To replace a broken fridge or washing machine, a small loan from a relative with a simple written note and repayment over a few months is often safer than revolving credit, provided you have first explored repair and local aid.
An urgent need but a modest amount
A washing machine, a hob or a fridge usually costs a few hundred euros. This limited amount lends itself well to a family loan repaid in a few monthly instalments, without the charges of the revolving credit offered in the shop.
Repair before borrowing: legal guarantee and repair bonus
An appliance under two years old is covered by the legal guarantee of conformity from the seller. After that, the repair bonus funded by producer-responsibility bodies reduces the bill at a QualiRépar-certified repairer. Check these options before looking for a lender.
In-store revolving credit or a loan from a relative
Paying in instalments at the checkout is consumer credit governed by the French Consumer Code, with a fourteen-day cooling-off period. Compare its total cost with a loan from a relative, which is often interest-free.
CAF and local council aid for household equipment
Depending on the department, the CAF's social action service or the local social action centre can grant an interest-free loan or aid for household equipment. Conditions vary locally, so ask your CAF or your town hall for details.
Microcredit to equip a home
Low-income households can apply for a personal microcredit supported by an association and a partner bank. Our page on the peer-to-peer loan for low incomes presents the support organisations and the questions to ask them before signing.
Putting it in writing, even for 400 euros
A handwritten or typed IOU signed by the borrower, with the sum in figures and in words in line with article 1376 of the French Civil Code, is enough for a small loan. Add the name of the appliance bought and the transfer date.
A schedule suited to the household budget
For a 600 € appliance, six instalments of 100 € remain clear for both borrower and lender. Set the payment date just after your salary, benefits or retirement pension arrive, so that repayments are less likely to be forgotten.
Equipping a first home or a student studio
Students and young workers setting up home often need to buy a fridge, hob and washing machine at once. Our guide to the peer-to-peer loan for furniture covers equipping a whole home and choosing second-hand items.
Buying second-hand from an individual without being caught out
On classified ad sites, fake sellers ask for a deposit by money order or prepaid voucher for an appliance that never arrives. Prefer a hand-to-hand sale, test the appliance and pay only on collection, as the DGCCRF consumer authority recommends.
Fake lenders promising instant small loans
Scammers also target small amounts: 500 € within 24 hours, then processing fees demanded by PCS voucher or cryptocurrency. Our page on the scam lender describes this pattern and the right reflexes to adopt.
Tax: a small loan normally stays below the threshold
A loan for household appliances rarely exceeds 5 000 €, the threshold above which the borrower declares the agreement on formulaire 2062, the French loan declaration form. If the lender charges interest, they must still declare it as income, whatever the amount.
Where to report a fake loan or appliance listing
A fraudulent loan or appliance listing can be reported on the PHAROS platform run by the Ministry of the Interior, and a consumer dispute on Signal Conso. If you have lost money, file a complaint with the police or gendarmerie.
How to borrow from a relative for a household appliance
- Get a diagnosis or repair quote, then check the legal guarantee and the repair bonus.
- Compare the price of a new, refurbished and second-hand appliance to set the exact amount to borrow.
- Ask the CAF or the local social action centre about possible aid or an interest-free equipment loan.
- Draft a short signed IOU stating the sum, the purchase and the repayment timetable.
- Receive the money by transfer, keep the appliance invoice and repay through scheduled transfers.
Comparing ways to finance a household appliance
| Option | Indicative cost | Point to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Loan from a relative | Often 0 %, at most the usury rate | Simple written note recommended |
| In-store instalment payment | Varies by offer, APR displayed | Consumer credit with cooling-off period |
| Repair bonus | Flat-rate discount depending on the appliance | Only at a certified repairer |
| CAF or local centre aid | Varies by town or department | Subject to income conditions |
| Fees demanded by a fake lender | Any sum paid upfront | Scam: no loan will ever be paid |
What to keep for an appliance loan
- Borrower's identity document
- Quote or invoice for the appliance purchased
- Fault diagnosis or rejected repair quote
- Signed and dated IOU
- Bank details for the payment and repayments
- Proofs of the transfers made
Common mistakes when financing household appliances
- Replacing an appliance still covered by the legal guarantee of conformity instead of contacting the seller.
- Signing revolving credit at the checkout for a simple dishwasher without reading the total cost or the APR.
- Paying a deposit by prepaid voucher to a second-hand seller or to a lender met online.
- Lending or borrowing without any paperwork, then arguing about the amount still owed a few months later.
- Giving your online banking credentials to a lender for a supposed creditworthiness check before the transfer.
Your questions on financing appliances between individuals
Do I need an agreement for a 300 € loan to buy a washing machine?
The law does not require a written document for a small loan, but proving an obligation above 1 500 € does. Below that, an IOU is still strongly advised to avoid any disagreement about the sum and the dates.
Is a loan from a relative cheaper than paying in four instalments?
Often yes, because many family loans are interest-free. Some instalment offers do show reduced fees, though. Compare the total cost, and remember that a late payment on store credit can bring penalties and a recorded payment incident.
Can I get help to replace a broken fridge?
Some CAF offices and local social action centres grant aid or interest-free loans for household equipment, depending on income and household make-up. Schemes differ from one area to another, so contact your CAF or town hall directly to learn the local conditions.
How can I recognise a fake lender offering a small amount?
They promise immediate payment with no paperwork, communicate only by messaging app and demand fees before sending the money. A genuine individual never asks for a prepaid voucher, cryptocurrency or your bank codes. If in doubt, pay nothing.