The real cost of fees
With €10,000 to start and €500 a month for 30 years at 5.0% a year, 1.00% in annual fees and 2.0% on payments cost you €83,300, or 18% of what you would have had.
Every number in the sentence can be changed: drag it, use the arrow keys, or tap it to type a value.
- Without fees
- With fees
- Gap
Move along the curve with the pointer or the arrow keys to read each year.
- Without fees
- €450,900
- Fees on payments
- − €9,000
- Annual fees
- − €74,300
- You keep
- €367,600
A simulation, not investment advice. The return is an assumption, constant and before tax.
Method
- 01
Without fees
The starting capital and each payment, made at the end of the month, grow at the chosen return.
- 02
Fees on payments
They come off the starting capital and each payment, before anything is invested.
- 03
Annual fees
They come off the return each year, on the whole capital: 5% less 1% of fees gives 4%.
Questions
Why does 1% weigh so much?
Annual fees are taken every year on the whole capital, and what they remove earns nothing afterwards. The gap widens with time.
Where do I find the fees of my investment?
In the product’s key information document and in the contract terms. A French life insurance policy can add fees on payments, contract management fees and the fees of each fund.
What is the difference between fees on payments and annual fees?
The first are paid once, on each payment. The second are paid every year, on everything already invested.
Is the return guaranteed?
No. It is a constant assumption, whereas a real investment goes up and down. The tool compares two paths: it predicts no performance.
Are my numbers sent anywhere?
No. Everything is computed by your browser. No amount leaves your device.
Updated 4 November 2026