Our Take on BEKB Private Account
CHF 4 for international transfers outside Europe. That's the lowest we've found.
The BEKB Private Account ranks #37 among Switzerland's 45 private accounts. It's the standard offering from Berner Kantonalbank, and while it won't win any innovation awards, it has one standout feature: the lowest non-SEPA international transfer fee we've seen among Swiss private accounts.
What Does CHF 80 Per Year Get You?
Annual costs add up to CHF 80 (CHF 30 for account management plus CHF 50 for the Debit Mastercard). That's slightly below average for cantonal banks. Domestic payments and SEPA transfers are both free, which is standard at this price level.
The surprise is non-SEPA international payments at just CHF 4 each. Most banks charge CHF 5-10 for the same transfer. If you regularly send money to the UK, US, or Asia, this adds up to meaningful savings over time.
What Actually Stands Out
The CHF 4 non-SEPA transfer fee is genuinely competitive. For someone sending 10 international payments per year, that's CHF 40 versus CHF 50-100 at most banks. BEKB quietly undercuts the market here without making a big deal about it.
No age restrictions for opening the account, which is unusual. Most cantonal banks require you to be 18 or older. BEKB also offers both individual and joint account options, with mobile and online banking included as standard.
What Most Reviews Miss
Online account statements cost CHF 0.50 each. Most digital-first banks include these for free. If you check your balance monthly, that's CHF 6 per year in statement fees alone. Quarterly and semi-annual statements (online or by post) are free, though.
The debit card is a prepaid Mastercard without contactless functionality. Cash withdrawals follow the typical cantonal bank pattern: free at BEKB ATMs, CHF 2 at other Swiss ATMs, and CHF 5 abroad. No EUR account option, so it's CHF only.
The Bottom Line
BEKB offers decent value at CHF 80 per year, especially if international transfers are part of your banking routine. The non-SEPA fee advantage is real, though the per-statement charges are annoying. If you're in the Bern region and need a reliable cantonal bank, it does the job. For broader options, check our best bank accounts in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Solid cantonal bank choice for Bern residents, with an edge on international transfer fees.
Pros
- No minimum deposit required
- Modern mobile and online banking
- Free SEPA payments
Cons
- Annual management fee (CHF 30)
- Annual debit card fee of CHF 50
- No contactless payment
- Age restriction: There are no limitations.
Account Details
At a Glance
Account Mgmt
CHF 30/year
Interest Rate
0.00%
Debit Card Fee
CHF 50/year
Currency
CHF
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Account Opening Fee
No fee
Account Mgmt
CHF 30/year
Debit Card Fee
CHF 50/year
Cash Withdrawal (Switzerland)
Own ATMs free, others CHF 2.00
Cash Withdrawal (Abroad)
CHF 5
Outgoing Payment (CH)
No fee
SEPA Payment
No fee
Non-SEPA Payment Abroad
CHF 4
Banking Features
Banking Features
Mobile Banking
Available
Online Banking
Available
Debit Card Options
Key Features
- Mobile banking available
- Online banking available
- Debit Mastercard included
- Free cash withdrawals in Switzerland
- Low minimum deposit requirement
Age Requirement
No age restrictions
Withdrawal Terms
Withdrawal Terms
Account Closure
Free of charge
Calculate Your Annual Cost
Annual Cost Breakdown
You Pay Per Year
CHF 80
Rating by Category
Compare to Similar Accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does BEKB charge CHF 0.50 per online statement?
- Single online statements cost CHF 0.50 each, but quarterly or semi-annual online statements are free, and so are paper quarterly or half-yearly statements. Stick to the periodic delivery schedule and you pay nothing. Request ad-hoc single statements (online or paper) and you get nicked CHF 0.50 every time.
- What does BEKB charge to use non-BEKB ATMs?
- Free at BEKB ATMs, CHF 2 per withdrawal at any other Swiss ATM. If you live in Bern canton, you'll rarely pay; if you commute to Zurich or live elsewhere, the CHF 2 hits add up. The Basic package's 12 free withdrawals per period at any ATM is the workaround if you withdraw outside BEKB territory often.
- Are foreign-currency debit-card purchases free at BEKB?
- Yes, purchases in foreign currencies on the debit card are free of charge (no FX surcharge in BEKB's tariff). Only ATM withdrawals abroad cost CHF 5. Pair the debit card for in-store and online foreign spend, and use a neobank for cash if you withdraw abroad regularly.
How We Rated This Account
Wondering why BEKB Private Account got its score? We rate Checking (Everyday) Accounts accounts using a weighted formula. Here's what counts.
Same formula for every account in this category. No exceptions.
Ready to Open?
Open the BEKB Private Account today and start enjoying its benefits.