Alpian Review & Test + 200 CHF Promo Code in December 2024

Alpian Quick Facts in December 2024

In This Alpian Bank Review

• Introduction
• Alpian Bank: The Swiss Digital Private Bank
• Who is Alpian?
• Wealth Management Services
• Alpian Bank Account Opening Review: 9/10
• Conditions for Opening a Bank Account with Alpian
• How to Open Your Bank Account With Alpian
• Steps for Opening a Bank Account with Alpian
• Our Opinion on Opening an Alpian Bank Account
• Alpian App Features Review: 6/10
• Alpian Features List
• Alpian Interest Rates
• Alpian ETF Savings Plan
• Investing with Alpian
• Our opinion on Alpian App Features
• Alpian Credit Card Review: 9/10
• Alpian Metal Visa debit card
• Alpian AMEX Card
• Alpian Virtual card
• Alpian Card Settings
• Alpian Bank Fees: 7/10
• Alpian Private Account Fees
• Alpian VISA Metal Debit Card Fees
• Cash Withdrawals Fees
• International Bank Transfer Fees
• Alpian Exchange Rate
• Alpian Customer Service Review: 9/10
• Alpian App User Experience and Customer Reviews – 9/10
• Alpian App Customer Ratings
• Alpian App Customer Reviews
• Alpian App User Experience
• Alpian Banking License and Security: 9/10
• Our final review of Alpian
• Alpian vs. Yuh: Which is Best for Trading and Investing?
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Alpian
• Updates

Introduction

Alpian is a Swiss digital private bank designed to meet the needs of Swiss residents who seek a seamless blend of traditional banking and wealth management services.

Founded in 2019 and regulated by FINMA, Alpian stands out with its personalized approach to banking, offering both everyday banking solutions and comprehensive investment advice—a service typically associated with traditional private banks. With Alpian, you can manage your finances in CHF, EUR, GBP, and USD, invest in ETFs, and save at the same time.

Our Alpian Review 2024 covers its digital banking services, including a multi-currency account and personalized investment options.

Alpian Bank: The Swiss Digital Private Bank

Who is Alpian?

Alpian is a Swiss private bank (neobank) founded in 2019 and launched to the public in 2022. Based in Geneva, the bank is regulated by the Federal Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), ensuring that it meets strict regulatory approvals.

Alpian is financially supported by Fideuram, a private banking subsidiary of Intesa Sanpaolo, the largest banking group in Italy. Victor Cianni, Alpian’s Chief Investment Officer, plays a central role in leading the company and shaping its fee structure.

Alpian aims to provide premium banking services with the ease of digital access, offering attractive advantages like high interest on deposits and favorable currency exchange rates. As Switzerland’s first digital private bank, Alpian makes innovative financial services accessible to a broader audience, combining advanced technology with personalized wealth management at competitive prices—without the high fees typical of traditional private banking.

Alpian offers a multi-currency account where clients can manage funds in Swiss Franc (CHF), Euro (EUR), British Pound (GBP), and US Dollar (USD). This flexibility caters to clients seeking efficient global transactions and streamlined currency management.

Wealth Management Services

Unlike other Swiss neobanks, Alpian differentiates itself as Switzerland’s first digital private bank, offering a tailored range of wealth management services beyond traditional robo-advisors or private bank offers.

• Investment management: Alpian provides solutions including managed portfolios, model portfolios, and individual securities.
• Wealth management: Comprehensive planning advice helps clients achieve their financial goals with a customized approach to managing their assets.

Alpian’s services are accessible via a one app, designed to cater to a client base that expects ease of access combined with professional investment services.

You just need to be a Swiss resident – regardless of nationality – to open an account with Alpian.

Since July 2024, Alpian has made its bank account completely free, removing the previous fee structure. Before this change, the account was free for the first 6 months, then a quarterly fee was applied based on the total assets held.

The Alpian account comes with the following benefits:

• 100% account management via iPhone or Android application
• Multi-currency account in CHF, EUR, USD and GBP
• VISA debit card

We have tested the Alpian app for you and compared the prices in detail.

Alpian Bank Account Opening Review: 9/10

Opening an Alpian account is simple and convenient. The process is fully digital, ensuring a seamless experience for users:

Conditions for Opening a Bank Account with Alpian

You can absolutely use Alpian to receive your salaries and make bank transfers in Switzerland or abroad. As a licensed Swiss bank, Alpian guarantees the security of CHF deposits up to 100,000 CHF, in accordance with strict FINMA regulations and by keeping them at the Swiss National Bank. Alpian offers various bank accounts, providing affordable alternatives for managing your funds and investments.

How to Open Your Bank Account With Alpian

Opening an account with Alpian begins in the app:

1. Download the Alpian app from the App Store or Google Play
2. Answer the questions
3. Provide personal information, including your address and identification (ID card or passport)
4. Verify your identity though the App
5. It’s done! Your account is open 🙌

It takes only 8 minutes to open an Alpian account, making the process fast and user-friendly.

Steps for Opening a Bank Account with Alpian

The application is available in French 🇫🇷 German 🇩🇪 Italian 🇮🇹 and English 🇬🇧

#1 You accept the account opening conditions

#2 You enter your phone number then the SMS code

#3 You create a 4-digit password and activate biometric authentication

#4 You agree – or not – to receive notifications from Alpian (recommended)

#5 You enter your personal information and your address

Remember to enter the code NEOALP in Referral code (referral code) to receive 200 CHF in your account.

#6 You complete the source of funds and tax declarations

#7 You verify your identity with your identity card or passport

#8 A confirmation message is displayed and you can already access your Alpian account.

#9 As soon as your identity is verified (less than a minute), you can finalize access to your account by accepting the user agreement

It’s done, your account is open and a message displays that you will receive your Alpian debit card within 5 to 7 days

Now make a transfer of 500 CHF or more to validate your promo code NEOALP and get 200 CHF as a gift from Alpian (75 CHF with a deposit of 500 CHF, then 125 CHF when you invest).

Beyond the services of a private bank, the Alpian account allows you to carry out all classic operations (transfers, direct debits, etc.) like any Swiss bank account.

Alpian offers a free VISA debit card sent automatically after your account opening.

Our Opinion on Opening an Alpian Bank Account

We appreciate the quick and easy account opening. Alpian integrates everyday banking features into its digital platform, creating a seamless experience that caters to both regular banking needs and the investment aspirations of affluent clients.

Alpian App Features Review: 6/10

Alpian Features List

As a neobank, Alpian’s app integrates most services, from regular banking transactions to investment management. The app is also home to Alpian’s wealth managers, providing clients with personalized financial guidance.

Key features include:

• Managing banking transactions
• Execute transfers or standing orders
• Paying with TWINT Prepaid
• Using a Virtual card (like Yuh, N26 or Revolut)
• Scan invoices with the QR code
• Block and replace debit card
• Update your phone number and personal information
• Exchange currencies
• Invest in ETFs
• Access to private investment advisors

However, here is what is missing:

• No eBill integration
• No dedicated TWINT application (like Yuh TWINT)
• No instant payment features like Beam with N26 or Pay a Friend with Yuh
• Lack of card PIN customization options
• No sub-account features with individual IBANs (Spaces)
• No adjustment of VISA card limits, beyond the max. monthly

The function for scanning QR codes or invoices in Swiss format is very practical. A real plus compared to Revolut.

Alpian Interest Rates

Alpian pays interest on CHF, EUR, and USD deposited in your account:

Alpian ETF Savings Plan

Alpian now offers an ETF savings plan to help you invest your savings. With Managed by Alpian Essentials you can start investing from as little as CHF 2,000, a much more accessible threshold than the Guided by Alpian or Managed by Alpian options, which require a minimum of CHF 10,000.

This savings plan offers 4 options:

• Swiss: Focused on the stability of the Swiss market.
• Global: Capturing global growth.
• Sustainable: Focused on responsible investments.
• Global + Crypto: With exposure to cryptocurrencies.

A savings plan tailored to your risk profile:

You also begin by completing an investor questionnaire to determine your risk profile, and Alpian adjusts your investments to match your financial goals.

Fees and flexibility:

When it comes to fees, it’s straightforward with 0.75% annual fees. All transactions, withdrawals, and deposits are included, and you have full access to your funds at any time.

Investing with Alpian

You have two options to invest with Alpian : Guided by Alpian to receive personalized advice and manage your investments yourself, or Managed by Alpian to entrust the management of your wealth to experts. These options go beyond automated robo-advisor models, blending technology with a human touch.

Access to ETFs and actively managed portfolios is available directly via the app, allowing you to diversify your investments while benefiting from tailored support.

Here are the key details about Alpian’s investment offerings:

For more information, check out our detailed Alpian Investment review as well as the Guided by Alpian ETF list.

Our opinion on Alpian App Features

Alpian offers an app with the necessary features to manage your accounts, make QR code payments, and invest via Guided by Alpian or Managed by Alpian. However, services like eBill and full integration of TWINT are missing.

If you are looking for a private neobank with personalized investment options, Alpian remains the best option in Switzerland.

Alpian Credit Card Review: 9/10

Alpian Metal Visa debit card

Alpian offers a metal Visa debit card. It is black and made of metal, which corresponds to the Premium cards of other digital banks like Neon metal or Revolut metal for example. The card is ideal for travel, compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay, and supports multi-currency transactions.

Alpian Metal Visa Debit Card

Here is the unboxing of the Alpian VISA card :

Alpian AMEX Card

In addition to the metal VISA debit card, Alpian gives you the option to get an Alpian American Express Card. If you’re interested in this card, you’ll need to apply directly through American Express. It could be a great addition to your Alpian setup, especially if you want to take advantage of AMEX’s global benefits and rewards.

To learn more about the Alpian AMEX, check out our full guide here: Alpian AMEX Card.

Alpian Virtual card

Additionally, Alpian offers a virtual card for online shopping, making it practical for those seeking extra security while purchasing items online. You can create several and delete them when you no longer need them:

Alpian Card Settings

Card settings allow you to view card number, PIN and change spending limits.

Alpian Bank Fees: 7/10

Alpian Private Account Fees

Alpian’s fees are clearly structured and competitive, especially for international transfers and currency exchange. Since September 2024, Alpian has eliminated all account management fees, making the account completely fee-free.

Unlike traditional banks, which often charge significant commissions for currency exchange and other services, Alpian offers a more transparent and cost-effective fee structure.

• From: 0 CHF/month
• Account management: via iPhone or Android mobile application
• Bank card: Metal Visa debit card

Alpian VISA Metal Debit Card Fees

• The Alpian VISA debit card is free, and includes free delivery.
• A card replacement is charged 50 CHF (in case of loss or theft).

Cash Withdrawals Fees

Cash withdrawals in Switzerland an abroad are subject to fees:

• CHF: 2.00 CHF per withdrawal
• EUR: 5.00 EUR per withdrawal
• Withdrawals Abroad: 2.50% per withdrawal

While the fees are competitive compared to traditional banks, they remain higher than those offered by Yuh or Neon.

International Bank Transfer Fees

• Free SEPA transfers to the EURO zone and Switzerland, otherwise 7.00 CHF per transfer
• Free transfers in CHF, USD and GBP in the country of the currency, otherwise 7.00 CHF per transfer
• Transfers in AUD DKK NOK PLN SEK CAD CZK HRK HUF RON SGD charged 2.00 CHF in the country of the currency, otherwise 7.00 CHF per transfer
• All other currencies are charged 7.00 CHF per transfer

Alpian Exchange Rate

For incoming transfers in currencies other than CHF, EUR, USD, and GBP, Alpian converts the amount to CHF using the interbank exchange rate, applying a markup of 0.20% during weekdays and 0.50% on weekends (from Friday 9:00 PM to Monday 8:00 AM).

For comparison: Yuh charges exchange fees of 0.95%, while Neon applies a fee of 0.9% for a CHF-to-EUR transfer (around 0.5% for Wise and 0.4% for Neon).

Outgoing transfers in the base four currencies (CHF, EUR, USD, and GBP) are free, while other currencies have varying charges based on the currency type.

For card payments in CHF, EUR, USD, and GBP, transactions are free if sufficient funds are available. If not, a currency exchange fee of 0.20% applies (0.50% on weekends). For transactions in other currencies, the VISA exchange rate is used.

Overall, Alpian offers transparent exchange rates for effective currency management.

Alpian Customer Service Review: 9/10

Alpian stands out from Neon and Yuh with its private bank-level customer service. Customers have the option to chat directly with an advisor or schedule an appointment with an investment advisor. Unlike other digital banks that rely heavily on bots, Alpian places particular emphasis on personalized customer interactions and individual support.

Customer support offered by chat messaging is very good and the advisors respond quickly. You speak directly to a human and not a Bot or AI like at Revolut and N26.

Unsurprisingly, the fees are higher but the service is as good as you can expect from a private bank.

Alpian App User Experience and Customer Reviews – 9/10

Alpian App Customer Ratings

The Alpian app is rated 4.5 stars in the App Store and 4 stars on Google Play These ratings are good and user reviews generally agree on its good usability.

Alpian App Store Reviews

Alpian Google Play Reviews

Alpian App Customer Reviews

We analyzed reviews on platforms like the App Store, and Google Play to better understand what users think about Alpian. The feedback reveals a combination of positive experiences and areas for improvement. Here are the most common points mentioned in their reviews:

• Ease of use and accessibility: Many users, such as Ghislaine Clément and Guy Chevalley, praise the app for being intuitive and user-friendly, making it easy to manage finances effectively.
• Real-time updates: Arnaud LEVEQUE highlights the value of real-time balance updates, which users find essential for managing their accounts efficiently.
• Flexibility in financial management: While basic functionalities are well-received, users like Julien point out that features such as customizable payment dates are needed to improve the app’s flexibility.
• General satisfaction and reputation: Reviews like that of Victor-Liviu DUMITRESCU emphasize Alpian’s strong reputation as a reliable Swiss bank.
• Areas for improvement: Some users, including doc.steffen and WavingColt, report limitations, such as missing features (e.g., recurring payments).

In summary, Alpian is commended for its user-friendly design and real-time features but would benefit from added functionalities to meet user expectations comprehensively.

Alpian App User Experience

Alpian, positioned as a Swiss digital private bank , offers users a sophisticated and intuitive mobile banking experience. The app’s user-centric design caters to both experienced financial users and newcomers, setting a high standard comparable to renowned neobanks like Neon and Yuh.

Key highlights include:

• The mobile app is seamless and user-friendly: The interface is designed to provide a smooth experience, ensuring users can easily access essential services without friction. Navigation between features is straightforward, supporting efficient day-to-day banking.
• Menus are clear and logically structured: Alpian’s layout emphasizes clarity, allowing users to manage accounts, conduct transactions, or access investment tools with ease. The intuitive structure helps maintain a smooth banking workflow.
• Key features are prominently accessible: Essential banking options such as checking balances, making transfers, and managing investments are immediately visible on the main dashboard, reducing the need for excessive navigation or searching.

Alpian’s focus on delivering a refined user experience transforms it from a mere banking app to an elegant financial management platform, merging innovative technology with the reliability expected from Swiss banking.

Alpian Banking License and Security: 9/10

Alpian operates under a Swiss banking license issued by FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority), ensuring compliance with strict regulatory standards.

Your assets are held in custody by Interactive Brokers, which keeps them separate from Alpian’s assets. This arrangement protects your investments in the event of bankruptcy. Additionally, customer deposits are protected up to 100,000 CHF under the Swiss Deposit Protection Act.

Alpian implements two-factor authentication (2FA) to secure access to your account. However, direct transfers of shares to another broker are not currently available.

In summary, Alpian’s banking license and security measures help ensure the safety of your funds.

Our final review of Alpian

Alpian’s advanced wealth management services, combined with its multi-currency accounts and comprehensive private banking platform, position it as a top choice for clients seeking tailored financial solutions—much like traditional private banks. Alpian aims to make private banking services more widely accessible to clients.

Alpian offers a multi-currency account in CHF, EUR, USD, and GBP, along with an elegant VISA debit card and a highly intuitive mobile app. This combination of digital and traditional banking services helps Alpian stand out in the competitive high-end banking segment, competing with other digital banks like Yuh, N26, and Revolut. By targeting a broader audience with its private banking services, Alpian makes premium financial management more accessible.

Alpian vs. Yuh: Which is Best for Trading and Investing?

Yuh provides access to a broad range of investment options through its integration with Swissquote, including stocks, ETFs and even cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile, Alpian has partnered with Interactive Brokers, focusing on ETF portfolios – including 45 ETFs with Guided by Alpian – and offering a more curated approach to investing. Alpian’s advantage lies in its ability to provide private banking services at lower costs, blending modern technology with personalized advice—a great fit if you’re seeking professional support without the high fees associated with traditional private banks. U

Here is our quick decision table to choose between Alpian and Yuh:

Alpian vs Yuh Trading Fees

While Yuh’s 0.5% transaction fee looks cheaper than Alpian’s 0.75% annual management fee, the cost changes with trading frequency and portfolio management style.

In a basic scenario of a CHF 10,000 investment:

• Yuh charges CHF 50 for a single trade (0.5% of CHF 10,000).
• Alpian has a fixed fee of CHF 75 per year.

If you rotate 10% of your portfolio monthly, Yuh’s transaction fees add up with each trade, making Alpian the cheaper option by the 3rd month. Yuh also charges 0.95% currency exchange fee, while Alpian only charges 0.20%, so Alpian could be cheaper for international ETF investments.

Here is a visual representation of these costs over time:

Yuh vs Alpian Investing fees comparison

It all depends on your investment style

If you prefer to buy stocks or ETFs and hold them for the long term, Yuh will be the more affordable option. However, if you trade more frequently or want access to investment advice, Alpian may be both more suitable and cost-effective.

Think of it this way: Yuh offers an “IKEA-style” investment experience—lower fees but a fully DIY approach, where you choose your own stocks or ETFs, assess risks, and rebalance. Alpian, on the other hand, provides a private banking experience that may cost more but includes expert guidance along the way.

For a full analysis of the differences between Alpian and Yuh, read our detailed Alpian vs Yuh – Comparison of December 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Alpian

Updates

• August 11, 2024: Alpian now offers a virtual card, an Alpian Amex card, and Google Pay
• September 7, 2024: The Alpian account is now free
• October 12, 2024: Added Alpian’s savings plan: Managed by Alpian Essentials

Sources:

• Alpian
• FINMA Authorization Alpian