You're probably losing money right now and don't even know it.
If you have CHF 50,000 sitting in a Swiss big bank savings account at 0.15%, you'll earn about CHF 75 in a year. That's less than a dinner for two in Zurich. Meanwhile, the best savings account in Switzerland pays over 1.5%, which would earn you CHF 750 on the same balance. Over 10 years, that difference compounds to roughly CHF 7,000 in lost interest.
This isn't hypothetical. It's the real cost of not comparing. And it's exactly why we built this savings calculator: not just to crunch numbers, but to show you which Swiss provider actually pays you more based on your exact savings situation.
How Does a Savings Calculator Work?
A savings calculator takes four basic inputs and projects your future balance using the compound interest formula. You enter how much you're starting with, how much you'll add each month, the interest rate, and how long you plan to save. The calculator does the math instantly.
The key ingredient is compound interest: interest earned on both your original deposit and on previously earned interest. Your money earns money, then that money earns money too. It's not fast, it's not flashy, but over years and decades, it quietly builds real wealth.
Here's a concrete example to show how it works:
You open a savings account with CHF 10,000. This is your starting capital.
You set up a standing order for CHF 500 per month, a realistic amount for many Swiss employees.
At 1.0% annual interest compounded monthly, after 10 years you'll have approximately CHF 72,800. Of that, about CHF 2,800 is pure interest earned on top of your CHF 70,000 in total contributions.
Switch to 1.5% and the same scenario yields CHF 74,200, an extra CHF 1,400 simply from choosing a slightly better account. No extra effort, no extra risk.
How to Use This Swiss Savings Calculator
This calculator is designed for simplicity. No signup, no login, instant results.
This is the amount you already have or plan to deposit upfront. It could be CHF 1,000 or CHF 100,000. If you're starting from scratch, enter zero.
How much can you realistically save each month? Be honest. CHF 200/month consistently is better than CHF 1,000/month that you'll stop after three months.
You can type any rate manually or click a Swiss preset to auto-fill a realistic rate. The presets reflect actual ranges from big banks, cantonal banks, and neobanks in Switzerland.
Use the slider or type in how many years you plan to save. For a house down payment, think 5 to 10 years. For long-term wealth building, 15 to 30 years.
Enable inflation adjustment to see your balance in today's purchasing power. Switch between monthly and yearly compounding to match how your bank actually calculates interest.
Results update instantly as you move sliders or change values. No "calculate" button needed.
Pro tip: Use the share button to create a URL with all your inputs saved. Bookmark it to revisit your scenario later, or send it to your partner to plan together.
Swiss Savings Account Interest Rates in 2026
Here's where things get interesting, and where most generic calculators fail you. They let you type in any rate you want, but they don't tell you what rates actually exist in Switzerland.
The Swiss savings market has shifted significantly since 2022. After nearly a decade of near-zero interest, rates climbed when the Swiss National Bank raised its policy rate. But the spread between providers has widened dramatically, meaning where you save matters more than ever.
Current Swiss savings rate tiers
Big banks (UBS): 0.10% to 0.25%. These institutions earn revenue from investment banking and wealth management. Retail savings accounts aren't their priority, and the rates reflect that.
Cantonal banks (ZKB, BCGE, BCV): 0.30% to 0.80%. Generally more competitive, with the added benefit of cantonal government backing. Rates vary considerably by canton.
Neobanks and digital banks (Neon, Yuh, Alpian): 0.75% to 1.50%. Lower overhead means they can pass on better rates. Some offer promotional rates that may change, so read the fine print.
Best-in-class savings accounts: Up to 1.5% or higher. Typically from specialized providers, smaller banks, or time-limited promotional offers.
The single biggest mistake Swiss savers make isn't choosing the wrong account. It's not comparing at all. Most people leave their money wherever they opened their first account. Five minutes of comparison can easily be worth thousands of francs over a decade. I've seen it firsthand: switching from my old big bank savings account to a neobank took me 20 minutes and earned me an extra CHF 3,000 over three years. That's a pretty good hourly rate.
How Swiss rates compare globally
Swiss savings rates look low compared to what you see advertised in the US or UK (often 4% to 5%). But context matters. Switzerland has historically had much lower inflation, a stronger currency, and a more stable banking system. A 1.5% savings rate with 1% inflation gives you 0.5% real return. That's actually comparable to a 5% US rate with 3.5% inflation.
The takeaway: don't compare Swiss rates to foreign rates without adjusting for inflation and currency risk.
The Real Impact of Inflation on Swiss Savings
This is the part that makes people uncomfortable, so let's be direct about it.
Even when your savings earn interest, inflation silently reduces what that money can actually buy. Switzerland has historically low inflation compared to most countries, but "low" doesn't mean "zero."
Swiss inflation averaged around 1.4% in recent years according to the Swiss Federal Statistical Office. That means a savings account earning 0.15% is losing real purchasing power every single year. Your balance technically goes up, but what it can buy goes down.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
| Starting balance | Rate | After 10 years (nominal) | After 10 years (inflation-adjusted at 1.5%) | Real gain/loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 50,000 | 0.15% | CHF 50,753 | CHF 43,640 | -CHF 6,360 |
| CHF 50,000 | 0.75% | CHF 53,870 | CHF 46,320 | -CHF 3,680 |
| CHF 50,000 | 1.50% | CHF 58,074 | CHF 49,930 | -CHF 70 |
The uncomfortable truth: You need a savings rate of roughly 1.5% just to break even against inflation. Anything below that, and you're technically losing purchasing power, even though your account balance goes up.
That's why our calculator includes an inflation toggle. When you enable it, you see your future balance in today's CHF, giving you a much more honest picture than the nominal number alone.
Pillar 3a vs. Regular Savings: Which Is Better?
For Swiss residents with a long time horizon, this is the most important comparison you can make.
Pillar 3a savings accounts typically offer:
- Higher interest rates than regular savings accounts (often 0.5% to 1.0% more)
- Tax deductions on contributions (up to CHF 7,258 per year for employees in 2026)
- Tax-free growth: no wealth tax or income tax on the interest earned inside the account
The trade-off is liquidity. Pillar 3a funds are locked until age 59/64, with limited exceptions for buying your primary residence, starting a business, or leaving Switzerland permanently.
The math that settles the debate
Let's compare two scenarios over 20 years, both saving CHF 500/month:
Regular savings at 1.0%: Final balance of approximately CHF 132,700. Interest earned: CHF 12,700. You also owe wealth tax on the balance and income tax on the interest annually.
Pillar 3a savings at 1.25%: Final balance of approximately CHF 135,900. Interest earned: CHF 15,900. Plus, you've saved roughly CHF 2,000 to CHF 3,000 per year in income taxes from the deduction (depending on your marginal rate and canton). Over 20 years, that's CHF 40,000 to CHF 60,000 in tax savings alone.
The calculator's provider comparison section shows this side by side, using your exact inputs with real Pillar 3a rates from our database.
5 Common Savings Mistakes Swiss Residents Make
Neobanks offer 10x the rate with the same deposit protection. Switching takes 20 minutes and could earn you thousands more over a decade.
The spread between the worst and best Swiss savings rate is over 1%. On CHF 50,000, that's a CHF 500+ difference per year. Compare at least once annually.
You're leaving thousands in tax deductions on the table every year. At a 30% marginal rate, the CHF 7,258 annual limit saves you over CHF 2,000 in taxes.
Some rates are tiered (1.5% on the first CHF 25,000, then 0.5%) or promotional (valid for 6 months only). Always check the conditions before switching.
Relying on willpower to "save what's left" doesn't work. Set up a standing order the day after payday. You can't spend money you never see.
How Much Should You Be Saving? Swiss Benchmarks
There's no universal answer, but here are frameworks that work for Swiss residents:
The 50/30/20 rule (adapted for Switzerland): 50% of net income for necessities (rent, insurance, groceries), 30% for discretionary spending, 20% for savings and debt repayment. In a high-cost country like Switzerland, the 50% for necessities might need to be 55% to 60%, which means adjusting the other categories accordingly.
Emergency fund target: 3 to 6 months of living expenses in a liquid savings account. In Switzerland, where average monthly expenses for a single person are CHF 3,500 to CHF 5,000 (depending on location), that means CHF 10,500 to CHF 30,000.
Savings rate by age (rough Swiss benchmarks):
| Age range | Suggested savings rate | Monthly amount (median salary) |
|---|---|---|
| 25 to 30 | 10% to 20% | CHF 550 to CHF 1,100 |
| 30 to 40 | 15% to 25% | CHF 825 to CHF 1,375 |
| 40 to 50 | 15% to 30% | CHF 825 to CHF 1,650 |
| 50+ | 20% to 35% | CHF 1,100 to CHF 1,925 |
These numbers assume a gross monthly salary around CHF 6,500 (Swiss median). Adjust for your situation.
Pro tip: The calculator's "Long-term savings outlook" feature lets you see where you'll be at age 65 at your current saving pace. It's a quick reality check that often motivates people to bump up their monthly contribution.
Savings Goal Planning: Working Backwards
Most people think about savings forward: "I'll save CHF 500/month and see what happens." That works, but it's more powerful to work backwards from a goal.
Common Swiss savings goals
Emergency fund (CHF 15,000 to CHF 30,000): Starting from zero with CHF 500/month at 1%, you'll reach CHF 15,000 in about 30 months and CHF 30,000 in about 58 months.
House down payment (CHF 100,000 to CHF 200,000): This is the big one for Swiss residents. With property prices averaging CHF 800,000 to CHF 1,200,000 in major cities, you need 20% down. At CHF 1,500/month with CHF 20,000 starting capital at 1.25%, reaching CHF 200,000 takes about 10 years.
Major purchase (CHF 5,000 to CHF 20,000): A new car, home renovation, or extended travel. At CHF 300/month at 1%, CHF 20,000 takes about 64 months (just over 5 years).
Plug these numbers into the calculator to see exactly how your specific situation plays out. Adjust the monthly contribution until the final amount matches your target.
Compounding Frequency: Does It Actually Matter?
Short answer: less than you think.
Most Swiss savings accounts compound interest annually (typically calculated and credited on December 31). Some neobanks and online accounts compound monthly.
Here's the real difference on CHF 50,000 at 1.5% over 10 years:
- Annual compounding: CHF 58,037
- Monthly compounding: CHF 58,074
- Daily compounding: CHF 58,085
The difference between annual and daily compounding is CHF 48 over a decade. It's not nothing, but it's not where the real money is. Focus your energy on finding a better interest rate and maintaining consistent contributions. Those factors move the needle 100x more.
The calculator lets you toggle between monthly and yearly compounding so you can match what your bank actually does.
When Savings Accounts Aren't Enough
Let's be honest: savings accounts are for preservation and short-term goals, not wealth building.
If your time horizon is 10 years or more and you can tolerate some volatility, you should seriously consider investing. Here's the comparison that changes minds:
| Strategy | Monthly savings | Duration | Rate | Final balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best savings account | CHF 500 | 20 years | 1.5% | CHF 139,800 |
| Pillar 3a investment fund | CHF 500 | 20 years | 5.0% | CHF 205,500 |
| Global ETF portfolio | CHF 500 | 20 years | 7.0% | CHF 260,500 |
The difference between saving at 1.5% and investing at 7% over 20 years is CHF 120,700. That's the opportunity cost of keeping everything in cash.
This doesn't mean you should invest your emergency fund or money you'll need in 2 years. But for long-term goals, our compound interest calculator can model investment scenarios with higher return rates.
I personally keep about 6 months of expenses in a high-yield savings account and put everything else to work. For years I left too much cash in a big bank earning essentially nothing. When I finally did the math on how much I'd lost in opportunity cost, it genuinely frustrated me. Don't make the same mistake. Calculate your number, keep that amount liquid, and deploy the rest.
Tips to Maximize Your Swiss Savings
Interest rates change. Banks adjust them quietly without notifying you. Set a yearly reminder (January is perfect) to check if your current account still offers competitive rates. Our savings account comparison is updated regularly with the latest rates from Swiss providers.
Set up a standing order (Dauerauftrag) the day after your salary hits. You can't miss money you never see. Even CHF 200/month adds up to CHF 24,000 over 10 years, before interest.
If you have a long time horizon, the tax deduction on Pillar 3a contributions makes this the highest guaranteed return available. At a 30% marginal tax rate, your CHF 7,258 contribution effectively costs you only CHF 5,081.
Emergency fund (3 to 6 months expenses) goes in a regular savings account you can access quickly. Medium-term savings (3 to 10 years) can go in the best available rate. Long-term (10+ years) belongs in Pillar 3a or investments.
Some accounts charge management fees or penalize withdrawals. A 1% rate with a CHF 50 annual fee on a CHF 5,000 balance is effectively 0%. Read the fine print or use our bank account comparison to check the full picture.
Is Your Money Safe in a Swiss Bank?
Yes. Swiss bank deposits are among the safest in the world.
All deposits up to CHF 100,000 per depositor per bank are protected through esisuisse, the Swiss deposit protection scheme. This applies to all banks with a Swiss banking license, including neobanks like Neon and Yuh.
A few things to keep in mind:
- The CHF 100,000 limit is per bank, not per account. If you have multiple accounts at the same bank, the total is still capped at CHF 100,000.
- For balances above CHF 100,000, consider splitting across two or more banks.
- Switzerland's banking regulation through FINMA is considered one of the strictest and most reliable globally.
This means you can confidently choose the bank with the best rate without worrying about safety, as long as you stay within the deposit protection limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good savings interest rate in Switzerland in 2026?
Anything above 0.75% is considered good for a regular Swiss savings account. The best neobanks offer 1.0% to 1.5%. For Pillar 3a savings accounts, rates above 1.0% are competitive. Anything below 0.3% means you're likely with a big bank and should consider switching.
How much interest will I earn on CHF 100,000 in a Swiss savings account?
It depends entirely on the provider. At a big bank paying 0.15%, you'd earn about CHF 150 per year. At the best available rate of 1.5%, you'd earn CHF 1,500 per year. Over 10 years with compounding, that's the difference between CHF 101,508 and CHF 116,054. Use the calculator above to see your exact projection.
How long will my savings last in Switzerland?
Divide your total savings by your monthly expenses. If you have CHF 60,000 and spend CHF 5,000/month, your savings cover 12 months. With interest earned, slightly longer. The calculator's "Long-term outlook" section can project this based on your inputs.
Should I save in a regular account or Pillar 3a?
If you won't need the money before age 59/64, Pillar 3a is almost always better because of higher rates and significant tax savings. For short-to-medium term goals (1 to 5 years), use a regular savings account for flexibility. The ideal approach is both: emergency fund in regular savings, long-term savings in Pillar 3a.
How often is interest compounded on Swiss savings accounts?
Most Swiss savings accounts compound interest annually, typically crediting interest on December 31. Some neobanks and online accounts compound monthly, which gives a slightly higher effective return. The practical difference is small: about CHF 37 per CHF 50,000 per year.
Is a Swiss savings account better than investing?
For short-term goals (under 5 years) and emergency funds, yes. Savings accounts offer guaranteed capital preservation and instant access. For long-term goals (10+ years), investing typically outperforms savings significantly. A diversified portfolio averaging 5% to 7% will grow much faster than any savings account. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
Can I have multiple savings accounts in Switzerland?
Yes. There's no limit on the number of savings accounts you can hold. In fact, it's a smart strategy to split large balances across multiple banks to stay within the CHF 100,000 esisuisse deposit protection limit per institution. You can also use different accounts for different savings goals.
What is the Swiss bank interest rate for savings in 2026?
Swiss savings rates range from 0.10% (big banks like UBS) to 1.50% (best neobanks and digital banks). Cantonal banks typically offer 0.30% to 0.80%. Pillar 3a savings accounts range from 0.50% to 1.25%. Rates change periodically, so check our updated comparison for the latest figures.
How much should I have in savings by age 30 in Switzerland?
A common benchmark is to have the equivalent of your annual salary saved by 30. With the Swiss median salary around CHF 78,000, that means about CHF 78,000. More practically, focus on having a fully funded emergency fund (CHF 15,000 to CHF 30,000) and making regular Pillar 3a contributions. If you've done that consistently since your mid-20s, you're ahead of most people.
Does the savings calculator account for taxes?
The calculator shows gross returns before taxes. In Switzerland, interest earned on regular savings accounts is taxed as income. Your savings balance is also subject to wealth tax (which varies by canton). Pillar 3a accounts are exempt from both during the accumulation phase. For a precise after-tax projection, reduce the displayed interest rate by your marginal tax rate as a rough approximation.
The Bottom Line
A savings calculator is only useful if it reflects your reality. And in Switzerland, that reality includes low but meaningful interest rate differences between providers, the unique advantages of Pillar 3a, and inflation that quietly erodes your purchasing power.
This tool is built for Swiss residents who want clear answers: how much will I have, how much of that is interest, and where should I actually keep my money?
Run your numbers. Compare the provider projections below the calculator. Then take 10 minutes to actually switch if you find a better option. That small action today could be worth thousands of francs tomorrow.