Chase and Bank of New York Mellon, started charging customers for euro deposits earlier in the past decade. In early 2017, the Swiss bank UBS began imposing a charge for deposits over one million euros.

UBS said the move reflected “the increasing costs seen across the industry of reinvesting cash from deposits in money and capital markets, the continued extraordinarily low (negative) interest rates in the euro area and increased liquidity regulations.” 

Many central banks around the world have lowered interest rates to below zero. Japan’s central bank, the Bank of Japan (BoJ), decided in 2016 to lower its interest rate to negative 0.1%, which is where it stands as of July 2023. Though Japanese banks were initially reluctant to pass the costs onto customers, many have imposed fees for larger customers to make up for shrinking profit margins. Some banks have opted not to pass the costs of negative interest rates onto customers. Some have said they feared a backlash from customers, which could result in lost accounts.

The Bottom Line

Euro deposits involve holding funds in bank accounts denominated in euros. Benefits include currency diversification, easier eurozone transactions, and stability, though risks comprise of exchange rate fluctuations and potential inflation effects..