PostFinance

PostFinance has been part of Swiss Post since 1906 and serves roughly 2.5 million retail customers in Switzerland. For newcomers it is often the practical first choice because the application is online, the English-language site explains each step clearly, and the physical counters at post offices are spread across every canton. The standard CHF current account includes a Maestro debit card, e-banking and the PostFinance app.

SEPA credit transfers from e-banking are free within the Eurozone, which helps when transferring money from a foreign account before your Swiss salary arrives. PostFinance also offers foreign currency accounts in USD, GBP, AUD, CAD and several other currencies for those who receive income in a non-CHF currency. US persons pay a CHF 25 annual compliance surcharge.