Raiffeisen

Raiffeisen is Switzerland’s third-largest banking group by balance sheet and operates as a network of independent cooperative banks with around 800 service outlets across the country, from cities down to smaller towns and villages. That reach makes it a practical choice for people who move outside the main urban centres and want a nearby branch.

Account opening can be done online or at your local Raiffeisenbank. You need a Swiss tax domicile, a Swiss mobile number and a biometric passport or an ID from one of the accepted countries. The account includes a Maestro or Visa Debit card, eBanking, TWINT for mobile payments, and free cash withdrawals at Raiffeisen ATMs. Once open, it handles the standard CHF payments and QR bills that Swiss life runs on.