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

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 sets itself apart with its personalized approach to banking, offering both daily banking solutions and investment advisory services. With Alpian, you can manage your finances in CHF, EUR, GBP, and USD, invest in ETFs, and save.

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

Alpian Quick Facts – October 2024

In This Review

Alpian Review: The Swiss Digital Private Bank

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. It aims to provide top-tier banking services combined with digital convenience, offering competitive banking advantages such as high deposit interest rates and low forex exchange fees.

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 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 the needs of mass affluent clients looking for seamless global transactions and currency management.

Wealth Management Services

Unlike other Swiss neobanks, Alpian differentiates itself as a private bank offering a range of wealth management services:

• 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.

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

Review & Test of the Account Opening with Alpian – 8/10

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

What are the Account Opening Conditions

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 only takes 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.

Usability and Customer Reviews of the Alpian App – 9/10

Alpian’s application is intuitive and caters to both regular banking needs and investment management. It’s sleek, user-friendly, and designed for customers who want a modern digital private bank experience.

Key highlights include:

• Fast and smooth interface
• Clear, organized menus
• Immediate access to essential functions

The Alpian application is a modern and intuitive digital banking solution, worthy of the best digital banks like N26 or Revolut.

With over 6,500 reviews and ratings of 4.5 stars in the Apple Store and 4 stars on Google Play, Alpian’s app receives widespread praise for usability.

Alpian Apple Store Reviews

Alpian Google Play Reviews

Review of Alpian App Features – 6/10

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
• Trading ETFs
• Access to private investment advisors

Alpian is leveraging strategic partnerships and funding to enhance its digital wealth management services, targeting an evolving client base and investment opportunities.

However, here is what is missing:

• No eBill integration
• No dedicated TWINT application (like Yuh TWINT)
• 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:

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.

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.

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.

Our opinion on Alpian’s 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.

Review of the Alpian Debit and Credit Cards – 9/10

Alpian offers a metal VISA debit card, making it a premium option among private banks. 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 :

Additionally, Alpian offers a virtual card for online shopping, making it practical for those seeking extra security while purchasing items online.

NOTE: Alpian also offers an Alpian Amex Card. To be requested directly from American Express.

Virtual card

Alpian allows you to create virtual cards, very practical for online purchases. 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 Account Pricing – 7/10

Your Alpian account is now free and without any fees.

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

Metal Visa Debit Card Fees

Alpian offers a free VISA debit card. It is black and made of metal, which corresponds to the Premium cards of other neobanks like Neon or Revolut for example.

Card replacement costs 50 CHF (in case of loss or theft).

Cash Withdrawals Fees

Cash withdrawals are subject to fees:

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

While the fees are competitive, they are higher than some mass affluent clients may expect from traditional banks.

International Transfers 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

Also applies an exchange rate increase of 0.2% during the week and 0.5% between Friday 9:00 p.m. and Monday 8:00 a.m.

For comparison, Yuh applies 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).

Alpian therefore has a very competitive offer for international transfers.

Speed of Transactions – 9/10

Alpian ensures fast processing times for Swiss and international transactions, with transfers between Swiss banks completed within minutes when made in the morning.

An instant transfer option like “Beam” at N26 or is missing “Pay a friend” at Yuh which allows you to pay another account in a few seconds from his telephone number.

[“Pay a friend” at Yuh[/caption ]

The push notifications system allows you to be alerted in real time of any movement on the account.

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 vs. Yuh – Which is the Best Digital Bank for Trading?

Yuh has a Swissquote integration, while Alpian is a digital private bank that uses Interactive Brokers to provide investment services. Alpian focuses more on ETF portfolios, while Yuh offers a variety of trading instruments, including stocks and cryptocurrencies.

It is obviously important to compare them in terms of prices and service offerings. Unlike a traditional private bank, Alpian offers lower-cost private banking services that blend modern banking technology with human wealth management expertise, making it more appealing for cost-conscious clients.

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

Our recommendation: Alpian is better suited for investors seeking personalized advice, while Yuh is ideal for those preferring self-directed investments.

To know how each criterion is judged, read our article Alpian vs Yuh – Comparison of October 2024

Alpian vs Yuh Trading Fees

Alpian focuses on investing in ETF portfolios while Yuh allows you to use different instruments: stocks, ETFs, Themes, Crypto.

• Alpian applies 0.75% annual investment mandate fee, but no transaction fees (these are included in the 0.75%)
• Yuh does exactly the opposite by applying zero account management fees but transaction fees of 0.50% on ETFs

Here are several examples to understand which is the cheapest:

For one ETF trade of 5,000 CHF

• Alpian costs 37.5 CHF per year
• Yuh costs 25 CHF per transaction

For 5 ETF trades of 10,000 CHF

• Alpian costs 75 CHF per year (considering your total assets are 10,000 CHF)
• Yuh costs 250 CHF (5 transactions of 50 CHF)

Yuh seems cheaper than Alpian, but it all depends on how you want to invest.

• If you prefer to buy stocks or ETFs and hold them for the long term, Yuh will be cheaper.
• If you trade more often and want investment advice, Alpian is more suitable and will also be cheaper

So you have on the one hand the “IKEA” investment: it’s cheaper but you have to do everything yourself, or on the other hand the Private Bank type investment: it’s (perhaps) more expensive but you receive expert advice.

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 affluent clients seeking tailored financial solutions. Alpian aims to provide private banking services more widely and accessibly to wealthy clients.

Alpian offers an efficient 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Alpian