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With which bank will my account be opened?
Home > Swiss bank accounts > FAQ > Before you order > Basics > Which bank

We work with a number of top Swiss banks, many of which have been in operations for over 100 years. Each account corresponds to one or more banks. You can read about the bank(s) on the "About the bank" section on each account description page.

There are more than 400 banks in Switzerland. Each is different and specializes in particular type of clients or services. They can be divided in several groups:

  • Large universal banks - these are very large Swiss banks offering all sorts of services to individuals and companies. They offer banking services to international clients but have some restrictions and minimum balance requirements.,
  • Cantonal banks - every Swiss canton has one or more cantonal bank, usually owned by the canton. These banks offer retail services to the people of the canton and make loans to local companies as well as mortgages within the canton. Some also offer banking services to international clients.
  • Private banks - these banks are specialized in managing money for Swiss and international private clients. There are many such banks, and the minimum balance requirements are anywhere from fifty thousands Swiss francs to fifteen millions. Many banks are geared toward a specific geographic area. Knowledge of the Swiss banking industry is a must before you choose one.
  • Private bankers - these are the oldest banks in Switzerland, usually owned by the same family for over 200 years. The bank is owned by private individuals who are personnally responsible for any deposits. These bank offer a five star banking service and ask for at least a million Swiss francs deposits.
  • Retail banks - these banks offer retail services (checking accounts, mortgage, payment services, etc...) with few restrictions. They are smaller than the large universal banks. Some also offer services to international clients.

We work with banks in all categories. Which bank is right for you depends on many things, such as where you live, how much you plan to deposit and what you will do with the money. Please visit the account description pages to read more about each bank and the requirements of each account. If you have questions, don't hesitate to contact us.


The information contained in this website is not meant to substitute qualified legal advice given by a specialist knowing your particular situation. We can accept no responsibility for the consequences of decisions made following information found on this website. Micheloud & Cie is not a bank and neither sollicits nor accepts deposits. Currency conversion and interest rates provided on this website are listed for informational purpose only and may not be up-to-date. More >>

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