BEKB Private Account Basic
Cantonal Bank of Berne (BEKB)
Overall Rating
Account Mgmt
CHF 72
Interest Rate
0.00%
Currency
CHF
Our Take on BEKB Private Account Basic
A banking package that includes a credit card for CHF 72 per year. That changes everything.
The BEKB Private Account Basic ranks #23 among Switzerland's 46 private accounts. Offered by the Cantonal Bank of Berne, this package bundles a private account, debit card, and a Mastercard Silver or Visa Classic credit card into one annual fee. The credit card inclusion changes the value equation entirely.
Are the Fees Worth It?
At CHF 72 per year, you get account management, a Mastercard Debit card, and a credit card (Mastercard Silver or Visa Classic). A standalone Mastercard Silver typically costs CHF 60-100 per year. So when you factor in the credit card, the effective account cost drops to nearly zero.
Domestic payments and SEPA transfers are both free. Non-SEPA international payments cost CHF 4 each. You get 12 free ATM withdrawals per year across Switzerland, then CHF 2 each after that. Abroad, it's CHF 5 per withdrawal. For a credit card bundle, this pricing is competitive.
What Actually Stands Out
The included credit card is the differentiator. Very few Swiss private account packages include a full credit card at this price point. If you'd be paying for a credit card anyway, the BEKB Basic is effectively a free bank account with a credit card subscription built in.
There's a duo option at CHF 9 per month (CHF 108 per year) for couples: joint account management, two debit cards, and two credit cards. That's CHF 54 per person including credit cards. The bank is backed by the Cantonal Bank of Berne, with the corresponding cantonal state guarantee.
What Most Reviews Miss
You must be at least 30 years old. That's one of the strictest age requirements among Swiss private accounts. If you're in your twenties, this isn't an option regardless of how attractive the package looks.
The 0% interest rate means your balance sits idle. It's only available as a package deal, so you can't pick and choose components. After 12 free ATM withdrawals per year (roughly one per month), each additional one costs CHF 2. If you use cash regularly, those fees creep in during the second half of the year.
The Bottom Line
If you're 30 or older and would be paying for a credit card anyway, the BEKB Basic package offers genuine savings. The credit card inclusion makes the CHF 72 annual fee look like a bargain. For the full picture, check out our best private accounts in Switzerland ranking.
Verdict: Best value for adults over 30 who want a credit card bundled into their banking package.
Pros
- No minimum deposit required
- Modern mobile and online banking
- Free SEPA payments
Cons
- Annual management fee (CHF 72)
- No contactless payment
- Age restriction: From age 30
Account Details
At a Glance
Account Mgmt
CHF 72/year
Interest Rate
0.00%
Debit Card Fee
No fee
Currency
CHF
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Account Opening Fee
No fee
Account Mgmt
CHF 72/year
Debit Card Fee
No fee
Cash Withdrawal (Switzerland)
12 free, then CHF 2
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
- No annual fee for debit card
- Mobile banking available
- Online banking available
- Debit Mastercard included
- 12 free cash withdrawals per month in Switzerland
- Low minimum deposit requirement
Age Requirement
From age 30
Withdrawal Terms
Withdrawal Terms
Account Closure
Free of charge
Additional Information
Additional Information
- Only available with a banking package
Calculate Your Annual Cost
Annual cost breakdown:
Total Annual Cost
CHF 72
Rating by Category
Compare to Similar Accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the BEKB Private Account Basic actually include?
- A bundled credit card (Mastercard Silver or Visa Classic) alongside the private account and free debit card. If you'd otherwise pay CHF 50-100 for that credit card standalone, the Basic package roughly breaks even. If you don't need a credit card at all, the regular BEKB private account is cheaper.
- How many free ATM withdrawals does BEKB Basic include?
- 12 free withdrawals per period, then CHF 2 each. Three a week stays under the cap; daily cash use puts you over. The 12-free structure is more generous than the typical 'own-bank-only' model and works well if you live outside Bern but visit BEKB ATMs occasionally.
- Is the BEKB Basic Duo solution worth it?
- CHF 9 per month (CHF 108 per year) for a joint account, 2 debit cards and 2 credit cards. That's CHF 36 more than running one Basic. For couples sharing finances, the included second credit card and joint access in e-banking usually justifies it. Two singles each on Basic is CHF 144, so Duo also wins on raw cost.
How We Rated This Account
Wondering why BEKB Private Account Basic got its score? We rate Private 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 Basic today and start enjoying its benefits.