CEA Compte Epargne Plus

1% interest on savings. In Switzerland. That's 20x what most major banks offer.

The CEA Compte Epargne Plus ranks #1 among Switzerland's 31 savings accounts. It's offered by the Caisse d'Epargne d'Aubonne, a small regional bank in the Canton of Vaud. The rate is exceptional, but the trade-offs are specific. Here's whether it makes sense for you.

Is the Interest Rate Competitive?

At 1.00% per year, this is the highest savings rate we've found among Swiss bank accounts. Most major banks (UBS, Credit Suisse, ZKB) offer 0.05-0.10%. On CHF 50,000, that's CHF 500 per year versus CHF 25-50 elsewhere. The gap is massive.

No account management fees either. The rate is straightforward with no tiered structure that drops after a certain balance. What you see is what you get, which is refreshingly simple for a savings product.

What Actually Stands Out

The simplicity of the rate structure is the real differentiator. No bonus conditions, no promotional period with an expiration date, no tier that drops to 0% above CHF 100,000. Just 1% on your savings. That's rare in Switzerland.

The account is also available to both private individuals and companies. If you're self-employed or running a small business, this can serve as your business savings vehicle too. Your deposits are protected by Swiss deposit insurance (esisuisse) up to CHF 100,000.

What Most Reviews Miss

Withdrawal limit of CHF 10,000 per year. This is tight. If you're saving CHF 100,000 and suddenly need CHF 30,000 for a car or renovation, you can only access CHF 10,000 annually without special arrangements. Plan your liquidity carefully.

The Caisse d'Epargne d'Aubonne is a small regional bank. Not suitable for payment services, so this is purely a savings vehicle, not a transactional account. No mobile banking, no online banking, no debit card. You park money here and let it grow. That's it.

The Bottom Line

If you have savings you won't touch for a while and want the best rate in Switzerland, this account delivers. The CHF 10,000 annual withdrawal limit means this is for patient, long-term savers only. Not for emergency funds. See how it compares in our best savings accounts in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: Best savings rate in Switzerland for money you can lock away. Keep liquid funds elsewhere.