{"id":48918,"date":"2026-11-03T15:42:47","date_gmt":"2026-11-03T14:42:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/?p=48918"},"modified":"2026-11-03T16:01:33","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T15:01:33","slug":"bank-wechseln","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/bank-wechseln","title":{"rendered":"Changing banks in Switzerland: How to switch your account in 5 steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Switzerland, people are more likely to change their GP than their bank. In a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.moneyland.ch\/de\/medienmitteilung-wechselstudie-2023\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">a representative survey by Moneyland<\/a> 57 per cent said they had changed their GP in the last 10 years. For their main bank, the figure was only 36 per cent. Not because everyone is so satisfied, but because switching sounds like a lot of hassle: redirecting your salary, setting up new standing orders, eBill, TWINT and so on. With a bit of preparation, you can sort out switching banks in a single afternoon. The key is not to close your old account until all your important payments are going through the new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is it worth switching banks for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three factors determine whether switching is worth it: the fees, the interest rate and the services you actually need. You can\u2019t really plan for the interest rate. It follows the base rate and changes constantly. Fees, on the other hand, are a fixed deduction, month after month. This is where you can make immediate savings by switching to a bank with more favourable terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s an example: if you pay CHF 5 a month for your personal account and CHF 40 a year for your debit card, that adds up to CHF 100 a year. Over ten years, that\u2019s CHF 1,000 \u2013 simply for having your money sitting somewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So have a look at your latest fee statement. Check the following four points:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Basic fee for an account or banking package<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Annual fee for the card<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Fees for cash withdrawals<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Fees and surcharges abroad<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And ask yourself: what do you need from a bank? Cash nearby, eBill, TWINT, mobile payments or the occasional face-to-face chat?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no legally regulated account-switching service in Switzerland. Some banks can help with the switch, but it\u2019s up to you to keep track of everything. With the checklist below, it\u2019s done in no time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where should I move to?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are several banks in Switzerland that offer free account management. Which one is right for you depends on how you use your account. You can find an overview in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/bank-vergleich-schweiz\/\">Bank Account Comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people hesitate to switch for one simple reason: they don\u2019t want to give up their local branch and their usual access to cash. This is exactly where Zak, Bank Cler\u2019s neobanking service, comes in. That\u2019s also why we\u2019ve put together this article in collaboration with Zak. Account management and the Visa Debit card are free of charge, just like with a digital bank. At the same time, you can withdraw cash from Bank Cler\u2019s ATMs without any fees, and their branches are open to you for personal advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Savings pots are handy when you\u2019re starting afresh. They allow you to organise your money straight away after moving house, for example into fixed costs, holidays and a contingency fund. You can also share these pots with others. eBill and TWINT are linked directly to your account. Use the code CHFRAN to get CHF 50 in starting credit. Find out more in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/zak-bank-cler-erfahrungsbericht\/\">Zak experience report<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, it\u2019s up to you to decide where to switch to. The only important thing is that the new account suits your everyday life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 1: Open a new account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, open the new account. With most digital banks, including Zak, this can be done via the app in a matter of minutes; activation often takes just a few days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t close your old account just yet. Allow for one to two months during which both accounts will run in parallel. That way, you\u2019ll be able to receive any payments that are still sent to your old IBAN.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check your savings account with your old bank as well. Many savings accounts have a withdrawal limit or a three-month notice period. If you withdraw too much at once, you may be charged a fee. You should therefore give notice for larger amounts in good time or transfer them in instalments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 2: Redirect wages and incoming payments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Go through your bank statements for the last six to twelve months. Who has transferred money to you? Typical examples include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employer (wages)<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Health insurance (reimbursements)<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Tax Office (Refunds)<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Insurance<\/li>\n\n\n<li>AHV or pension fund, if you are receiving a pension<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let these organisations know your new IBAN. With health insurance providers, insurance companies and government departments, you can often update your bank details directly via the customer portal. For your employer, a quick email to the HR department is usually sufficient. Ask from which payslip the change will take effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 3: Change your standing orders and direct debits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Standing orders are not automatically transferred. Export or take a photo of the list from your old online banking system and set them up again with your new bank: rent, Pillar 3a, savings plans, subscriptions, etc. Only then should you cancel them with your old bank, otherwise you\u2019ll end up paying twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t forget about services where your current debit card is registered: streaming subscriptions, online shops, parking apps or other recurring card payments. Register your new card with these services before you block your old one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do you pay individual bills by direct debit (LSV)? The existing direct debit schemes, LSV+ and BDD, will be discontinued on 30 September 2028. If your biller offers eBill, you can switch over as soon as you change banks. Once the new payment method has been set up, you can cancel your existing direct debit authorisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 4: Switch to eBill and TWINT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">eBill when changing banks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Switching is easier than you might think. Activate eBill in your new bank\u2019s online banking service, using the same email address as before. When registering, indicate that you already use eBill. This way, you can link your existing eBill account instead of starting from scratch. According to eBill, you have 60 days to do this. It\u2019s best to sort it out right at the start, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Afterwards, check that all billers and standing authorisations have been reinstated. Check your old online banking to see which payments have already been authorised or scheduled for a later date. Any payment orders you have already entered there will continue to be processed via your previous account. Ensure you leave sufficient funds in that account or adjust the orders in good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">TWINT when switching banks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t switch over to TWINT; you set it up again. Download the TWINT app from your new bank and register again. You can\u2019t do this using your old login details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can use several TWINT apps at the same time. In the settings of the new app, set it as your default app for receiving money. Otherwise, any money someone sends you will still go into your old account. Also check in the old app where you\u2019ve set up TWINT for automatic payments, such as in public transport or parking apps. You\u2019ll need to set these links up again in the new app. Before you close your old account, it\u2019s best to log out of your previous TWINT app. Simply deleting the app isn\u2019t always enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Step 5: Close the old account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Will your salary, standing orders, eBill and TWINT go through the new account? If so, you can close your old account. In Switzerland, this is known as \u00absaldieren\u00bb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With most banks, this can\u2019t be done at the touch of a button. Send a message via online banking or pop round to the counter. Depending on the bank, closing the account may be free of charge or subject to a fee; a charge of around CHF 20 is common. There may also be costs associated with transferring the remaining balance. You should therefore enquire about the total costs in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before the account is closed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Download all your bank statements and documents from online banking<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Keep the statement of account. Even an account closed during the year must still be included in this year\u2019s tax return, along with any interest earned.<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Check whether there are any outstanding or scheduled payments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pillar 3a accounts and securities accounts are separate matters. You do not settle 3a balances; you transfer them. Find out more in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/saeule-3a-vergleich\/\">Pillar 3a comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Checklist for switching banks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fees charged by the previous bank reviewed<\/li>\n\n\n<li>New account opened<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Withdrawal limit on the savings account checked<\/li>\n\n\n<li>New IBAN sent to employer, health insurance provider, tax office and insurance companies<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Standing orders have been set up and cancelled at the old bank<\/li>\n\n\n<li>New card added to subscriptions, shops and apps<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Existing direct debits have been checked and, where possible, switched to eBill<\/li>\n\n\n<li>eBill linked to the same email address<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Authorised and scheduled payments checked in the old e-banking system<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Set up the TWINT app for the new bank and set it as the default<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Monitored both accounts for one to two months<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Documents downloaded, settlement statement filed<\/li>\n\n\n<li>Old card blocked, old account closed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s hard to plan for interest, but you can plan for fees. If you switch to a similar account with lower overall fees, you\u2019ll save money every year. Allow for any overlap, work through the five steps in order, and your old account will be a thing of the past in a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions about changing banks<\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list\">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can I keep my IBAN when I switch banks?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>No. Your Swiss IBAN contains your bank\u2019s identifier. If you change banks, you\u2019ll be given a new IBAN. With our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/iban-rechner\/\">IBAN calculator<\/a> Check that your new IBAN is correct before you pass it on.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-2\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How long does it take to switch banks?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>With digital banks, it often takes just a few days to open an account. You should allow one to two months for the whole process, until all incoming payments are securely channelled through your new account.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-3\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">How much does it cost to switch banks?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Opening an account is usually free of charge. Fees may apply when closing your old account; a charge of around CHF 20 is common. If you withdraw money from your savings account in excess of the withdrawal limit, an additional fee may apply.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-4\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">What happens to my eBill invoices?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>You can take them with you. Register with the new bank using the same email address and state that you already use eBill. You have 60 days to do this.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-5\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can I continue to use TWINT after switching banks?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Yes, via your new bank\u2019s TWINT app. You\u2019ll need to register with it and set the app as your default for receiving money.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-6\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question\">Can I switch banks if I have a mortgage with them?<\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer\">\n\n<p>Often, yes. Many people switch their personal account whilst keeping their mortgage with their existing bank. Do check your contract first, though. Some mortgage arrangements are tied to a specific account or subject to further conditions.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Transparency notice:<\/strong> This article was created in collaboration with Zak from Bank Cler. The content and presentation have nevertheless been freely and independently designed by Schwiizerfranke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The information on Zak is intended exclusively for persons domiciled in Switzerland. A Zak account can only be opened with domicile in Switzerland.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In der Schweiz wechselt man eher den Hausarzt als die Bank. In einer repr\u00e4sentativen Umfrage von Moneyland gaben 57 Prozent an, in den letzten 10 Jahren den Hausarzt gewechselt zu haben. Bei der Hausbank waren es nur 36 Prozent. Nicht, weil alle so zufrieden sind. Sondern weil der Wechsel nach Aufwand klingt: Lohn umleiten, Dauerauftr\u00e4ge [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":48919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"0","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[1270,1272,1271],"class_list":["post-48918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-finanzdienste","tag-bank-wechseln","tag-change-bank","tag-konto-wechseln"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48918","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=48918"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48918\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":48922,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/48918\/revisions\/48922"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/48919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=48918"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=48918"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.schwiizerfranke.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=48918"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}