Best Savings Accounts Switzerland 2025: Complete Interest Rate Comparison

Swiss savings account interest rates hit historic lows in the 2010s (0.00-0.10%) but recovered significantly in 2023-2025 following Swiss National Bank rate increases. Finding the right savings account can now earn you CHF 300-1,500 annually on a CHF 50,000 balance - a meaningful difference compared to the near-zero rates of recent years.

This comprehensive guide compares all major Swiss savings accounts for 2025, from digital banks (Neon, Radicant) to traditional providers, helping you maximize returns while ensuring security.

Current Savings Account Landscape 2025

Interest Rate Environment:

• SNB Policy Rate: Around around 0.50% (as of November 2024, subject to change)
• Traditional Banks: Typically 0.25-1.00% range on savings
• Digital Banks: Typically 0.50-around 1.5% range on savings
• Previous Era (2015-2022): 0.00-0.10% typical

Key Changes in 2023-2025:

• Interest rates returned after decade of zero rates
• Digital banks offering competitive rates
• Rate differences between providers widened significantly
• Choosing right account now materially impacts wealth

Best Savings Accounts Comparison 2025

Interest rates as of November 2024, subject to change. All rates apply to CHF accounts.

Top Savings Accounts: Detailed Reviews

Digital Banks - Highest Rates

Radicant Save - Best Interest Rate

Interest Rate: Around 1.30-1.60% (subject to change, verify with provider)

Requirements:

• Download Radicant app (iOS/Android)
• Swiss residency (B/C permit minimum)
• Free account opening
• Digital-only bank

Features:

• No minimum balance
• No maximum balance limit
• Interest calculated daily, paid monthly
• Instant transfers to/from main account
• FDIC insured up to CHF 100,000

Advantages:

• Among the highest savings rates in Switzerland (as publicly advertised November 2024)
• Modern app with excellent UX
• No fees whatsoever
• Easy access to funds (transfer instantly)

Disadvantages:

• Digital-only (no branches)
• Must have Radicant checking account
• Company relatively new (founded 2022)
• App-dependent (requires smartphone)

Best For: Tech-savvy savers wanting maximum returns, comfortable with digital banking

Neon Savings - Strong Alternative

Interest Rate: Around 1.10-1.40% (verify with provider)

Requirements:

• Neon account (free to open)
• Swiss resident
• Digital app

Features:

• "Spaces" feature (create multiple savings pockets)
• Set savings goals within app
• Round-up feature (auto-save change from purchases)
• Instant access to funds
• No fees or minimum balance

Advantages:

• Well-established digital bank (launched 2017)
• Excellent app interface
• Banking + savings integrated
• Good customer support via app

Disadvantages:

• Slightly lower rate than Radicant
• Digital-only
• No physical branches

Best For: Users wanting established digital bank with great UX

WIR Bank Digital Savings

Interest Rate: Around 1.10-1.40% (verify with provider)

Requirements:

• Digital account with WIR Bank
• Swiss resident

Features:

• Traditional bank with digital offering
• Good interest rate
• Maximum balance CHF 500,000
• Backed by established institution (founded 1934)

Advantages:

• Traditional bank stability + competitive rate
• Physical branches exist (if needed)
• Long history and reputation

Disadvantages:

• Slightly lower than Neon/Radicant
• Less modern app interface
• CHF 500,000 maximum balance

Best For: Savers wanting traditional bank backing with competitive digital rates

Traditional Banks - Stability & Service

ZKB (Zürcher Kantonalbank) - Best Cantonal Bank

Interest Rate: around 0.60% (varies by balance tier)

Tiers:

• CHF 0-10,000: 0.30%
• CHF 10,000-50,000: around 0.60%
• CHF 50,000+: around 0.75%

Features:

• Canton-backed guarantee (beyond CHF 100k insurance)
• Physical branches throughout Zürich
• Strong banking services integration
• Wealth management options

Advantages:

• Highest security (cantonal guarantee)
• Excellent in-person service
• Strong digital banking too
• Full-service bank relationship

Disadvantages:

• Lower rates than digital banks
• Primarily serves Zürich region
• More bureaucratic processes

Best For: Zürich residents valuing security and full banking relationship

PostFinance E-Sparkonto - National Coverage

Interest Rate: around 0.50%

Features:

• Nationwide presence
• Government-backed (Swiss Post)
• Good digital platform
• Extensive ATM network

Advantages:

• Trusted brand (national institution)
• Good online/app experience
• Physical branches available
• Easy integration with other PostFinance services

Disadvantages:

• Lower interest rates than digital banks
• Account fees on checking (savings free)
• Bureaucratic processes

Best For: Conservative savers wanting national institution backing

Raiffeisen Sparkonto - Local Banking

Interest Rate: around 0.50% (varies by local bank)

Features:

• Cooperative banking structure
• Local branches nationwide
• Personal service orientation
• Community focus

Advantages:

• Local presence and personal service
• Cooperative member benefits
• Good for rural areas
• Stable and conservative

Disadvantages:

• Lower interest rates
• Varies by local Raiffeisen bank
• Less modern digital experience

Best For: Savers valuing local relationships and personal service

UBS & Credit Suisse - Major Banks

Interest Rates: 0.40-around 0.50%

Features:

• Full-service global banks
• Wealth management integration
• International presence
• Premium services for high net worth

Advantages:

• Brand recognition
• International banking needs
• Comprehensive financial services
• Strong security

Disadvantages:

• Lowest savings interest rates
• High fees on checking/other services
• Premium services have minimums
• Less focus on retail savings

Best For: High net worth individuals needing comprehensive wealth services

Understanding Swiss Deposit Insurance

Esisuisse (Swiss Deposit Insurance):

• Coverage: CHF 100,000 per depositor, per bank
• Automatic: All Swiss banks participate
• Scope: Savings accounts, checking accounts, term deposits
• Not Covered: Investments, securities, bonds

How It Works:

• If bank fails, you receive up to CHF 100,000 within 7 days
• Amounts above CHF 100,000 become bankruptcy claims (may receive partial recovery)
• Coverage per person per bank (not per account)

Strategy for Large Balances:

• CHF 100,000: Single bank is fine
• CHF 200,000: Split between 2 banks (CHF 100k each)
• CHF 500,000: Split between 5 banks
• Example: CHF 100k at Radicant + CHF 100k at Neon + CHF 100k at ZKB = CHF 300k fully insured

Cantonal Banks Exception:

• Some cantonal banks (e.g., ZKB, BLKB) have unlimited canton guarantee
• Beyond CHF 100k Esisuisse, canton covers additional amounts
• Strongest security in Swiss banking system

Interest Rate Comparison: Real Impact

Savings Strategies for Different Goals

Emergency Fund (3-6 Months Expenses)

Goal: Immediate access, capital preservation, some return

Recommended Account: Neon Savings or Radicant Save

• Instant access when needed
• Good interest rate
• No penalties for withdrawal
• Easy mobile access

Amount: CHF 15,000-30,000 typical (varies by expenses)

Strategy:

• Keep in high-interest savings
• Don't invest (need liquidity)
• Top up as income increases

Short-Term Savings (1-3 Years)

Goal: Specific purchase (car, vacation, wedding), accessible, stable

Recommended Account: Radicant Save or WIR Bank Digital

• Higher interest than checking
• No lock-in period
• Capital protected
• Easy to withdraw when ready

Examples:

• Down payment on car (2 years)
• Wedding fund (18 months)
• Home renovation (3 years)

Strategy:

• Set monthly auto-transfer (e.g., CHF 500/month)
• Use goal-setting features in apps
• Don't risk in stocks (too short horizon)

Medium-Term Savings (3-7 Years)

Goal: Major purchase (home down payment), moderate growth, some stability

Recommended Split:

• 60% in Savings Account (Radicant/Neon): Stable base
• 40% in Conservative Investments (bonds/balanced fund): Modest growth

Rationale: 3-7 years enough time for mild market risk, but maintain stable core

Example (CHF 50,000 for home down payment in 5 years):

• CHF 30,000 in Radicant (around 1.5%): Stable, earn interest
• CHF 20,000 in Bond ETF (3-4% expected): Moderate growth potential

Long-Term Wealth (7+ Years)

Goal: Retirement supplement, wealth building, maximize growth

Recommended Strategy:

• Pillar 3a: Max out first (CHF 7,258/year, tax-deductible)
• Emergency Fund: 6 months in savings account
• Additional Savings: Invest in diversified portfolio (stocks/bonds)
• Savings Account Role: Emergency fund only, not primary growth vehicle

Rationale: Long-term wealth building requires higher returns than savings accounts provide. Savings accounts for liquidity/stability only.

Children's Savings

Goal: Build funds for child's education/future, long-term, moderate risk

Recommended Strategy (Child's Age-Dependent):

Age 0-10:

• 30% Savings Account (liquid for unexpected needs)
• 70% Junior Investment Account (stocks - long time horizon)

Age 10-15:

• 50% Savings Account
• 50% Conservative Investments

Age 15-18:

• 70% Savings Account (education costs approaching)
• 30% Investments

Accounts:

• Savings: Neon or Radicant in parent's name (child under 18)
• Investments: VIAC Junior 3a or regular investment account

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Leaving Money in Checking Account

Mistake: Keeping CHF 20,000-50,000 in 0% checking account

Cost:

• CHF 50,000 at 0%: CHF 0/year
• CHF 50,000 at around 1.3%: CHF 650/year
• Lost: CHF 650 annually, CHF 6,500 over 10 years

Solution: Transfer all funds beyond monthly expenses to savings account

2. Not Comparing Providers

Mistake: Using default bank's savings account without checking alternatives

Cost:

• UBS Savings (around 0.40%): CHF 200/year on CHF 50k
• Radicant (around 1.5%): CHF 750/year
• Lost: CHF 550/year, CHF 5,500 over 10 years

Solution: Spend 30 minutes comparing, switch if earning CHF 300+ more

3. Keeping Too Much Cash

Mistake: Saving CHF 200,000+ in savings accounts for decades

Opportunity Cost:

• Savings (around 1.5%): CHF 3,000/year on CHF 200k
• Diversified portfolio (6%): CHF 12,000/year
• Lost: CHF 9,000/year, CHF 180,000 over 20 years

Solution:

• Emergency fund: CHF 20-40k in savings
• Short-term needs: Additional in savings
• Long-term wealth: Invest in Pillar 3a + diversified portfolio

4. Not Spreading Large Balances

Mistake: CHF 300,000 in single savings account

Risk: Only first CHF 100,000 insured (CHF 200k at risk if bank fails)

Solution: Split across 3 banks (CHF 100k each) for full insurance coverage

5. Ignoring Inflation

Reality Check (2024-2025):

• Savings rate: around 1.5%
• Inflation: 1.7% (Switzerland 2024 average)
• Real return: -0.20% (losing purchasing power)

Solution:

• Savings accounts for short-term/emergency funds only
• Long-term wealth requires investments (expected 5-7% real returns)
• Accept that savings preserve capital, don't grow wealth significantly

How to Open a Savings Account

Digital Banks (Neon, Radicant) - 10 Minutes

Step-by-Step (Neon Example):

1. Download App: Search "Neon" in App Store or Google Play
2. Create Account:
   • Email and password
   • Verify email
3. Personal Information:
   • Full name, date of birth
   • Address, phone number
   • Swiss residency status
4. Identity Verification:
   • Take photo of ID/passport
   • Take selfie (liveness check)
   • Verification takes 1-3 minutes
5. Activate Savings:
   • Navigate to "Spaces" or "Savings" in app
   • Create savings space
   • Transfer funds from checking

Total Time: 10-15 minutes Funding: Instant transfer from other Swiss bank account

Traditional Banks (ZKB, PostFinance) - 30-60 Minutes

In-Person Process:

1. Visit Branch: Bring ID/passport, proof of address
2. Meet Advisor: Explain you want savings account
3. Complete Forms: Personal information, signature
4. Account Opened: Usually immediate
5. Funding: Transfer or deposit cash

Online Process (if offered):

1. Website: Visit bank's website
2. Online Application: Fill out form
3. Identity Verification: Video call or branch visit
4. Account Opened: 3-5 business days
5. Funding: Transfer from existing account

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are savings accounts in Switzerland safe? A: Yes, Swiss banking regulation is among the world's strictest. All accounts insured up to CHF 100,000 via Esisuisse. Cantonal banks often have additional canton typically provides beyond CHF 100k.

Q: Do I pay wealth tax on savings account balance? A: Yes, savings account balance counts toward wealth tax (cantonal). However, you also pay wealth tax on investments, so this doesn't favor one over the other.

Q: Is interest from savings accounts taxable? A: Yes, interest is taxable as income. Bank reports interest to tax authorities automatically. Include on annual tax return.

Q: Can I withdraw from savings account anytime? A: Yes, Swiss savings accounts typically have no lock-in period (unlike term deposits). Some banks limit number of withdrawals per month (e.g., 3-5 free, then small fee).

Q: Should I choose digital or traditional bank? A: Depends on priorities. Digital banks offer higher rates (1.30-around 1.5%) vs traditional (0.40-around 0.60%), but traditional banks have branches and personal service. For pure savings maximization, digital wins.

Q: What happens if interest rates drop again? A: Banks can change rates anytime (unless typically-rate term deposit). If rates drop, all savings accounts affected. This is why long-term wealth building shouldn't rely solely on savings accounts.

2025 Savings Account Action Plan

Immediate Actions:

1. Calculate liquid savings need:

   • Emergency fund: 3-6 months expenses
   • Short-term goals: Funds needed within 3 years
   • Total: This amount stays in savings accounts

2. Compare current vs best rates:

   • Check your current savings interest rate
   • Compare to Radicant (around 1.5%) or Neon (around 1.3%)
   • If earning CHF 200+ more elsewhere, switch

3. Open high-interest account (15 minutes):

   • Radicant or Neon for highest rates
   • Complete app-based application
   • Transfer funds

4. Check deposit insurance:

   • If total savings > CHF 100,000, split across banks
   • Each account at different bank insured to CHF 100k

Quarterly Review:

• Check if better savings rates emerged
• Verify funds beyond emergency needs are invested (not sitting in savings earning 1.5% long-term)

Annual Optimization:

• Review interest rate vs alternatives
• Consider switching if rate dropped significantly
• Rebalance between savings (liquidity) and investments (growth)

Final Recommendations

Best Overall Savings Account: Radicant Save (around 1.5% interest, no fees, excellent app)

• Highest interest rate in Switzerland
• Modern digital experience
• Full deposit insurance
• Easy access to funds

Best Established Digital Bank: Neon Savings (around 1.3% interest, proven track record)

• Slightly lower rate but established since 2017
• Excellent app and features
• Strong customer service
• More market trust than newer entrants

Best Traditional Bank: ZKB Sparkonto (0.60-around 0.75% depending on balance)

• Canton-backed guarantee
• Physical branches
• Personal service
• Highest security for large balances (unlimited canton guarantee)

Best Strategy for Most People:

1. Emergency Fund (CHF 15-30k): Radicant or Neon Savings
2. Short-Term Goals (1-3 years): Same high-interest savings
3. Long-Term Wealth (7+ years): Pillar 3a + diversified investments, NOT savings accounts

Key Takeaway: Swiss savings account rates recovered to 1.00-around 1.5% in 2025 after a decade near zero. Switching from a around 0.40% traditional bank account to around 1.5% digital bank saves CHF 550/year on CHF 50,000 - taking 15 minutes to switch equals CHF 2,200/hour of effort.

However, remember savings accounts are for liquidity and capital preservation, not wealth building. For long-term goals beyond 7 years, invest in Pillar 3a and diversified portfolios earning 5-7% real returns instead of keeping everything in around 1.up to 5% savings.

Information accurate as of November 2024. Interest rates subject to change at any time. Deposit insurance regulations current as of publication date. Consult bank directly for current rates and terms.