Bank Cler— Bank account opening in Switzerland

Access Bank Cler's e-banking platform at https://ebanking.cler.ch. Enter your user ID and password, then confirm login. The platform supports browser-based access from desktop, smartphone, or tablet. For mobile convenience, download the Bank Cler Digital Banking app from Google Play or App Store for Touch ID login and on-the-go account management.

Security reminder: Never share login credentials. Bank Cler will never request passwords via email or phone.

Yes. Bank Cler is the same organization as Bank Coop after rebranding on May 20, 2017. The institution maintains continuous operational history from its 1927 founding as Genossenschaftliche Zentralbank, preserving cooperative heritage and social responsibility commitments while shifting strategic focus toward digital banking under Basler Kantonalbank ownership.

Bank Cler is authorized and supervised by FINMA (CHE-101.390.939); deposits up to CHF 100,000 are protected. — FINMA, 2025. Bank Cler operates under Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) authorization with deposits up to CHF 100,000 protected by the Swiss deposit guarantee scheme (esisuisse). S&P projects a 26%–27% RAC ratio through 2027, well above peers. — Standard & Poor's, 2025.

Important distinction: While Bank Cler is 100% owned by Basler Kantonalbank (which benefits from Basel-City cantonal state guarantee), Bank Cler itself operates as a legally independent subsidiary without direct state guarantee. The bank's reliability stems from exceptional capital strength, conservative mortgage underwriting (99% of loans in residential real estate with low LTV ratios), and 0.5% nonperforming loan rate.

Advantages:
- Free Zak digital banking account with no monthly fees
- 23 branches nationwide for in-person advisory combined with digital convenience
- Swiss regulatory oversight and CHF 100,000 deposit protection (esisuisse)
- Exceptional capital strength (26%-27% RAC ratio, highest globally)
- Strong mortgage lending expertise (CHF 17.2 billion portfolio)
- Wealth management growth (18% increase in mandates in 2024)

Disadvantages:
- Subpar cost efficiency versus peers (operating expenses +2.9% in 2024)
- High business concentration in residential mortgages (99% of loan portfolio)
- Limited international and corporate services (actively exiting institutional business)
- Small-scale bank (0.71% market share) with constrained product diversity
- No direct cantonal state guarantee (unlike parent BKB)

Bank Cler primarily serves Swiss residents and individuals with established ties to Switzerland. Non-residents may face additional documentation requirements and verification procedures aligned with Swiss banking regulations and anti-money laundering compliance. Contact Bank Cler directly via phone (0800 88 99 66) to verify eligibility based on your specific residency status.

Zak is Bank Cler's digital-only banking product with no monthly fees, designed for mobile-first users who prefer app-based account management. Standard Bank Cler accounts offer broader product access, including in-person advisory services at 23 branches, and may involve monthly fees depending on account balance and product usage. Zak users can access basic banking services (payments, savings, investments) entirely through the mobile app, while standard accounts provide full-service banking with personalized consultations.

All Bank Cler deposits up to CHF 100,000 per client are protected under the Swiss deposit guarantee scheme (esisuisse), which covers eligible deposits in the event of bank insolvency. Additionally, Bank Cler's exceptional capital strength (26%-27% risk-adjusted capital ratio) and conservative lending practices (99% residential mortgages with low loan-to-value ratios) provide additional security layers beyond regulatory minimums.

Bank Cler provides services in German, French, and Italian, reflecting Switzerland's multilingual environment. The e-banking platform, mobile app, and customer support are available in these languages. Multilingual staff at branches can assist international clients in various languages, ensuring accessibility for diverse client needs.

For Zak digital accounts, the process typically takes 1-3 business days from application submission to account activation, assuming successful video identification and document verification. Standard Bank Cler accounts may require 2-4 weeks due to additional compliance checks, particularly for non-resident applicants or complex account structures. Contact Bank Cler directly for specific timelines based on your situation.

Yes. Bank Cler provides investment services including securities accounts, pension accounts (pillar 3a), and managed investment mandates. The Zak Invest platform offers access to 12,000 stocks, ETFs, and funds for self-directed investors. Wealth management mandates grew 18% in 2024 as clients increasingly delegate asset management decisions to Bank Cler's advisory team. For comprehensive guidance on portfolio managers in Switzerland, see our detailed guide.

Bank Cler specializes in residential mortgages, with CHF 17.2 billion in mortgage lending representing 99% of its loan portfolio. Mortgage rates and conditions vary based on loan-to-value ratio, property type, and borrower profile. The bank maintains conservative underwriting standards with low loan-to-value ratios and a 0.5% nonperforming loan rate. Contact Bank Cler directly for current mortgage rates and personalized quotations.

Bank Cler serves small and medium-sized enterprises through business current accounts, corporate lending, and payment solutions. However, the bank is actively exiting non-core institutional and corporate business segments, transferring custodial and institutional client operations to parent company Basler Kantonalbank. For accounting services in Switzerland and comprehensive business banking needs, consider consulting with specialized advisors.

E-Serviceline: +41 848 845 245 / +41 61 286 21 00 (Monday–Friday, 8:00–18:00)
Toll-free: 0800 88 99 66
Email: Contact forms available on www.cler.ch
Branches: 23 locations nationwide (find nearest branch at https://www.cler.ch/de/services/standorte)

For Zak-specific inquiries, email feedback.zak@cler.ch.

If you encounter login delays or access issues:
1. Contact E-Serviceline: +41 848 845 245 / +41 61 286 21 00
2. Use web e-banking as fallback if mobile app is unavailable
3. Follow SMS-TAN authentication steps carefully
4. Verify you are accessing the official website (cler.ch) by typing the URL directly into your browser

Bank Cler will never ask for passwords via phone, email, or SMS. Do not install additional software unless explicitly instructed by official Bank Cler support channels.

Standard Bank Cler accounts have a default transfer limit of CHF 20,000 per transaction. Larger transfers may require phone verification for security purposes. If a transfer is blocked, contact customer support (+41 848 845 245) to release funds after identity verification. Limits can be adjusted based on account type and client profile.