Our Take on Raiffeisen Private Member Account
Buy a cooperative share, pay CHF 108 per year, and get both Visa and Mastercard. Worth it?
The Raiffeisen Private Member Account ranks #38 among Switzerland's 45 private accounts. It's Raiffeisen's member-only offering, requiring you to purchase at least one cooperative share certificate. The dual card option is appealing, but the total cost and variable fees across branches complicate the picture.
Are the Fees Worth It?
Total annual cost: CHF 108 (CHF 60 for account management, CHF 48 for the debit card). Plus the upfront share certificate purchase of at least CHF 200 to become a member. The share does pay interest, so it's not purely a cost, but it's capital you're locking up.
You get 12 free ATM withdrawals per month, then CHF 2 each after that. SEPA payments cost CHF 1, and non-SEPA transfers are just CHF 3. That international transfer rate is competitive, matching Raiffeisen's cooperative model of keeping things affordable for members.
What Actually Stands Out
Both Debit Mastercard and Debit Visa come with the account. Most banks make you choose one. Having both networks gives you flexibility, especially when traveling to countries where one network has better acceptance than the other.
The 12 free ATM withdrawals per month is generous. Raiffeisen has Switzerland's largest ATM network, so those free withdrawals cover a lot of ground. If you're a cash user, this matters. Abroad, withdrawals cost a moderate CHF 4.50 each.
What Most Reviews Miss
Fees may vary between Raiffeisen branches. This is the fine print that matters most. The CHF 108 figure is the standard rate, but your local Raiffeisen cooperative might charge more or less. Always check with your specific branch before committing.
The cooperative share requirement means you're partially investing in the bank. That share certificate (minimum CHF 200) earns interest, but you can't easily liquidate it. It's returned when you leave the cooperative. No contactless payments on the debit card, which is a recurring gap across older Swiss bank offerings.
The Bottom Line
The member account makes sense if you already bank with Raiffeisen or live in a region where they're the dominant local bank. Dual debit cards and low international transfer fees are genuine perks. But verify your branch's actual pricing first. To see how it compares nationally, find the best bank account for your needs.
Verdict: Good for Raiffeisen loyalists who value dual cards and low transfer fees. Confirm branch-level pricing.
Pros
- No minimum deposit required
- Modern mobile and online banking
Cons
- Annual management fee (CHF 60)
- Annual debit card fee of CHF 48
- SEPA payment fee of CHF 1
- No contactless payment
- Age restriction: For individuals from the age of 18.
Account Details
At a Glance
Account Mgmt
CHF 60/year
Interest Rate
0.00%
Debit Card Fee
CHF 48/year
Currency
CHF
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Account Opening Fee
No fee
Account Mgmt
CHF 60/year
Debit Card Fee
CHF 48/year
Cash Withdrawal (Switzerland)
12 free, then CHF 2
Cash Withdrawal (Abroad)
CHF 4.5
Outgoing Payment (CH)
No fee
SEPA Payment
CHF 1
Non-SEPA Payment Abroad
CHF 3
Banking Features
Banking Features
Mobile Banking
Available
Online Banking
Available
Debit Card Options
Key Features
- Mobile banking available
- Online banking available
- Debit Mastercard included
- Debit Visa included
- Free cash withdrawals in Switzerland
- Low minimum deposit requirement
Age Requirement
From age 18
Withdrawal Terms
Withdrawal Terms
Account Closure
Free of charge
Additional Information
Additional Information
- Member account (fees may vary by branch)
Calculate Your Annual Cost
Annual Cost Breakdown
You Pay Per Year
CHF 108
Rating by Category
Compare to Similar Accounts
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does this account require buying a Raiffeisen share?
- Membership starts at a CHF 200 share certificate, and you can't open the account without one. The share earns its own dividend, so it's not pure cost, but it's capital tied up inside the cooperative until you exit. If you'd rather skip that, the standard Raiffeisen Private Account doesn't impose the share requirement.
- Why does it ship with both Visa and Mastercard debit cards?
- Most Swiss banks make you pick one network; here you get both for the CHF 48 card fee. Useful when you travel and run into a Visa-only ATM in one country and a Mastercard-only terminal the next. Genuine flexibility for frequent travelers.
- What's the foreign-currency surcharge on the debit card?
- 1.25% of every foreign-currency purchase, with a CHF 1.50 minimum. A CHF 5 espresso in euros pays the CHF 1.50 floor instead of 6 cents. Big trips dilute the impact, but small foreign-currency taps abroad get punished disproportionately.
- Why do conditions vary between Raiffeisen branches?
- Each Raiffeisen branch is its own cooperative, so fees and rates can differ from one office to another. Check the price sheet at your specific branch before opening, especially if you bank near a cantonal border. The numbers we list are headline reference rates.
How We Rated This Account
Wondering why Raiffeisen Private Member Account got its score? We rate Checking (Everyday) 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 Private Member Account today and start enjoying its benefits.