PostFinance Private Account SmartPlus
PostFinance
Overall Rating
Account Mgmt
CHF 120
Interest Rate
0.00%
Currency
CHF
Our Take on PostFinance Private Account SmartPlus
Free worldwide ATM access plus a credit card included. PostFinance bundles it all together.
The PostFinance Private Account SmartPlus ranks #11 among Switzerland's 46 private accounts. It's a full banking package from one of Switzerland's most widely used financial institutions, bundling a private account, savings account, Debit Mastercard, and a standard credit card into one affordable fee.
Is the Package Worth It?
The SmartPlus package comes with a small annual account management fee and a free debit card. For that, you get a private account, a savings account, and a standard credit card included at no extra cost. Free domestic payments, free SEPA transfers, and free cash withdrawals in Switzerland and abroad.
That credit card inclusion is the key differentiator. A standalone standard credit card typically costs CHF 50-100 per year. If you'd get one anyway, the SmartPlus package effectively saves you money. Young adults aged 21-30 get the package at half price for up to 3 years.
What Actually Stands Out
Free worldwide cash withdrawals with both the PostFinance Card and the Debit Mastercard is genuinely rare at this price point. Most Swiss banks charge CHF 5 per foreign withdrawal. If you use ATMs abroad even occasionally, the savings compound over time.
Multi-currency account management is available in CHF, EUR, USD, GBP, and several other currencies including AUD, CAD, and JPY. PostFinance has the widest physical presence in Switzerland through the postal network, with more access points than any traditional bank.
What Most Reviews Miss
The PostFinance Card (debit) is only available for CHF and EUR accounts. If you open accounts in other currencies, you can't use the debit card directly with them. That limits the practical multi-currency usefulness somewhat compared to neobank alternatives.
The 0% interest on the private account means your checking balance earns nothing. The savings account included in the package does earn interest, but rates vary. Also worth knowing: the minimum age is 20, and non-SEPA international transfers cost just CHF 2, which is the lowest among the top-15 accounts.
The Bottom Line
PostFinance SmartPlus is the best option if you want a complete banking package with a credit card included and worldwide ATM access. The value proposition is clear for anyone who'd buy a credit card separately anyway. Check how it ranks against standalone accounts in our best private accounts in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Best all-in-one package for Swiss residents who want a credit card bundled with everyday banking.
Pros
- No minimum deposit required
- Modern mobile and online banking
- Free SEPA payments
Cons
- Annual management fee (CHF 120)
- No contactless payment
- Age restriction: From age 20
Account Details
At a Glance
Account Mgmt
CHF 120/year
Interest Rate
0.00%
Debit Card Fee
No fee
Currency
CHF
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Account Opening Fee
No fee
Account Mgmt
CHF 120/year
Debit Card Fee
No fee
Cash Withdrawal (Switzerland)
Free
Cash Withdrawal (Abroad)
No fee
Outgoing Payment (CH)
No fee
SEPA Payment
No fee
Non-SEPA Payment Abroad
CHF 2
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
- Free cash withdrawals in Switzerland
- Low minimum deposit requirement
Age Requirement
From age 20
Withdrawal Terms
Withdrawal Terms
Account Closure
Free of charge
Calculate Your Annual Cost
Annual cost breakdown:
Total Annual Cost
CHF 120
Rating by Category
Compare to Similar Accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are SmartPlus cash withdrawals abroad really free?
- CHF 0 per ATM withdrawal abroad with the included PostFinance card, a rare perk in the private-account segment. Pair it with the free Swiss withdrawals and SmartPlus removes ATM friction at home and on the road. The catch is the 1.5% surcharge on foreign-currency card purchases, so the card is best for cash, not POS shopping.
- Does SmartPlus include a credit card?
- Yes, the package bundles the PostFinance Standard or Classic credit card, plus a savings account and the PostFinance card. If you'd otherwise pay separately for a basic credit card, SmartPlus consolidates it into one bundle. Don't take it just for the card though, the standalone PostFinance Standard is cheap on its own.
- Is there a SmartPlus discount for young adults?
- Half price for up to 3 years if you're 21-30 and don't qualify for SmartStudents or SmartYoung, including young adults up to 23 starting their first job. After the discount window closes you pay the full price, so it's a bridge product, not a permanent youth tier.
How We Rated This Account
Wondering why PostFinance Private Account SmartPlus 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 PostFinance Private Account SmartPlus today and start enjoying its benefits.