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Banking Fees in Switzerland 2025: A Detailed Comparison of Neobanks vs. Traditional Banks

Philippe

March 13, 2025

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The Swiss banking landscape is evolving rapidly, and 2025 marks a new milestone in the competition between traditional banks and neobanks. While large institutions like UBS, PostFinance, and cantonal banks continue to attract a loyal clientele, digital banks like Alpian, Neon, Radicant, Yuh or Zak are redefining the standards in terms of fees, currency conversion, savings, and investment.

But how do these new offers really compare to traditional banks? Are the claimed savings real? And most importantly, which of these options is the most advantageous for Swiss residents based on their banking needs?

To answer these questions, we analyzed 71 Swiss financial institutions, comparing the costs of bank accounts, exchange fees, interest rates on savings, and investment costs. This study offers a clear and quantified overview of the differences between traditional banks and neobanks, helping to make an informed choice in 2025.

Let’s see together how these banks position themselves and which one could be the best option for you.

• Main results of the study
• Comparison of main banking offers in Switzerland
• Key trends and implications
• Methodology of the analysis
• Evaluation criteria
• Sources and data collection
• Basic bank accounts: fees and accessibility
• Comparison of bank account fees in Switzerland
• Why are neobanks free?
• Are traditional banks still competitive?
• Which account should I choose?
• Multi-currency accounts: Who offers the best options?
• Comparison of multi-currency account fees in Switzerland
• Which banks offer a free multi-currency account?
• Differences between neobanks and traditional banks
• Why choose a free multi-currency account?
• Which multi-currency account to choose in 2025?
• Currency conversion: Where are the hidden fees?
• Comparison of currency conversion fees
• 📊 Margin applied on CHF → EUR conversion
• Why are these fees so high?
• Are neobanks really more advantageous?
• Differences between neobanks and traditional banks
• How to avoid hidden fees?
• Where to convert your money in 2025?
• Savings accounts: Where to find the best rates?
• Comparison of savings rates in Switzerland
• Saving conditions: A key element to analyze
• And for savings in EUR and USD?
• Are neobanks really more advantageous?
• How to choose the best savings account?
• Where to place your savings in 2025?
• Investments: fees and performance of different options
• 1. Self-trading: investing freely
• 2. Investment advice: guidance or robo-advisors?
• 3. Discretionary management mandates: entrusting your capital to experts
• Should I choose a traditional bank or a neobank for investing?
• Summary and overall comparison of banking costs
• Annual total cost by bank type
• Ranking of banks in Switzerland: the most competitive offers
• Why do traditional banks cost more?
• Conclusion: What is the best banking option in Switzerland in 2025?
• Which type of bank to choose based on your profile?
• The verdict: are neobanks the best choice?
• List of banks and financial providers included in our analysis

Main results of the study

The analysis of over 71 Swiss banks and financial institutions highlights notable differences between traditional institutions, neobanks, and fintechs. While the major banks remain dominant in terms of market share, digital banks stand out for their lower costs and more transparent offers.

The main findings of this study show that bank fees vary significantly depending on the type of institution, with significant differences in the following areas:

• Private account fees: many neobanks now offer free accounts, while traditional banks still charge an average of 30 CHF per year.
• Currency conversion: traditional banks apply high margins (1.69% on average), while fintechs offer more competitive rates, sometimes as low as 0.20%.
• Savings: interest rates on savings accounts remain low in traditional banks (0.20% on average), while some neobanks offer up to 1.00%.
• Investments: portfolio management fees for 100,000 CHF are on average 1.05% in traditional banks, compared to 0.49% to 0.75% in neobanks.

Comparison of main banking offers in Switzerland

💡 Annual total cost: for a multi-currency account + conversion of 10,000 CHF to EUR + mandate of 100,000 CHF and 10 stock orders.

Key trends and implications

📌 Digitization continues to reduce banking fees, with neobanks offering free basic services and more accessible investment solutions.

📌 The differences are particularly marked on currency conversion fees and savings rates, which can represent significant savings for clients making international payments or wanting to optimize their capital.

📌 Investing is becoming more affordable thanks to fintechs, which offer reduced fees and competitive performances compared to traditional banks.

📌 The choice of a banking institution depends on individual needs, but the trend is shifting towards digital models that offer more flexibility and transparency.

Methodology of the analysis

To make a precise comparison of banking costs in Switzerland in 2025, we analyzed a panel of 71 financial institutions covering the entire Swiss banking market. This panel includes:

• Neobanks: Alpian, Neon, Radicant, Yuh, Zak, etc.
• Major Swiss banks: UBS, PostFinance, Credit Suisse, Migros Bank, Raiffeisen, etc.
• Cantonal and regional banks: BCV, ZKB, Banque Cantonale de Genève, Aargauische Kantonalbank, etc.
• Specialized platforms and fintechs: Findependent, Selma, TrueWealth, as well as exchange platforms like B-Sharpe and Currencyfair.

Evaluation criteria

1. Bank account fees: annual cost of a standard private account and multi-currency account (EUR, USD, GBP), as well as any additional fees (management, withdrawals, payments).
2. Currency conversion fees: margin applied on the exchange rate (bid/ask spread) and comparison with traditional banks, neobanks, and specialized platforms (Wise, Revolut, etc.).
3. Savings interest rates: remuneration for CHF, EUR, and USD accounts, taking into account restrictions (limits, withdrawal conditions, interest payment frequency).
4. Investment fees and performance: transaction costs for self-trading, annual fees for discretionary mandates for a 100,000 CHF portfolio, comparison of historical returns (2022-2025) and differences between traditional banks, neobanks, and robo-advisors.

Why not include a comparison of credit card fees?

Credit card fees vary widely between banks and are often bundled with other services (e.g., premium accounts, insurance, free withdrawals). Traditional banks typically include the card in their bundled offers with annual fees of 50 to 150 CHF, while neobanks often offer free cards but sometimes charge a fixed delivery fee (usually between 5 and 10 CHF).

Moreover, other costs may be added, such as withdrawal fees at ATMs or surcharges on foreign currency payments.

💡 Given the complexity and diversity of offers, we have chosen not to include a detailed comparison of credit card fees in this analysis. However, it is recommended to check the specific conditions with each bank based on your needs.

Sources and data collection

The information was obtained from:

• Official price brochures from the banks (updated in February 2025)
• Simulators and pricing tools provided by certain banks
• Independent banking comparison platforms
• Market data on exchange rates and investment mandate returns

All data has been standardized to ensure an objective comparison between different types of banking institutions. This approach allows identifying the most competitive banks based on the needs of Swiss clients.

In the following sections, we analyze each criterion in detail and see how traditional banks compare to neobanks in 2025.

Basic bank accounts: fees and accessibility

🔹 Verdict: Neobanks mostly offer free accounts, unlike traditional banks.

The private bank account is the central element of a banking relationship. This is where salaries are deposited, bills are paid, and daily expenses are made. For Swiss residents, it is a symbol of financial independence. For expatriates, it is one of the first steps after obtaining a permit and finding accommodation.

All banks offer a private account in one form or another, but fees vary significantly. With the rise of neobanks, free offers have become the norm, while large banks and some cantonal banks still apply monthly fees, often in exchange for additional services like access to physical branches or bespoke services.

Although prices have dropped in recent years due to digitization, the differences remain significant between institutions. So, where are the best offers in 2025?

Comparison of bank account fees in Switzerland

Our study revealed that of 71 banks analyzed:

• 33 banks offer a free private account, mostly neobanks and fintechs.
• Traditional banks charge an average of 30 CHF per year for a basic private account.
• Some banks still apply fees up to 162 CHF/year depending on the services included.

📊 Private account fees in Switzerland in 2025

Why are neobanks free?

Neobanks like Alpian, Neon andYuh adopt a digital business model, without physical branches and with reduced infrastructure costs. They generate their revenue through:

• Fees on currency transactions (exchange, international payments)
• Premium services (high-end cards, investments)
• Partnerships with other financial institutions

In contrast, traditional banks justify their fees by higher costs related to branches, customer support, and additional services like wealth management or advanced savings products.

Are traditional banks still competitive?

While major banks still charge fees, some offer free accounts under certain conditions (e.g., salary domiciliation, young clients, students, etc.). They also often offer additional services that neobanks do not fully cover, such as:

• Direct access to an in-branch advisor
• Financing solutions (mortgages, loans)
• More advanced management options for professionals

Which account should I choose?

📌 If you’re looking for a simple, fee-free account, a neobank is the most advantageous option. Alpian, Neon, Radicant, and Yuh allow you to open an account in minutes, without management fees and with a payment card included.

📌 If you need more comprehensive banking services (advisory, branches, credit solutions), a traditional bank may be more suitable – but with potential higher costs.

💡 In 2025, the trend is clear: most Swiss can avoid bank fees by opting for a neobank, without compromising on basic services.

Multi-currency accounts: Who offers the best options?

🔹 Verdict: Only 16 banks out of 71 offer free multi-currency accounts, including several neobanks.

In a country as internationalized as Switzerland, holding a multi-currency account is a major advantage for cross-border workers, expatriates, frequent travelers, and investors. Being able to directly use euros (EUR), dollars (USD), or pounds (GBP) avoids high conversion fees and simplifies international payments.

But managing multiple currencies is not as simple as it seems. Banks must maintain a complex infrastructure to process these transactions: each payment in foreign currencies goes through several financial intermediaries, with added checks and costs. That’s why many banks charge fees for opening and managing a multi-currency account, or limit the offer to certain currencies like EUR.

In this context, neobanks and fintechs are positioning themselves as more competitive alternatives, offering free or low-cost multi-currency accounts with simplified management.

Comparison of multi-currency account fees in Switzerland

Of 71 banks analyzed:

• 16 banks offer a free multi-currency account, mostly neobanks and fintechs.
• Traditional banks charge an average of 24 CHF/year for a multi-currency account.
• Some banks apply fees up to 90 CHF/year, depending on the services included.

📊 Multi-currency account fees in 2025

Which banks offer a free multi-currency account?

Neobanks like Alpian, Radicant, Yuh and Revolut allow holding multiple currencies without monthly fees. This represents a significant advantage over traditional banks, which generally charge an annual or monthly subscription for these accounts.

💡 Traditional banks often require opening and management fees, which can be a barrier for occasional foreign currency users.

Differences between neobanks and traditional banks

💡 These fees are in addition to the basic account fees

Why choose a free multi-currency account?

Multi-currency accounts are particularly useful for:
✅ Avoiding high conversion fees on foreign currency payments
✅ Managing a salary or income in foreign currencies without needing immediate conversion
✅ Making international payments without hidden fees
✅ Investing in international markets without automatic conversions

💡 Neobanks make it easy to open and manage these accounts without monthly fees, while traditional banks often impose conditions or additional costs.

Which multi-currency account to choose in 2025?

📌 If you frequently need multiple currencies, a neobank is the most economical option. Alpian, Revolut, and Yuh offer free multi-currency accounts with more competitive exchange rates.

📌 If you seek a more complete service with an advisor in branch, traditional banks may suit, but with additional costs.

💡 With the rise of international transactions and digital payments, neobanks are the best option for frequent foreign currency users in Switzerland.

Currency conversion: Where are the hidden fees?

🔹 Verdict: Traditional banks apply an average margin of 1.69%, compared to 0.20% at some neobanks.

Whether for travel, foreign payments, or foreign currency investments, converting Swiss francs (CHF) to euros (EUR), US dollars (USD), or other currencies is an essential step. But behind every transaction, banks apply a margin on the exchange rate, in addition to any potential transfer fees.

These costs often go unnoticed, as the rates displayed don’t always reflect the difference between the buying and selling prices of currencies (the “bid/ask spread”). However, these cumulative fees can add up quickly on recurring transactions. Converting 10,000 CHF to EUR at a traditional bank costs an average of 170 CHF, compared to just 20 CHF at the most competitive providers.

In 2025, the gaps remain significant between neobanks and traditional banks in terms of exchange fees. Some banks charge more than 2% per transaction, while the most competitive neobanks apply margins below 0.50%.

Comparison of currency conversion fees

Of 71 banks analyzed:

• Traditional banks apply an average margin of 1.69%.
• Only 8 out of 36 banks offer a margin below 1.0%.
• Neobanks and specialized platforms offer the most competitive rates (0.20% to 1.0%).

📊 Margin applied on CHF → EUR conversion

Why are these fees so high?

Traditional banks tend to integrate hidden margins into their exchange rates, which means that:
 ❌ The rate displayed by the bank is not the actual market rate.
 ❌ Additional fees may apply, especially for international transfers.
 ❌ Margins are higher for less common currencies (e.g., GBP, JPY).

Example:

• You convert 10,000 CHF to EUR.
• A traditional bank applies a margin of 1.69%, or 169 CHF lost in the transaction.
• A neobank with a margin of 0.20% would save you 149 CHF on the same operation.

Are neobanks really more advantageous?

✅ Alpian applies an ultra-competitive margin of 0.20%, among the best on the market.
✅ Neon applies the interbank market margin without a surcharge on foreign currency payments.
✅ Yuh takes a fixed margin of 0.95%, unless the EUR is already available in the sub-account.

Note: Some specialized platforms like Wise or Revolut also offer currency conversions at reduced prices, but they may charge additional fees depending on the payment method or the amount exchanged.

Differences between neobanks and traditional banks

How to avoid hidden fees?

💡 Always compare your bank’s exchange rate with the interbank market rate. You can use websites like xe.com or Google Finance to see the actual rate and identify hidden margins.

💡 Use a neobank or specialized platform for payments and foreign currency transfers. Some platforms like Wise or Revolut allow you to convert money at a lower cost, but with limits on free transactions.

💡 Check if your bank offers sub-accounts in foreign currencies. For example, Yuh allows you to store EUR and USD to avoid conversion fees with each transaction.

Where to convert your money in 2025?

📌 If you make foreign currency payments regularly, a neobank like Alpian or Revolut is a much more economical choice.

📌 If you are making a one-time transfer of a large amount, it may be worth comparing with a specialized platform like B-Sharpe, CurrencyFair or Wise.

📌 If you are using a traditional bank, inquire about alternatives: some offer multi-currency packages that slightly reduce costs.

💡 In 2025, the margins applied on exchange remain a key factor when choosing a bank in Switzerland. To minimize fees, it’s better to opt for a neobank or a specialized platform rather than a traditional bank.

Savings accounts: Where to find the best rates?

🔹 Verdict: Alpian and some neobanks offer more competitive interest rates than the Swiss average.

Placing your money in a savings account allows to secure your funds while earning interest, whether to build a reserve for unforeseen events or to finance a future project. Banks use these deposits to finance their activities, notably by providing loans, and in return, they distribute a portion of the profits as interest to savers.

However, interest rates vary significantly between banks. While some neobanks offer attractive deals, large traditional banks remain stingy, maintaining rates close to zero on basic savings.

Conditions applied to savings accounts also influence their profitability. Some institutions impose deposit limits or withdrawal restrictions to access the best rates, while others offer higher interest without particular limitations.

In 2025, the gaps remain significant. Large banks offer an average of 0.20%, while institutions like Alpian and Yuh offer rates three to five times higher, sometimes without restrictions.

Comparison of savings rates in Switzerland

Of 71 banks analyzed:

• The average savings rates for CHF is 0.20%.
• Some banks offer rates up to 1.00%, but often with conditions (limits, restrictions).
• Neobanks offer higher rates, with fewer limitations on access to funds.

📊 Interest rates for savings accounts in CHF (for 150,000 CHF)

💡 Alpian and Radicant are among the most competitive banks for savings in 2025.

Saving conditions: A key element to analyze

Some attractive rates displayed by traditional banks hide important restrictions:
📌 Deposit limit: For example, some banks apply a high rate only on the first 10,000 CHF.
📌 Withdrawal restrictions: Notice periods may be imposed for withdrawing money.
📌 Temporary promotional offers: Some rates are only valid for new customers.

Concrete example:

• A customer places 150,000 CHF in a savings account.
• A traditional bank offers a rate of 0.20%, resulting in 300 CHF in annual interest.
• A neobank like Alpian, with a rate of 1.00%, would allow them to earn 1,500 CHF, or five times more.

And for savings in EUR and USD?

Swiss banks rarely offer attractive rates on foreign currencies. Only 18 banks out of 71 offer interest on savings in euros, and only 7 on deposits in dollars.

📊 Savings rates for EUR and USD accounts (2025)

Are neobanks really more advantageous?

✅ Alpian offers up to 1.00% on savings in CHF, EUR, and USD, with no strict limits or withdrawal restrictions.
✅ Radicant offers rates up to 0.50% in CHF and 1.50% in EUR.
✅ Yuh offers a rate of 0.25% in CHF, EUR, and USD, which remains above large banks.

📌 Traditional banks: Beware of hidden conditions!
Some major banks display competitive rates but impose strict conditions, like a minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions.

How to choose the best savings account?

💡 Ask yourself the right questions before opening a savings account:

• Is the rate guaranteed or promotional? Some high rates are temporary.
• Is there a deposit cap? Some banks apply their best rate only up to a certain amount.
• Can I withdraw my money freely? Some banks impose a withdrawal notice period.

Where to place your savings in 2025?

📌 If you want an attractive return without restrictions, neobanks like Alpian, Radicant and Yuh are the best options.
📌 Traditional banks sometimes offer competitive rates, but with conditions (limits, withdrawal restrictions).
📌 For savings in EUR and USD, few options are truly advantageous, except at Alpian and Radicant.

💡 In 2025, savings rates remain low in Switzerland, but some neobanks allow you to earn up to five times more interest than traditional banks.

Investments: fees and performance of different options

🔹 Verdict: Neobanks and fintechs offer more accessible and cheaper solutions, but options vary depending on the type of investor.

Investing has become a necessity to maximize the return on savings, especially in an environment where interest rates remain relatively low. In Switzerland, investors have several options, ranging from self-trading to managed investment mandates, and investment advice.

So, what are the differences between neobanks and traditional banks when it comes to investing?

1. Self-trading: investing freely

Online trading allows investors to buy and sell stocks, ETFs, and other assets without going through an advisor. This approach offers great flexibility and reduces management fees by avoiding the intervention of a financial expert. However, it requires some knowledge of the markets, as investment decisions rest entirely with the investor.

In Switzerland, several local and international platforms are accessible to residents. Some focus on simplicity and low fees, while others offer a wider range of products and analysis tools.

📊 Comparison of trading platforms in Switzerland

📌 Why include Interactive Brokers (IBKR)?

Although IBKR is not a Swiss bank, it is highly regarded by Swiss investors for:
✅ Direct access to a wide range of international markets.
✅ Low transaction fees, especially for active investors.
✅ An advanced platform with analysis and automation tools.

For a 100% Swiss solution, Alpian, Neon Invest, Swissquote, and Yuh should be prioritized. To maximize access to markets and reduce costs, IBKR remains an essential alternative.

🔹 Verdict: which platforms to choose?

✅ For reduced fees and a simplified experience, Neon Invest and Yuh are excellent options for investors who prioritize quick access to stocks and ETFs, without advanced features.

✅ For active investors or those wanting access to more products and markets, Interactive Brokers and Swissquote are more suitable choices. They offer advanced trading tools, access to international markets, and competitive fees on large volumes.

📌 Note: Performance is not indicated here, as it depends entirely on the investor’s decisions.

💡 Online trading is an efficient solution for those who wish to actively manage their portfolio, but it requires a good understanding of the markets to minimize risks. 🚀

2. Investment advice: guidance or robo-advisors?

Some banks offer investment advisory services, where an expert recommends investments based on the client’s profile and objectives, while leaving the final decisions to the client. There are also hybrid solutions, such as Guided by Alpian which combine this guidance with partial management, offering a balance between autonomy and expertise.

With the rise of digital, robo-advisors have emerged as an alternative to traditional advisors. These automated platforms use algorithms to recommend asset allocations based on risk profile and goals, with fees often lower than those of traditional banks.

📊 Comparison of available options in Switzerland

🔹 Verdict: which solution to choose?

✅ Robo-advisors like Selma and TrueWealth are ideal for investors looking for optimized low-cost management, with automated and transparent follow-up.
✅ Traditional banks are better suited for clients who prefer detailed human guidance, although this implies higher fees.
✅  Guided by Alpian offers a compromise between automation and human advice, with more competitive fees than traditional banks while allowing personalized follow-up. It is an option for investors seeking a hybrid approach without paying the price of traditional private management.

💡 The choice depends on the desired level of involvement and willingness to pay for a more personalized service. 🚀

3. Discretionary management mandates: entrusting your capital to experts

Discretionary mandates allow investors to fully delegate the management of their portfolio to professionals, without having to worry about buying or selling decisions. In Switzerland, where asset management is a key sector, these services are offered both by large banks and fintechs and neobanks, offering a wide range of strategies and fees.

But how much do these mandates actually cost in 2025? And most importantly, do the returns justify the fees? Unlike wealthy investors who have access to exclusive services from private banks, many clients are looking for solutions suited to more accessible amounts.

To better understand the differences between discretionary management and investment advice, here is a summary table:

📌 Clarification between discretionary management and investment advice

We have therefore analyzed and compared the offers of traditional banks, neobanks, and fintechs to identify the most competitive options in terms of cost and performance.

📊 Comparison of discretionary management fees

We compared the fees applied to discretionary management mandates across all providers. Since fees may vary depending on risk profile and amount invested (higher amounts generally benefiting from better rates), we focused our analysis on a balanced strategy with a 100,000 CHF portfolio, comparing only the annual fees charged by the banks.

To establish a representative overview, we collected the fees from 59 banks and 4 of the largest robo-advisors, which have gained popularity in Switzerland. Although traditional banks often include additional services, such as access to an advisor, we found it relevant to include robo-advisors in this comparison. The results are presented in the table below.

📊 Annual fees for discretionary management mandates (100,000 CHF portfolio, balanced strategy)

💡 Alpian is among the most competitive players, with fees lower than large banks and a hybrid model combining human expertise and technology.

Hidden fees and additional costs to watch out for

Beyond the stated management fees, several costs can impact the profitability of an investment mandate:

• Transaction and rebalancing fees: Some banks apply additional fees to adjust the portfolio composition.
• Cost of underlying products: Some active funds include high fees that reduce net performance.
• Withdrawal or early closure fees: Especially present with traditional banks, these fees can penalize investors wishing to change providers.

💡 Fintechs and neobanks like Alpian reduce these additional fees by favoring optimized portfolios with low-cost ETFs.

Should I choose a traditional bank or a neobank for investing?

📌 If you prioritize management with a dedicated advisor and access to branches, a traditional bank remains an option. However, expect higher fees and potentially lower performance.

📌 If you are looking for a flexible, efficient solution with reduced fees, a neobank like Alpian or a fintech like TrueWealth is a better alternative.

💡 In 2025, neobank and fintech discretionary mandates offer a better compromise between cost and performance. With lower fees and solid returns, these solutions become a credible alternative to large banks for wealth management.

Summary and overall comparison of banking costs

🔹 Verdict: Clients save an average of 40% with a neobank compared to a traditional bank.

After analyzing banking costs in Switzerland in 2025, the gaps between traditional banks and neobanks are significant. Major banks continue to charge high fees on current accounts, currency conversions, and investment mandates, while neobanks reduce these costs by optimizing their digital model.

So, how much does a bank account really cost in Switzerland depending on the type of institution?

Annual total cost by bank type

We estimated the total cost for a client with:

• A private account
• A multi-currency account
• A conversion of 10,000 CHF to EUR
• An investment mandate of 100,000 CHF

📊 Comparison of banking costs in Switzerland in 2025

💡 Neobanks allow saving around 500 CHF per year on banking management.

📊 Comparison of main fee categories

💡 Neobanks are particularly advantageous for account fees, currency conversion, and investments.

Ranking of banks in Switzerland: the most competitive offers

The study conducted in 2025 highlights the cost and service gaps between different banks in Switzerland. Among the 71 institutions analyzed, some banks stand out for lower fees, better transparency on currency conversions, and

more attractive savings offers.

One of the highest-ranked digital banks in several categories is Alpian, which shows competitive performance in bank fees, interest rates, and investment management:

📌 Key takeaways from these rankings?

✔️ Digital banks position themselves among the best options for free accounts and reduced fees.
✔️ The differences in savings rates and exchange fees remain significant. Traditional banks still apply high costs, while some digital banks offer reduced margins and more competitive interest rates.
✔️ On investment, digitization reduces fees without sacrificing performance. Discretionary management solutions offered by fintechs and some neobanks show comparable or even superior results to those of large banks.

➡️ In summary, the study shows that digital banks are gaining ground against traditional institutions, particularly in terms of banking fees and investment management. However, the choice of bank still depends on each user’s specific needs.

Why do traditional banks cost more?

🔴 Expensive physical infrastructure: Maintaining a branch network and face-to-face customer service incurs high fixed costs.
🔴 Business model based on hidden fees: Margins on currencies and investment fees inflate the final bill for clients.
🔴 Lack of transparency: Many banks apply indirect fees on transfers, withdrawals, or investment orders.
🔴 Cost of advisory services: Traditional banks often include personalized support in their offers, which can justify higher fees.

✅ Neobanks optimize their costs by being 100% digital, allowing them to offer services without fixed fees. However, some neobanks like Alpian combine a digital approach with advisory services, while maintaining competitive fees.

Conclusion: What is the best banking option in Switzerland in 2025?

💡 In 2025, Swiss neobanks have become a credible alternative to traditional banks. With reduced fees, better transparency, and digitized services, they meet the needs of modern clients, whether for current accounts, savings, or investment.

Our analysis highlighted several key trends:

✅ Private bank accounts are increasingly free: All neobanks (Alpian, Neon, Yuh…) offer free accounts, while traditional banks charge an average of 30 CHF/year.

✅ Multi-currency accounts are better suited for travelers and expatriates: Alpian, Yuh, and Revolut allow you to avoid monthly fees and high conversion rates imposed by large banks.

✅ Currency conversions remain a key point: Most traditional banks apply a margin of 1.69% to 2.5%, compared to 0.20% to 1.0% for neobanks. Savings can reach several hundred CHF per year for those making transactions in foreign currencies.

✅ Savings rates vary significantly: Traditional banks often cap their rates at 0.20%, while some neobanks like Alpian and Yuh offer rates up to 1.00% on certain currencies.

✅ Investments are becoming more accessible: With reduced fees and often better performance, fintechs and neobanks (Alpian, TrueWealth, Selma, Neon Invest) offer more competitive alternatives to large banks for investing.

Which type of bank to choose based on your profile?

The verdict: are neobanks the best choice?

📌 For most users, a neobank is an advantageous option for fees and digital simplicity. However, they offer fewer traditional services like credit, mortgages, and personalized support.

📌 However, traditional banks still play a role for certain profiles: Those who need an in-branch advisor, advanced financing services (mortgages, loans), or private wealth management may still prefer a traditional bank.

💡 In 2025, it’s clear that neobanks are no longer a niche alternative, but a true banking revolution in Switzerland. They allow clients to save up to 40% on banking fees, while offering more effective investment and savings solutions.

➡️ The final choice depends on your profile and needs, but for most Swiss clients, a neobank represents the best value for money in 2025. 🚀

List of banks and financial providers included in our analysis