Hi Helen, I've been using PostFinance for 18 months with no problems whatsoever. Their cards are certainly accepted everywhere. I have both CHF and USD current accounts. Their online services are easy to use and they provide (multilingual) phone assistance 24/7. I'd have no hesitation in recommending them.

Cheers

Jenny

Thanks Jenny that is good to know . They appear to be an inexpensive option . I am fed up of being shafted by Credit Suisse ! 

We use post finance for personal (euro & CH), deposit & business accounts. We also operate a credit/debit card machine and accept post finance cards.

When we came to CH I had a good contact at UBS, he moved on and we got a succession of flash idiots who weren't very bright. If I asked them the time of day they'd spend days arguing we needed to have a meeting before messing up whatever I asked them to do. Complaints to their head office were simply forwarded to the staff you'd complained about and asking for replacements just got you someone who was clearly known to the previous idiot and didn't make any difference.

By contrast, Post Finance just get on with it. I ask them to do something and it just gets done. Their accounts are guaranteed against loss if they go bust to a higher limit than the retail banks which is why I'd moved some cash to deposit there originally before moving everything. I really can't think of a single negative experience. I'm sure the flash guys we had UBS think Post Finance are the bank their granny uses but she probably knows a thing or two they don't!

As for the card, in Switzerland the postcard is widely accepted. We love it as a merchant! The money arrives to us in a couple of days with a tiny, tiny charge. The best card we take easily.

Thanks Ian -  and I am smiling at your description of the idiots at UBS.  I found the service with Credit Suisse appalling - worse than any utility company -  jawdroppingly bad , though their internet banking site will be missed.

I too started looking for a deposit account - Post Finance is overall looking good, but only 1% interest as I think Switzerland is not encouraging saving ...  i am a Frontalier and I have also heard good reports on Credit Agricole    .....

Dear Helen,

 As you are Frontalier, please find a list of french banks that have good offer in Swiss franc and Euro :
- Banque Populaire
- CIC and Crédit Mutuel
- Crédit Agricole

All of them have offers tailored for frontaliers :
- Cards in both Euro and CHF,
- Free Salary transfer
- Blocked Exchange rate
- etc

 As you can imagine, the source of good service is more the Branch (the branch manager and the relationship manager) than the Bank.

Our frontalier clients regularly feed us with the quality of service provided by their own branch. If you share your city of residence, I could be able to mention one or two branches with good reputation in your area.

 For your information, these banks pay from 2% to 5% (promotional offers) for deposits in Euro. 

Postfinance is great and your deposit is fully guaranteed by the Swiss Government... So better than any other banks :)

Hi,

A couple of follow-up questions on Poste Finance:

- Is their card accepted in ATMs/Bancomat outside of Switzerland

- Anyone know if they have "special" rules for US Citizens/Green Card holders?

Thanks,

Sam

@ Reuterb -> yes the card is accepted in any ATM with the sign " PLUS". I never really had issue to withdraw money abroad.

I know that Postfinance like other swiss banks are very tough on American citizien. It is impossible for an american with a residence in the US to open a Postfinance account... However a Swiss national with a residence in the US is able to keep a Postfinance account. About Americans leaving in Switzerland, I cannot tell you if Postfinance takes them... However, restriction may apply...

Cheers

Thanks jcat,

One last question (I hope), anyone uses PostFinance to make international transfers through their eBanking? Any bad experiences/aspects there?

I have a postfinance account.  It has great online services.   Cards are like ATM cards anywhere, they work in machines, not in stores.   Visa/Mastercard available, though I have my Visa with SBB joint with a half-price card.   The private accounts, if you maintain a certain balance, fees are waived.

It's important to note though that PostFinance is not a bank.  As such, they do not offer all the same services as a bank does.   They cannot, for example, set up a Rental Surety.    So you have to set that up with another bank or get an insurance instead (SwissCaution).

Trilingual interface, fast response to email inquiries.  Short wait time on telephone inquiries. 

There are also e-banking options.   I'll be looking into those shortly when I need to open a separate account for work purposes, with high turnover and low savings, so need zero fees even without a good balance.

Thanks everyone for your comments - it is good to hear they are good

I would like to repeat reuterbs question though - what are they like for international internet banking transfers ? i do a couple a month in GBP and if i dont open the euro account then will have a few in euros

in the internet banking  - can you set up direct debits and / or standing orders ?

i set up direct debit with post and do international transfers with no problem

Yes, I have done intrenational transfer too, from the e-finance site, no problems. The card is accepoted in stores as well. So, best wishes with your banking!