Crypto exchange comparison in Switzerland: Where to buy Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

There is no single ‘best’ crypto exchange for everyone. If you want to buy Bitcoin in Switzerland, you have three options: through a Swiss bank, via a Swiss Bitcoin app, or on an international crypto exchange. Which one is right for you depends on whether you only want Bitcoin, whether you want to hold your cryptos yourself, and whether you want to deposit in Swiss francs.

Here, we compare seven crypto exchanges, crypto brokers and apps where you can buy crypto in Switzerland: costs for a purchase of over CHF 1,000, deposits in Swiss francs, withdrawals to your own wallet, savings plans and tax statements. There is deliberately no ranking, and there are no affiliate links on this page.

A comparison of crypto exchanges

The table is sorted by provider type: first Swiss banks and apps, then Bitcoin apps, then international exchanges. The costs show the stated fee for a one-off Bitcoin purchase of CHF 1,000, including currency conversion. Many providers do not specify the spread; this is added on top.

Which crypto exchange is right for you?

Rather than crowning a ‘test winner’, we’ll show you where to look depending on your goals. Most investors just need an answer to the first question: do you want Bitcoin or a wide range of different cryptocurrencies?

Whatever you want	Where you’re looking	Why
Bitcoin savings plan with your own keys	Relai, Pocket	Bitcoin goes straight into your wallet; there’s no balance held with an exchange
Bitcoin savings plan with your local bank	PostFinance, Swissquote	Everything with one bank, deposits in Swiss francs
Cryptocurrency alongside ETFs and shares	Swissquote, or a Bitcoin ETF in your investment portfolio	Everything in one place, one tax return
A wide variety of cryptocurrencies	Bitpanda, Kraken	Over 500 coins, including smaller projects
Low fees on larger amounts	Kraken Pro, Swissquote for higher trading volumes	Fees decrease in line with trading volume
Small amounts to try out	Yuh, Relai	Low minimum amounts, simple app
Staking	Swissquote, PostFinance	20 per cent of the reward goes to the provider

Are you just looking for an app to get started? Then have a look at the A comparison of crypto apps for beginners . We explain what staking is and what its benefits are in What is Staking.

Buying Bitcoin from Swiss banks

More and more Swiss banks are offering Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The advantages: often no need to open a new account, deposits in Swiss francs, a bank authorised by FINMA, and documentation for your tax return. The catch: with many banks, you cannot transfer your cryptocurrencies to your own wallet. You can then only hold them with that bank and sell them there.

Swissquote

Swissquote is a Swiss bank offering over 40 cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies are held in the same custody account as shares and ETFs, and you can send them to authorised wallet addresses. Trading is conducted in dollars or euros: on top of the 1 per cent trading fee – which decreases with trading volume – there is a 0.95 per cent currency conversion fee when trading in Swiss francs. There is a crypto savings plan, which can be set up on the desktop. Withdrawals to your own wallet cost USD 10 or 15, depending on the coin. Please note the custody fee: this applies even if you only hold crypto. More in the Swissquote Review.

PostFinance

PostFinance, in partnership with the crypto bank Sygnum, offers over 20 cryptocurrencies, exclusively to customers resident in Switzerland. A savings plan is available from USD 50, with contributions made weekly to quarterly. Sending and receiving cryptocurrencies is not available, and a portfolio fee of 0.15 per cent per annum plus VAT applies to holdings; the rate decreases for larger holdings. For savers who want to keep everything with their main bank, this is a straightforward option.

Yuh

With Yuh, you can buy around 50 cryptocurrencies in the same app as your everyday current account. The account is managed by Swissquote Bank. Each purchase costs 1 per cent, plus a currency conversion fee when trading in Swiss francs, totalling around 2 per cent. Since autumn 2026, a crypto savings plan has been available, starting from USD 10 or EUR 10, with weekly or monthly contributions. Cryptocurrencies cannot be transferred to other providers. More in the Yuh experience report.

ZKB and other banks

Zürcher Kantonalbank offers Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and Chainlink via its eBanking service and app. You cannot transfer them to your own wallet. Other cantonal banks and Swiss banks also offer cryptocurrencies, often through the same partners behind the scenes. Fees are usually around 1 per cent per purchase, and many do not allow withdrawals to your own wallet. Ask your bank specifically about three things: the fee per purchase, the ongoing custody fee and whether you can send assets to your own wallet.

Swiss Bitcoin apps

Anyone looking for a Swiss crypto exchange usually ends up with a Bitcoin app. It’s more of a crypto broker than an exchange with an order book. Bitcoin apps from Switzerland sell you Bitcoin and send it directly to a wallet whose private key only you know. It isn’t a Bitcoin exchange with an order book, but it is simple. If the provider goes out of business, your Bitcoin remain with you. However, you’re responsible for backing them up yourself: if you lose your recovery phrases, you lose your Bitcoin.

Relai

Relai, based in Zurich, sells only Bitcoin. You pay by bank transfer or card in Swiss francs; the service charge is 1 per cent, plus a spread of up to 1 per cent, with an additional 3 per cent if paying by card. Relai covers the network fee when you make a purchase. Under the savings plan, one purchase per month between CHF 50 and CHF 100 is free of service charges, though the spread still applies. Relai is a member of VQF, a self-regulatory organisation. Transparency: Relai is an advertising partner of Schwiizerfranke, and Eric buys his own Bitcoin via Relai. You can find the full report at Relai experiences.

Pocket

Pocket, based in Aargau, operates without a bank account in the traditional sense: you set up a standing order with your bank; Pocket uses this to buy Bitcoin and sends it to your wallet. The service fee is 1.5 per cent – according to Pocket, with no additional mark-up on the exchange rate – plus the network fee. There is no minimum amount. Since December 2025, you have needed to provide full identification to buy and sell. In August 2026, Pocket reported a data breach: correspondence with partner banks and transfer lists containing the names, addresses and payment details of around 5,400 customers were leaked. According to Pocket, the bitcoins were never at risk. Pocket is also a member of the VQF.

International cryptocurrency exchanges

On an international crypto exchange, you can trade cryptocurrencies directly, from Bitcoin and Ethereum right through to smaller coins. International exchanges offer the widest selection and, with high trading volumes, the lowest fees. However, your counterparty is based abroad, and in most cases the exchange holds your cryptocurrencies in custody. In the event of a dispute, Swiss law is of little help to you.

Bitpanda

Bitpanda, based in Vienna, offers over 500 cryptocurrencies via a user-friendly app and is licensed under the EU’s MiCA regulation. The fee for Bitcoin is 0.99 per cent, and for other coins up to 2.49 per cent; the fee is included in the price. You can hold a balance in Swiss francs; deposit fees depend on the payment method. Find out more at Bitpanda Review.

Kraken

Kraken is one of the oldest crypto exchanges. Of particular interest to Swiss users: deposits in Swiss francs are processed via the Swiss SIC payment system and are free of charge. In the app, a purchase costs 1 per cent plus the spread. On Kraken Pro, at the entry level, you pay 0.40 per cent for limit orders and 0.80 per cent for market orders, with lower fees for higher volumes. Your counterparty is based outside Switzerland; the specific Kraken entity is specified in the terms and conditions.

Coinbase

Coinbase is listed on the US stock exchange and offers over 200 cryptocurrencies. For Swiss users, the process is cumbersome: according to our information, deposits can only be made in euros or by card, and there is no Swiss tax statement. In 2025, data from around 69,000 customers was stolen via bribed support staff. As you cannot make deposits in Swiss francs, Coinbase does not appear in the table. More in the Coinbase Review.

Binance, Bitvavo and others.

The table lists providers where, if you’re resident in Switzerland, you can buy cryptocurrency with Swiss francs without having to meet a high minimum amount. Some well-known names are therefore deliberately omitted:

• Binance: the world’s largest stock exchange. At the end of October 2026, Binance reported a hack amounting to around USD 6.3 billion according to initial estimates – likely the biggest crypto hack to date. On top of this, there are recurring issues with withdrawals to Switzerland. Read all about it in the article Binance Switzerland.
• Bitvavo: The Dutch stock exchange does not accept clients resident in Switzerland. Anyone looking for Bitvavo will find a similar service at Bitpanda or Kraken.
• Bitcoin Suisse: A crypto financial services provider based in Zug, catering to high-net-worth individuals and companies. Not intended for small amounts or savings plans. Find out more at Bitcoin Suisse Review.
• SwissBorg: Despite its name, it is not a Swiss bank. Founded in Lausanne, the EU licence under MiCA has been held by a French company since 2026.
• Saxo: At Saxo Bank, you mainly trade cryptocurrencies via ETPs and other products that track the price. Before buying, check whether you are buying actual coins or a product that tracks the price.
• Crypto.com: Best known for its cashback card; terms and conditions change frequently. Our Field report is an archived post.
• Exchanges for leveraged products and futures: Platforms that advertise high leverage are a losing proposition for retail investors. A leverage of 20 means that a price movement of around 5 per cent against you will wipe out your investment – and often even sooner than that.

Bitcoin in your investment portfolio rather than on an exchange

You don’t need a crypto exchange to invest in Bitcoin. You can buy Bitcoin ETFs and ETPs through your usual broker, just like shares, on the Swiss stock exchange and in Swiss francs. For beginners, this is often the easiest way: no new account, no wallet, no forgotten passwords. In return, you bear the risks associated with the product and its issuer. This article shows which products are available Bitcoin ETF Switzerland, you can find the right broker in the Online broker comparison.

How safe is your money?

The Swiss deposit guarantee scheme protects bank deposits up to CHF 100,000 per person and per bank, but not your cryptocurrencies. It therefore depends on who is holding your cryptocurrencies:

• At a Swiss bank: Since 2021, Swiss law has stipulated that crypto-assets held in custody by a bank on your behalf remain your property in the event of bankruptcy and do not form part of the bankruptcy estate. Prerequisite: The bank must hold them on your behalf at all times, and they must be allocated to you individually or on a pro rata basis. If they are held by a custodian abroad, additional risks apply.
• On an international stock exchange: The law of the country in which your contractual partner is based applies. In the event of a hack or bankruptcy, you are at the mercy of the exchange.
• In your own wallet: Nobody can block your account, but nobody will help you if you lose your recovery words or fall victim to a scammer.

One rule applies everywhere: no reputable provider will ask for an advance payment, tax or activation fee before you can withdraw your credit. Standard withdrawal and network charges are deducted directly. Anyone who asks for money in advance is a fraudster.

Comparing fees properly

The fee that a provider heavily advertises is rarely the only thing you end up paying. These five costs make all the difference:

1. Trading fee: the percentage per purchase and sale.
2. Spread: the difference between the bid and ask prices. It is rarely shown on the price list, but is inherent in every purchase.
3. Payment method and currency: Credit card payments often incur an additional charge of 1.5 to 3 per cent, whilst converting Swiss francs into euros or dollars costs around 1 per cent.
4. Ongoing charges: Custody or portfolio fees are charged every year, even if you do nothing.
5. Payment: Anyone who sends their cryptocurrencies to their own wallet pays either a network fee or a fixed fee charged by the provider.

You should therefore always compare the amount in Swiss francs that you ultimately pay for your purchase and receive back when you sell. You can see just how much fees reduce your profit in the Bitcoin Calculator.

Buying Bitcoin in Switzerland

1. Choose a route: A bank, a Bitcoin app, a stock exchange or a Bitcoin ETF in your investment portfolio.
2. Open and verify an account: ID and a selfie – it only takes a few minutes with most providers.
3. Depositing francs: If possible, please pay by bank transfer; this is almost always cheaper than using a card or PayPal.
4. Buy now or set up a savings plan: A fixed monthly amount means you don’t have to worry about when is the right time.
5. Clarify custody arrangements: You should send larger amounts to your own wallet. Write down the recovery phrases on a piece of paper and keep them safe.

Cryptocurrencies are highly volatile. For most people, 1 to 5 per cent of their invested assets is sufficient. More than 10 per cent is not advisable for most people. This comparison shows how Bitcoin stacks up against an ETF portfolio Bitcoin vs. equity ETF. If you don’t quite understand Bitcoin yet, start with Bitcoin simply explained.

Cryptocurrency and Taxation in Switzerland

Cryptocurrencies are included in your assets on your tax return, at their value as at 31 December according to the tax authority’s price list. If a coin is missing from the price list, another verifiable price at the end of the year applies. Capital gains are generally tax-free for private individuals, whilst income from staking counts as taxable income. Anyone who trades very frequently may be regarded as a professional trader. A Swiss tax statement saves you time and effort. Check that your crypto holdings are listed in full on it. International exchanges do not provide one. You can find all further details in the article Crypto Taxes Switzerland.

Frequently asked questions about crypto exchanges

This is how we compare

All the information in the table is taken from the provider’s website, price list or terms and conditions. Anything we were unable to verify has been omitted. We have deliberately chosen not to produce a ranking: which provider is right for you depends on what you intend to do with crypto.

Supervision and registered officeWho is behind the provider and which law applies to you.

custodyWhether you can send your cryptocurrencies to your own wallet.

FranconiaWhether you make a deposit in CHF and how much it costs to go via the euro or the dollar.

CostsThe stated fee for a purchase of over CHF 1,000, plus the spread and ongoing fees.

Savings planWhether you can make regular, automatic purchases.

TaxesWhether you will receive a Swiss tax statement.

Own use

We use Relai and Swissquote ourselves. For the other providers, we rely on the official documentation and feedback from the community.

Who will make it into the table

Providers where private individuals resident in Switzerland can buy cryptocurrency with Swiss francs without having to meet a high minimum amount. We list security incidents for all of them. We exclude any providers that have lost client funds or have failed to process withdrawals properly over a prolonged period.

Independence

We work with a number of providers; with Relai, for example, in the Crypto App Comparison. This has no bearing on the selection or content of this page. Nobody can buy a place in the table.

Information checked: 30 October 2026 We do not provide any estimates. Fees are subject to change; please check them with the provider before making a purchase.

Sources: Price lists, fee schedules and terms and conditions of Swissquote, PostFinance, Yuh, ZKB, Relai, Pocket, Bitpanda, Kraken and Bitvavo (accessed on 30 October 2026), Commercial registers; FINMA guidance on the custody of crypto-based assets; FTA guidance on the taxation of cryptocurrencies; esisuisse; reports on security incidents at Coinbase (2025), Pocket (2026) and Binance (2026).