PostFinance is closely linked to the Swiss postal network, with a branch and post-office presence across the country, making it one of the most geographically accessible banks for a first Swiss account.
What stands out
Nationwide physical presence makes in-person tasks straightforward, and it is broadly accepted for rent deposit accounts and salary payments, two of the first things a newcomer needs.
Where it is limited
Fee structures and account tiers have changed over the years, so compare the current everyday account fees against free digital challengers before assuming it is the cheapest option, it is chosen more for reach and familiarity than for being the lowest-cost account.
Products to compare
Multi-currency account and card
Wise
Suitable for: everyday spending and holding several currencies at low, transparent fees.
Consider carefully if: you need salary or rental-deposit acceptance and Swiss deposit protection, PostFinance covers those, Wise does not.
Cooperative bank
Raiffeisen
Suitable for: people who want a local branch relationship and can meet the fee-waiver conditions (e.g. salary deposits of at least CHF 1,260/month).
Consider carefully if: you won’t meet the fee-waiver conditions, standard account management runs CHF 60/year plus a CHF 48/year debit card fee.
Comparison figures last checked 22 July 2026 against each provider’s published pricing (Raiffeisen fee data via moneyland.ch’s published rate tables). Confirm current terms directly with the provider before applying.
