Bump...no input from anyone?

Hi Leif,

I'm not qualified to go into the pros and cons of having a joint or single account, but to address your other questions:

- with a work contract, most or all banks will allow you to have a joint account

- Most banks will let your wife have a separate account, but with restrictions without you as a guarantor (mainly w/ credit cards, etc... without an income, but you can organize partner cards from your account for any credit-related items)

- If she doesn't have any income, it might not be necessary for her to have an account as everything can be done in your name... it's probably more of a psychological debate/question

- if you're looking for keeping costs down and not expecting frills, I bank with Postfinance, pay no fees as long as I have over 7000 (I believe) in the bank (which includes 3rd pillar savings) and am very happy with the online banking options (as well as their mobile app). I opened my account when I first arrived in CH without a job with just an EU passport and note from my girlfriend confirming I was residing with her - very easy

If you or your wife have or have had any assets or accounts in the US it will complicate your banking and limit your choices on who will deal with you

Thanks Matt, I had spotted the Postfinance account; will also consider the DKB one, which seems to offer 1.3% interest on your balance and free foreign use - both of interest to us.

https://www.dkb.de/privatkunden/dkb_cash/index.html

Hi Leif,

I'd never heard of DKB bank - it looks interesting, especially if you live in Germany, but, as far as I know, there's no presence in Geneva. None of the 'Cash im Shop' partners operate in Geneva, so you'd always have to use a cash machine. If you'd ever have a problem with a card, for instance, that could mean several days without a solution/access to your account, whereas with a local provider you could expect a short-term solution until a new card arrives or the situation is resolved. Plus, unless they offer a local or Swiss number, it could be expensive if you ever have a problem (I've paid quite a bit over the years calling from CH dealing with service providers in France with only French toll numbers).

Of course, if you're just looking for the best return on money sitting in an account, you can have your money anywhere and just have a minimum in a CH account to cover monthly expenses.