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.