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 #20 among Switzerland's 45 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.