Large children's account comparison Switzerland: children's deposit & savings accounts tested

A children's account or children's custody account has two enormous advantages. Firstly, compound interest works extremely well over a long period of time, resulting in a great return. Secondly, you can show your children later on what returns investing can bring them in the long term and thus pass on financial education to them.

Short personal note: When my daughter was born, I invested CHF 15,000 in a child custody account. My goal? She'll be a millionaire by the time she retires - I'll explain exactly how that works below.

In this article you will find a large child account comparison throughout Switzerland and you will also find out what you need to bear in mind for tax purposes!

Let's start with a table for an initial overview of children's accounts and custody accounts.

Comparison table for children's accounts and custody accounts

Finpension InvestFindependentInyova ViacYUHTrue WealthUBSZKBPostfinanceRaiffeisen
finpension 3a experience finpension experience test review referral code coupon code finpension permissivenessinvesting in switzerland guide strategyLarge children's account comparison Switzerland: children's deposit & savings accounts tested 1Viac 3a experience test comparison vs finpensionyuh experience switzerland yuh review test report of yuh experience report rating comparison vs kasparLarge children's account comparison Switzerland: children's custody accounts & savings accounts tested 2Large children's account comparison Switzerland: children's custody accounts & savings accounts tested 3Large children's account comparison Switzerland: children's custody accounts & savings accounts tested 4Large children's account comparison Switzerland: children's custody accounts & savings accounts tested 5Large children's account comparison Switzerland: children's custody accounts & savings accounts tested 6
💡 TypeChildren's AccountsChildren's AccountsChildren's AccountsChildren's AccountsYouth bank accountChildren's AccountsChildren's AccountsChildren's AccountsChildren's accountChildren's account
🚦 FeesFavourableFavourableModerartFavourableFavourableFavourableModerateExpensiveFavourableModerate
✔️ Special featuresVery affordable, flexible and fully digitalTransparent fees, simple online accessSustainable investment options, completely digitalVery inexpensive, simple, flexible, focus on Switzerland possible.Can be opened independently from the age of 14 (without parental signature), with TWINT, free Mastercard debit card, no overdraft riskAutomated portfolio management, low costsEducation package, special appsWide range of educational programmes, online bankingFree account management, educational materialsAttractive savings interest rates, events for young customers
💰Minimum investmentCHF 1CHF 500CHF 2'000CHF 1CHF 1CHF 1,000CHF 1CHF 50CHF 20CHF 1
🔒 Account holder
ParentsParentsParentsParentsAdolescent (14-17 years)ChildChildChildParentsChild
More infoReceive bonus!Receive bonus!Receive bonus!Receive bonus!Receive bonus!Receive bonus!UBS test report!To the providerView test reportTo the provider

Sorting in the children's custody account comparison and children's account comparison: Deposits (alphabetical order), then Savings accounts (alphabetical order). You can find more details on the individual offers below.

Table of contents

What is a child account vs. a child custody account?

A children's account is a bank account specially set up for minors to save money and learn how to handle finances. Due to low interest rates, more and more banks are also offering children's accounts, which provide an early introduction to the world of shares and other forms of investment.

The accounts or custody accounts can be in the name of the parents or the child; this differs depending on the provider and should definitely be included in the selection.

Due to the long investment horizon (e.g. 18 years), a children's custody account Switzerland-wide is generally the smarter choice than a pure children's savings account with interest. This is because a children's custody account with shares can achieve a good 6% - 8% return per year in the long term and ride out fluctuations on the stock market.

In my case, I have decided in favour of a child custody account with a 100% share quota when my daughter was born. This is more volatile, but over an Ainvestment horizon of 65+ years the higher return is the decisive argument. The calculation is impressive: CHF 15,000 seed capital can be converted into CHF 1.2 million with an annual return of 7%. without ever having to pay in another franc.

Children's gift savings plan with gift account for children

In this way, young adults can later be shown the fluctuations that the invested money has "experienced" and yet it has increased significantly, in order to teach them important financial education.

A pure children's savings account, on the other hand, only earns very moderate interest, which is generally lower than inflation. With a Savings account no significant assets are created in the long term.

children's account comparison Switzerland children's custody account children's account children's account ubs children's account postfinance children's account raiffeisen junior custody account switzerland children's account credit suisse children's account zkb children's account open children's account comparison children's custody account comparison
Assumptions: One-off investment of CHF 1,000 in the child account with 1% interest and child custody account with 8% return on the broad equity market.

Special tax rules for children's accounts

Godparents (godparents) or grandparents often set up children's accounts to help their godchildren or grandchildren financially. It is common for children of a certain age to have access to the money saved.

For tax purposes, the child custody account or child account is entered on the parents' tax return throughout Switzerland. If taxes are due on the income or assets from the child account, the parents must also pay them.

However, there are special regulations that must be taken into account. The decisive factor is who has power of disposal over the account. Ideally, this should be clarified and agreed with the bank when the account is set up to prevent any subsequent ambiguities.

Example: If an aunt opens a savings account that is registered in her name, but it is agreed that the money saved will later go to her nephew, the tax obligation remains with the aunt until the age of 18, as she is the account holder and has full power of disposal.

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Rights of disposal for child and youth accounts

To avoid possible disputes, grandparents or godparents (godparents) can secure a right of disposal when opening a child or youth account. If they do not do this and the account is opened in the child's name, they will no longer be able to dispose of the assets at a later date. In such cases, the tax obligation lies with the parents.

Banks have different guidelines when parents want to access their child's account in financial emergencies. Clear agreements help to avoid disputes later on.

Incidentally, a distinction is made in Switzerland between free and tied child assets:

Free vs. tied child assets

Advantages and disadvantages of managing accounts for parents or children

Advantages and disadvantages of managing accounts for parents or children

Advantages if the account is held in the child's name:

  • Early responsibility: The child learns how to handle money at an early age.
  • Taxation from the child account: If the child account is in the child's name, it "only" has to be declared and taxed in the parents' tax return until the child reaches the age of 18.
  • Financial education: Promotes awareness and independence in financial matters.

Disadvantages if the account is held in the child's name:

  • Access at the age of 18: Children are given free access to the account when they reach the age of majority and could spend the money carelessly.
  • Risk of wrong decisions: In adolescent development phases, important funds could be used for short-term wishes.

Advantages if the account is held in the parents' name:

  • Control: Parents can ensure that the money is used appropriately, especially for larger amounts.
  • Targeted utilisation: Funds can be used specifically for long-term goals such as education.

From my own experience:

I made a conscious decision to keep my daughter's custody account in my name. That way, I can decide the best time for the transfer myself instead of having to hand everything over automatically on her 18th birthday - because who knows, she might be in a phase where the money would be used up quickly. My plan is to hand over the assets to her gradually and provide her with financial education so that she understands the long-term value of the portfolio. Of course, she should be allowed to decide for herself what to do with her money - but I want to make sure that this decision is made on the basis of real financial knowledge.

Disadvantages if the account is held in the parents' name:

  • Longer higher tax burden: As long as the child account is in the parents' name (i.e. possibly even after the age of 18), it must be declared in the parents' tax return. The income from the account is added to the parents' income.
  • Less financial independence for the child: The child does not practise direct handling of their own assets, which can limit their learning experience in financial matters.

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Comparison of children's custody accounts and children's accounts

Firstly, the more important category, the children's depots (in alphabetical order):

Findependent child custody account

  • Account management: In the name of the parents.
  • Investment approach: Transparent, low-cost strategies, easily accessible online platform, several child deposits for several children with different strategies possible.
  • Minimum volume: CHF 500.
  • Fees: Approximately 0.45% to 0.69% per year depending on the investment strategy and volume.
Learn more about Findependent

Finpension children's depot

  • Account management: In the name of the parents.
  • Investment approach: Low-cost, globally diversified ETF-based investment strategies, up to 10 customisable portfolios per account.
  • Minimum volume: CHF 1.
  • Fees: 0.47% - 0.49% all in fee
Find out more about Finpension Invest

Inyova children's depot

  • Account management: In the name of the parents.
  • Investment approach: Sustainable investment options, fully digital processing, customisable strategy for each child.
  • Minimum volume: CHF 2'000.
  • Fees: Around 0.9% to 1.2% per year depending on the strategy and investment volume.
Learn more about Inyova

True Wealth child custody account

  • Account management: In the name of the child. The True Wealth child custody account therefore offers a special advantage.
  • Investment approach: Automated portfolio management with an optional focus on sustainability.
  • Minimum volume: CHF 1,000 minimum volume.
  • Fees: Very favourable fees of around 0.40% to 0.75% per year depending on the strategy and investment volume.
Learn more about True Wealth

Viac gift savings plan

  • Account management: In the name of the parents.
  • Investment approach: Automated portfolio management with optional focus on Switzerland or sustainability.
  • Minimum volume: CHF 1 minimum investment.
  • Fees: Very favourable fees of 0.25% on the invested part of the assets.
More about Viac Invest

UBS children's custody account (UBS key4 smart investing)

  • Account management: In the name of the parents (the parents must be UBS customers).
  • Education package: The UBS Children's Account contains special offers to promote financial education.
  • Minimum volume: No minimum deposit required.
  • Fees: 0.64% per year.

 

ZKB fund portfolio (often called ZKB children's account)

  • Account management: In the name of the parents.
  • Offers: Wide range of educational programmes and simple online administration.
  • Minimum volume: CHF 50.
  • Fees: Not declared transparently, sometimes very high product costs of 1.5% and more per year.

Popular Swiss children's accounts:

Yuh 14+ youth account

  • Account managementIn the name of the young person (14-17 years).
  • Special features: Can be opened independently without parental signature, with integrated Yuh TWINT, free Mastercard debit card, one free cash withdrawal per week.
  • Minimum volumeCHF 1.
  • FeesFree of charge (free account management, no overdraft possible).

Credit Suisse Children's Account (Gift Fund Savings Plan)

  • Account managementIn the name of the child.
  • Special featuresNo minimum deposit required, special offers for young savers.
  • Minimum volumeCHF 100.
  • Fees0.25% custody fees per year + variable product costs (unfortunately not public).

 

PostFinance children's account

  • Account managementChildren's account Postfinance in the name of the parents
  • OffersFree account management, access to educational materials.
  • Minimum volumeCHF 20.
  • FeesFree of charge (pure savings account without shares).

 

Raiffeisen children's account (gift savings account)

  • Account managementIn the name of the child.
  • AdvantagesAttractive savings interest rates, a certificate on handover and educational programmes.
  • FeesFree of charge (pure savings account without shares).

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Conclusion on the child account comparison Switzerland

Conclusion on the child account comparison Switzerland

The conclusion of the big comparison of children's accounts and custody accounts in Switzerland is clear: The right choice of a children's account or custody account can make a significant difference to your child's financial future! A child custody account instead of a child account makes a huge difference and is therefore generally the smarter choice.

Also consider before opening tax aspects and the Access to the moneywhich is clearly regulated by law in Switzerland. Because even if Children in Switzerland cost a lottheir money must not simply be accessed.

My personal conclusion:

As a financial expert, I apply the principles I recommend to my readers to my own family. With a one-off investment of CHF 15'000 into a Broadly diversified, low-cost equity portfolio When my daughter was born, I laid the foundations for her financial independence.

The mathematics of Compound interest effect is impressive: with an average annual return of 7%, it will continue to do so until retirement age. Millionaire without ever having to pay in another franc. This type of Long-term thinking and early action is exactly what I recommend to you.

Invest intelligently for your child (or other children) and choose a children's account or custody account that suits you in the long term! Further helpful resources:

Which provider do you choose? Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.

FAQ

A youth account throughout Switzerland, like a youth custody account, must always fit in with your personal plans. Should it be a pure account solution or are securities more suitable? You should also pay attention to a number of tax aspects, which is why you will find all the important details in this article.

The costs of the Post Office children's account are moderate, but it offers a pure savings solution.

Securities are usually more suitable for long-term accounts for children and young people.

In surveys comparing children's custody accounts throughout Switzerland, Findependent, Finpension and True Wealth (in alphabetical order) were repeatedly mentioned in the Swiss franc community. 

However, there are other children's custody accounts and you should look at your needs to see which children's or youth custody account suits you best.

The choice of the best Bank accounts for children Switzerland depends on age and purpose. For small children, the Raiffesen children's account or Credit UBS children's account as a classic savings account. From the age of 14, the Youth account comparison Switzerland relevant - Yuh scores particularly well here with its independent account opening. With the Children's account ZKB you benefit from a wide range of educational programmes, while the Junior Depot Switzerland Viac or Finpension enables higher returns in the long term.

To create a Open a child account you as a parent will need a valid ID and the child's birth certificate. At the Child account tax return If the account is in the child's name, you must declare it on your tax return until the child turns 18. A Robo Advisor child custody account like True Wealth or the Best children's depot from Finpension offers tax-optimised solutions.

The PostFinance children's account is free of charge, but offers only minimal interest. The Children's savings account comparison Switzerland shows better alternatives: For active saving, we recommend a Child account comparison between child deposits. The child account switzerland-market with providers such as finpension or True Wealth offers more attractive returns than the traditional market. Post children's account.

A child deposit switzerland invests in equities and ETFs with an average return of 6-8% per year, while a traditional child account switzerland only offers 0-1% interest. At the child deposit comparison After 18 years, CHF 1,000 in a custody account can become over CHF 4,000, compared with only around CHF 1,200 in a savings account. Find out more in the children's savings account comparison above.

Financial author Eric Marschall certified investment advisor (IAF) independent financial expert Switzerland - certified financial expert switzerland
About the author

Eric is the founder of Schwiizerfranke.com and certified IAF wealth advisor. Since 2019, he has been helping Swiss citizens to organise their finances comprehensibly, independently and efficiently.

More about Eric & Schwiizerfranke

📌 Note: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute personalised investment advice.

23 responses

  1. Hello, unfortunately we missed the opportunity to set up a children's investment account and instead parked our savings in a current account (mea culpa). If we were now looking for an investment solution for the children (9/13), what would you recommend (a deposit in the child's name or in ours, so that we can delay the transfer to the children at inopportune times in the price development, and which provider)? And how should we position ourselves in terms of risk, given the shortened potential term (which solution and ad hoc deposit or a specific staggered payment)? We are talking about two amounts of approximately £10,000. We are UBS customers.
    Thank you for your assessment.

    Reply

    1. Hello Max,
      Depending on the ages of the two children, they still have 9/5 years to go until they turn 18. The question is whether the deposit should then be closed. For me personally, the ideal scenario would be to have the account in my name so that I can delay it if necessary. This would also allow the necessary financial education to be provided first, so that the money remains invested (at least for the most part) even at the age of 18 and can continue to grow. This also means that the risk ratio can be assessed differently.

      Reply

      1. Thank you for your assessment, Eric. It coincides with my own.
        Which provider and which solution/product would you choose here?

        Reply

        1. That depends very much on your own needs. The ideal provider for me may not be right for you.
          But if you look through the table, you will quickly see what is important to me and what choice I would make for myself 🙂

          Reply

  2. Hi there, I'm very interested in this topic. I will need to give it a second read through later on.

    Could you briefly explain why Finpension Invest would be better than for example starting a world ETF on IBKR and selling it the day you want to give the child the money? I do have thoughts on this but I need to see if I am missing something.

    Reply

    1. Both ways are possible. A robo-advisor like finpension does a lot of work for you, balances the portfolio and even provides you with the tax report. A broker means that you have to build a balanced (or unbalanced?) portfolio, etc., and do more work yourself – perhaps for a lower fee.

      Reply

  3. Hello Eric
    Thank you for your valuable contribution. We would like to open a securities account for each of our 4 children. However, we would like to invest in selected quality individual shares. With which providers is this possible? Unfortunately, I could not read this from the article.
    Thank you for your answer

    Reply

    1. Hello Franziska,

      The providers above are for investments in the broad equity market with ETFs and index funds. If you want to select individual shares, then you will probably have to choose a Broker view

      Reply

  4. I would like to open an account or custody account for the birth of my niece.
    However, she will live in Japan, "pay" taxes and is a Japanese citizen.
    What options do I have?

    Reply

    1. It's best to discuss this with her parents. At best, a solution here + later gifting is an option. Or you could handle everything via her parents / Japan ...?

      Reply

  5. Dear Eric,

    Thank you for your helpful contributions. Which option have you decided on? I don't have children yet, but I already have a plan for a monthly investment of CHF 50-100 😀 Is there a reason why you haven't listed Interactive Brokers? It is also possible to create additional sub-accounts there and transfer them later. This would also be attractive in terms of costs and the money would be with a real broker. The other option I would also look at would be a savings plan account with Saxo, where the custody account can also be transferred to a third party.

    Am I missing something with my two options?

    VG

    Andreas

    Reply

    1. Dear Andreas,
      In my personal case (it may be different for you), Finpension was the best fit.
      You can find IB and Saxo here but these are not specialised child custody accounts. I can't tell you how well this fits with the transfer. What is clear to me: I don't want to give my daughter my entire custody account, just "her" part, and not just when I die - so that's not a solution for me.
      Dear greetings 🙂

      Reply

  6. Hi Eric, many thanks for this post, which comes at just the right time because we are looking for a child custody account for our 8-week-old daughter. 🙂 I find it interesting that the custody account can only be in the name of one parent if you choose the option of not opening the account in the child's name. We have enquired with various providers (Viac, Finpension etc.). We are not married and I think this is a bit outdated in terms of the one-sided tax burden for one partner and legally in the event of a separation. Do you know the reasons for this and do you have any tips? Many thanks and best regards Alessandra

    Reply

    1. Hello Alessandra,
      Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! 🍼

      I don't know the exact reasons - I suspect regulatory / bureaucratic effort.
      However, wealth taxes are generally so low (unless you directly endow your daughter with millions) that this is negligible in my eyes.

      TipIf you don't want to open the custody account in your child's name (e.g. because you want to remain flexible), then it would make sense to draw up a written agreement between the two of you - e.g. who pays in how much, what should apply in the event of separation, etc.

      Reply

    1. The Avadis children's account strategies look good and the costs are fair. However, the process for opening an account etc. is not digital and therefore involves more effort.

      Reply

  8. Hello Eric
    Firstly, thank you for your valuable contributions.
    I am looking for a bank where I can open a gift account for my godchild. Do you have any tips?

    Reply

    1. Hello Daniel,
      With pleasure! I would recommend a child custody account (not an account) - see article. You can open it in your name and then decide when to "hand it over", or have your parents open it and then give you the IBAN for the deposits.
      Or did your question go in a different direction?

      Reply

  9. Hello Eric
    Our 19 year old daughter (pupil/student) would like to start investing. Do you have a recommendation on which broker would be suitable? It would be 2-3 orders a year. I first thought of Swissquote, but the fees are very high in comparison. Would Yuh be something? Or do you have any ideas for young people >18?

    Thank you and best regards
    Nicolas

    Reply

    2. Have a look at Saxo Bank on. Custody account fees = 0, very low transaction fees and around 130 ETFs that can even be bought in the savings plan without transaction fees. I was with Swissquote until recently and have just switched to Saxo.

      Reply

    1. Finpension Invest didn't exist when this post first went live. However, the Finpension children's account has now been added 🙂 Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
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