Banking

Consumer Credit Max Interest 2026

March 1, 2026

•

8 min

•

checkeverything.ch Team

New maximum interest rates for consumer loans from 2026: 10% for cash loans, 12% for credit cards. What changes and how to find cheap loans.

Note: This article contains affiliate links. If you conclude a product through these links, we receive a commission. There are no additional costs for you.

The Federal Council has set the new maximum interest rates for consumer loans from 2026. The caps are designed to protect consumers from excessive debt - while promoting competition among lenders.

In this article, you'll learn which interest rate limits apply from 2026 and how to find the cheapest loan.

✅ New Interest Rate Limit from 2026The maximum annual interest rate for cash loans is 10%, for credit cards and overdrafts 12%. These limits apply from January 1, 2026.

New Maximum Interest Rates 2026 Overview

Loan Type	Max Interest 2025	Max Interest 2026	Change
Cash Loan / Personal Loan	10%	10%	Unchanged
Credit Card (Partial Payment)	12%	12%	Unchanged
Overdraft Credit	12%	12%	Unchanged
Leasing (Vehicles)	10%	10%	Unchanged

📊 Important: The maximum interest rate applies to the effective annual rate (including all fees). Lenders may not exceed this rate.

Why Are There Maximum Interest Rates?

Switzerland has regulated maximum interest rates for consumer loans since 2003. The reasons:

Protection Against Over-Indebtedness

Prevents "loan sharks" with usurious rates
Protects vulnerable consumer groups
Limits the debt spiral

Calculation Formula

The maximum interest rate is based on the three-month SARON (Swiss Average Rate Overnight) plus a markup:

Cash loans: SARON + 10 percentage points (min. 10%)
Overdrafts/Credit cards: SARON + 12 percentage points (min. 12%)

At current low interest rates, the minimum of 10% or 12% applies.

Current Loan Interest Rates: Far Below Maximum

The good news: Most reputable providers charge significantly less than the maximum rate. A comparison pays off!

Loan Type	Max Interest	Best Offers	Potential Savings
Personal Loan CHF 20,000	10.0%	from 4.5%	Up to CHF 1,100/year
Personal Loan CHF 50,000	10.0%	from 4.0%	Up to CHF 3,000/year
Credit Card	12.0%	0% (with full payment)	100%

💰 Compare Personal Loans

Find the cheapest loan - compare without obligation and for free.

Compare Loans Now →

Tips for Cheap Loans

1. Always Compare

Interest rates vary significantly between providers. A comparison can save hundreds of francs per year.

2. Improve Your Credit Rating

The better your creditworthiness, the lower the interest rate:

Pay bills on time
No debt collection proceedings
Prove stable income
Reduce existing debts

3. Choose a Shorter Term

With a shorter term, you pay less interest overall, even if the monthly payment is higher.

4. Avoid Credit Card Debt

Credit card interest (up to 12%) is significantly higher than personal loans. Always pay credit card bills in full.

5. Check Online Providers

Online lenders often have lower rates than traditional banks.

Credit Cards: Avoiding the Interest Trap

Payment Type	Interest Rate	Recommendation
Full Payment	0%	✅ Optimal
Partial Payment / Installment	Up to 12%	❌ Avoid
Cash Withdrawal	Up to 12% + Fees	❌ Never do

💡 Tip: Credit Card Without Annual Fee

Many credit cards are free - if you always pay the bill in full. This way you benefit from the advantages (cashback, points, insurance) without costs.

💳 Compare Credit Cards

Find the best credit card for your needs - compare for free.

Compare Credit Cards →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Maximum Interest Rate Apply to Mortgages?

No, there are no statutory maximum interest rates for mortgages. The maximum rate regulation only applies to consumer loans (personal loans, leasing, credit cards).

What Happens If a Provider Charges More?

That's illegal. The loan contract would be void, and the provider would be liable to prosecution. Report such cases to FINMA.

Do Maximum Interest Rates Change Every Year?

The Federal Council regularly reviews maximum interest rates and adjusts them if necessary (based on the SARON interest rate level).

Is a Loan Worth It Despite the Interest?

That depends on the purpose:

✅ Sensible: Necessary purchases that cannot be postponed
⚠️ Consider: Car purchase (perhaps cheaper with leasing?)
❌ Avoid: Luxury goods, vacations, consumption on credit

Conclusion: Comparing Always Pays Off

Maximum interest rates protect against usury - but most reputable providers charge significantly less. With a loan comparison, you can save hundreds to thousands of francs.

Our Recommendations:

Always compare multiple offers
Pay attention to the effective annual rate (including all fees)
Avoid credit card partial payments
Choose the shortest sensible term

Legal Notice: The information in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit decisions should be carefully considered. The stated interest rates may change. Status: March 2026.