Kontoführungsgebühr
Account Management Fee
Simple Definition
Monthly or annual administrative fee charged by traditional banks just for having an account.
Why this matters to Expats.
Swiss banking is NOT free by default. Traditional banks charge CHF 5-30/month unless you keep a high balance (e.g. >CHF 10k). This shocks expats used to "Free Banking".
Actionable Intelligence
Neo-Banks: Apps like Neon, Yuh, and Zak have effectively zero base fees. They are the best choice for everyday spending.
All-in-Fee: Beware of "All-in" packages that bundle credit cards you don't need. Unbundle to save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students pay?
Usually no. Student accounts (Campus) are free up to age 25-30.
Is it tax deductible?
Depending on the canton, small administration fees might be deductible (Vermögensverwaltungskosten), but usually not simple account fees.
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