Alternative Bank Every Day Account

CHF 6 for a single SEPA payment. Sustainable banking comes at a steep price.

The Alternative Bank Every Day Account ranks #33 among Switzerland's 45 private accounts. It's offered by Alternative Bank Switzerland (ABS), a bank focused on ethical and sustainable investments. The principles are admirable, but the fee structure is one of the most expensive for international transfers.

Are the Fees Worth It?

Total annual cost: CHF 88 (CHF 48 for account management plus CHF 40 for the Debit Mastercard). That's identical to several cantonal banks. The difference shows up in transaction fees. SEPA payments cost CHF 6 each, which is one of the highest rates we've tracked. Send 10 SEPA transfers per year, and you've added CHF 60 to your annual costs.

Non-SEPA international transfers run CHF 10 each. You get 10 free ATM withdrawals per month in Switzerland, then CHF 3 per withdrawal after that. Abroad, every withdrawal costs CHF 5.

What Actually Stands Out

The real differentiator isn't a banking feature. It's where your money goes. Alternative Bank Switzerland only finances projects that meet strict social and environmental criteria. No fossil fuels, no arms, no speculative real estate. If ethical banking matters to you, ABS is one of very few options in Switzerland.

The 10 free domestic ATM withdrawals per month is actually generous compared to some competitors. Mobile banking and online banking are both available, and there are no age restrictions for opening the account.

What Most Reviews Miss

Account termination costs CHF 10. That's a small fee, but it's worth knowing upfront. Most comparable accounts offer free termination. It signals that switching away has a (minor) friction cost built in.

The CHF 6 SEPA fee is the real deal-breaker for anyone with European connections. The Swiss average for SEPA transfers sits around CHF 0-2. ABS charges three to six times the market rate. If you regularly pay rent, invoices, or subscriptions in EUR, those fees compound fast.

The Bottom Line

This is a values-driven choice, not a financially optimal one. You're paying a premium for the guarantee that your deposits fund sustainable projects. If that alignment matters more than saving CHF 50-100 per year, ABS delivers on its promise. For a pure cost comparison, see how it stacks up on our bank account comparison tool.

Verdict: Best for ethical banking advocates. Everyone else will find better value elsewhere.