Raiffeisen Member Savings Account
Raiffeisen Switzerland
Overall Rating
Account Mgmt
No fee
Interest Rate
0.05%
Currency
CHF
Our Take on Raiffeisen Member Savings Account
Switzerland's biggest cooperative bank offers 0.05% on savings. But first, you need to buy a share.
The Raiffeisen Member Savings Account ranks #21 among Switzerland's 31 savings accounts. It's reserved for Raiffeisen cooperative members and offers a slight premium over the non-member rate. The catch? You need to invest at least CHF 200 in a share certificate first.
Is the Interest Rate Competitive?
At 0.05% per year on balances up to CHF 100,000 (dropping to 0.025% above), this is low. On CHF 100,000, you earn CHF 50 annually. The member rate is marginally better than the standard Raiffeisen savings rate of 0.025%, but neither is exciting.
The CHF 200 share certificate requirement means you need to "invest" before saving. On CHF 50,000, the member premium (0.05% vs 0.025%) earns you an extra CHF 12.50 per year. It would take 16 years just to recoup the share cost from the rate premium.
What Actually Stands Out
Raiffeisen is Switzerland's third-largest banking group with over 800 branches. The physical presence is unmatched. If you want a savings account at a bank you can actually visit, Raiffeisen is everywhere.
The cooperative structure means rates can vary between branches. Your local Raiffeisen branch might offer slightly different terms. It's worth asking directly. Member status also comes with other perks like discounts and voting rights in the cooperative.
What Most Reviews Miss
Interest rates aren't uniform across branches. Raiffeisen Switzerland sets recommendations, but individual cooperatives can adjust. The 0.05% is the recommendation, not a guarantee. Your branch could offer more or less.
Withdrawal limit is CHF 10,000 per month with a 3-month notice period. Not suitable for payment services. Free termination is standard. The share certificate (minimum CHF 200) is a sunk cost that you can recover when you leave, but it's locked while you're a member.
The Bottom Line
The Raiffeisen Member Savings Account is about the relationship, not the rate. If you're already a member or value having a bank with branches everywhere in Switzerland, it's fine. For pure savings returns, look elsewhere. Compare your options in our best savings accounts in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Convenience and ubiquity over returns. The membership premium is negligible.
Pros
- No annual fees
- No minimum deposit required
Cons
- Low interest rate
- Withdrawal limit of CHF 10,000 per month
- 3-month notice period for withdrawals
- Age restriction: From age 18
Account Details
At a Glance
Account Mgmt
No fee
Interest Rate
0.05%
Debit Card Fee
—
Currency
CHF
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Account Opening Fee
No fee
Account Mgmt
No fee
Debit Card Fee
—
Banking Features
Banking Features
Mobile Banking
Not available
Online Banking
Not available
Key Features
- Free account management
- No annual fee for debit card
- High interest rate of 0.05%
- Low minimum deposit requirement
Age Requirement
From age 18
Withdrawal Terms
Withdrawal Terms
Withdrawal Limit
CHF 10'000 / month
Notice Period
3 month
Account Closure
Free of charge
Additional Information
Additional Information
- Not suitable for payment services
- Member account (fees may vary by branch)
Calculate Your Interest Earnings
See how much your deposit could earn with this account's 0.05% interest rate.
After 1 year
+CHF 25
Total Value: CHF 50'025
After 3 years
+CHF 75
Total Value: CHF 50'075
After 5 years
+CHF 125
Total Value: CHF 50'125
Rating by Category
Compare to Similar Accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why must I buy a Raiffeisen share to open this?
- At least one interest-bearing share certificate from CHF 200 is required for membership. The share earns its own dividend, so it's not pure cost, but capital is locked into the cooperative until you exit. Skip the standard Raiffeisen Savings Account if you'd rather avoid the share.
- Why do interest rates vary by branch?
- Each Raiffeisen branch sets its own rates within the cooperative model. The 0.05% headline is a Raiffeisen Switzerland reference; your local branch may pay slightly more or less. Always check the price sheet at the branch where you'll open.
- What's the monthly free-withdrawal ceiling on the Raiffeisen Member Savings?
- CHF 10,000 per month without notice; 3 months' notice for higher. Tighter than Raiffeisen's standard private account but typical for member savings. Plan apartment deposits and renovation invoices ahead of the cap.
How We Rated This Account
Wondering why Raiffeisen Member Savings Account got its score? We rate Savings 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 Raiffeisen Member Savings Account today and start enjoying its benefits.