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Adam Abdellaoui
Of Counsel
Your consultant
PostFinance— Bank account opening in Switzerland
Date of last update: 12 January 2026
PostFinance is one of Switzerland's systemically important banks, fully owned by Swiss Post and serving approximately 2.5 million customers with CHF 104.1 billion in deposits as of 2023. The bank combines the accessibility of Switzerland's postal network with comprehensive digital banking solutions, offering accounts, cards, investments, and cryptocurrency services. This guide provides complete information on PostFinance's banking details, branch locations, account opening procedures, and service offerings for 2026.
+41 (44) 5152530
PostFinance Bank Overview
Systemically important Swiss bank • Last updated: January 2026
Ownership
100% Swiss Post
Government-owned entity
Client Base
~2.5 Million
Customers served
Customer Deposits
CHF 104.1bn
As of 2023
Head Office
Bern
Mingerstrasse 20
Banking Codes & Payment Details
International Transfers
BIC / SWIFT
POFICHBEXXX
POFI (Bank) • CH (Country) • BE (Bern HQ) • XXX (Branch)
Registered Address
PostFinance Ltd
Mingerstrasse 20
3030 Bern, Switzerland
Mingerstrasse 20
3030 Bern, Switzerland
Domestic Swiss Payments
Clearing Number (Bank Code)
0900
IBAN Format
CH93 0900 xxxx xxxx xxxx x
Digital Account Opening
Process typically requires no branch visit for Swiss residents.
1
Package Selection
Choose between Smart (CHF 5) or SmartPlus (CHF 10). Enter personal data via App or website.
2
Identity Verification
Scan ID and face via App, schedule video consultation, or visit a branch (required for foreign numbers).
3
Activation
E-finance activates within 10 minutes. Cards and PINs arrive by mail within several days.
Requirements for Residents
- ✓ Valid Swiss ID or Passport
- ✓ Swiss Residence Permit
- ✓ Swiss mobile phone number
- ✓ Tax residency exclusively in Switzerland
- ✓ Minimum age 18 years
Non-Resident Restrictions
PostFinance discontinued new account openings for non-residents in 2022 and has closed existing non-resident accounts.
Exceptions:
Currently serves only Swiss residents and specific categories of Swiss citizens living abroad.
Banking Packages
Smart
CHF 5
/month
- • CHF, EUR & Foreign currency accounts
- • Savings accounts (CHF/EUR)
- • PostFinance Card (Debit)
- • Free Postomat cash withdrawals
- • Mobile & E-finance access
SmartPlus
CHF 10
/month
- • Includes all Smart features
- • Credit card included
- • Credit card insurance package
- • Access to investment platform
* Free account maintenance for youth, students, apprentices, and clients with investment/insurance products. Paper statements: +CHF 5/month.
Maria Werner
Of Counsel – specialized in corporate law and tax law
info@goldblum.ch
+41 (44) 5152530
Digital Assets & Trading
Comprehensive access to traditional markets and cryptocurrency.
E-Trading Platform
Access to equities, bonds, ETFs, funds, and derivatives across Swiss and international markets.
• Real-time SIX Swiss Exchange data • TradingView analysis tools • Multi-currency accounts (CHF, USD, EUR, etc.)
Cryptocurrency Services
Launched February 2024 in partnership with Sygnum cryptobank. Regulated digital asset access.
• Trading & Custody (Bitcoin, Ethereum) • Ethereum Staking (from 0.1 ETH)
Comparison: PostFinance vs. UBS vs. Digital Banks
| PARAMETER | PostFinance | UBS | Revolut / Wise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | CHF 5 (Smart) | Varies by package | CHF 0 (Standard) |
| Branches | Nationwide (Post) | 200+ branches | None (Digital-only) |
| SWIFT Fees | Standard rates | Premium pricing | Mid-market + fee |
| Deposit Protection | CHF 100k | CHF 100k | Limited* |
*Digital banks often lack personal CHF IBANs for deposits. Terms subject to change.
Frequently asked questions
The BIC/SWIFT code is POFICHBEXXX. This 11-character code identifies PostFinance AG's head office in Bern for international wire transfers. The code breaks down as POFI (bank identifier), CH (Switzerland), BE (Bern location), and XXX (primary branch designation). Use this code for all incoming international payments to PostFinance accounts.
The clearing number is 0900. This identifier routes domestic payments through Switzerland's Interbank Clearing (SIC) system. Swiss residents use this number for internal transfers, salary payments, and bill payments within Switzerland.
The head office is at Mingerstrasse 20, 3030 Bern, Switzerland. This address appears on the company's legal entity identifier (LEI 5299000LHOLXRRD8L428), last updated March 19, 2024, and the Swiss company registration (UID CHE-114.583.749). All official correspondence and regulatory filings reference this location.
With online identification through the mobile app, e-finance access activates within 10 minutes during business hours for Swiss residents. PostFinance Card and credit cards arrive by mail within several days. In-branch verification or postal identification extends the timeline, typically requiring several business days for complete activation and document delivery.
PostFinance discontinued new account openings for non-residents in 2022 and closed existing non-resident accounts. The bank currently serves only Swiss residents and Swiss citizens living abroad under specific conditions. Non-residents seeking Swiss banking must explore alternative institutions that accept international clients. Swiss citizens abroad should contact PostFinance directly to verify eligibility under current policies.
The nine-digit e-finance number is your unique access number for online banking received with the e-finance activation letter. You can set a memorable username to replace this number for easier login.
For security reasons, always use the latest version of your operating system and browser. PostFinance supports current versions of major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. Check the official support page for detailed compatibility information.
E-finance is certified by the independent foundation "Access for all" for accessibility compliance. The platform follows WCAG standards to ensure usability for customers with various accessibility needs.
Customers without a smartphone can log in using their PostFinance Card and a card reader. Enter your e-finance number and password, then generate a secure code using the card reader and your PostFinance Card PIN.
PostFinance offers trading and custody of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets through its partnership with Sygnum cryptobank, launched in February 2024. Ethereum staking is available from 0.1 ETH. Check the official crypto services page for the current list of supported assets.
PostFinance Card withdrawals are free at Postomats and partner ATMs in Switzerland. Third-party Swiss bank ATMs charge CHF 2 per withdrawal. International ATM withdrawals cost CHF 5.
PostFinance offers equities, bonds, ETFs, derivatives, mutual funds, structured products, and cryptocurrency through the E-trading platform. Retirement planning includes Pillar 3a accounts and pension solutions in cooperation with third-party providers.
PostFinance does not provide mortgages directly. The bank offers mortgage products through third-party partners including Credit Exchange AG, with consultations available at branch locations. The mortgages are carried on partners' balance sheets.
Private clients: +41 848 888 888 (Monday–Friday 7:30–18:00, Saturday 8:00–12:00). Business clients for incoming foreign payments: +41 58 667 97 67. The PostFinance chatbot is available 24/7 through the mobile app.
As a systemically important bank under FINMA supervision, PostFinance must maintain emergency plans and meet special capital requirements. Deposits up to CHF 100,000 per client are protected under the Swiss deposit insurance scheme. The bank maintains an 'AA/A-1+' credit rating from S&P Global.
Adam Abdellaoui
Your personal contact
Of Counsel
Contact us to learn more about opening a Swiss bank account
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