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Banking in Switzerland

Best banks in Switzerland for expats & digital nomads

Opening a bank account is one of the first things you do after moving to Switzerland. Here are the accounts that work for newcomers and non-residents, plus the fintech we would set up before you fly.

How to open a bank account in Switzerland

Foreigners with a Swiss residence permit (B or C) and a local address can generally open an account at most banks; some accounts for newcomers or non-residents carry higher fees. Digital options like Neon and Yuh require Swiss residence. Bunq is not available in Switzerland (it is outside the EEA).

Our top pick

Wise multi-currency account

Wise is the option we recommend for almost anyone moving to Switzerland: hold and convert 40+ currencies, get local account details to be paid like a local, and send money at the real exchange rate with low, transparent fees. It works before you even arrive, so you can receive income and pay deposits while your local account is still being set up.

Open a free Wise account →

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Wise is a fintech, not a bank; balances are safeguarded, not covered by deposit insurance.

Top banks in Switzerland

UBS

traditional
Full-service and international clients

Switzerland's largest bank after absorbing Credit Suisse in 2023; global reach.

PostFinance

traditional
Simple everyday accounts

Owned by Swiss Post; widely used for straightforward personal banking.

Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB)

traditional
Regional, state-backed safety

Largest cantonal bank; carries a state guarantee. Cantonal banks exist in each canton.

Raiffeisen Switzerland

traditional
Local cooperative banking

Cooperative network with strong regional presence.

Migros Bank

traditional
Low-fee retail banking

Retail bank owned by the Migros group; competitive everyday fees.

Neon

digital
Free mobile account

Swiss smartphone account (on Hypothekarbank Lenzburg rails); popular low-fee option for residents.

Yuh

digital
Banking plus investing in one app

Joint venture of Swissquote and PostFinance; combines spending, saving and investing.

International accounts & neobanks

Revolut

Switzerland is a supported country; widely used for cards and FX.

N26

N26 serves Swiss residents with a euro account and German IBAN.

Payoneer

Available for receiving accounts (USD/EUR/GBP).

Availability changes; confirm on each provider's site.

Next steps in Switzerland

See the full Switzerland tax, cost and visa profile, or compare Switzerland with other destinations. Not sure where to go yet? Take the finder quiz.