Complete Guide to CHF-EUR Exchange Rates

Comparison: Where to exchange your currency in 2024?

Clock icon7 minutes|Published on 28.05.2024|Updated on 27.11.2024

Whether you're a cross-border worker employed in Switzerland, a business dealing with foreign currency transactions, or simply need to exchange currencies, the challenge remains the same:
Which solution offers the most cost-effective currency exchange?

Here are the key criteria to consider:

  • Speed
  • Reliability
  • Exchange rates
  • Transfer fees
  • Ease of use

In this comparison, we will analyze the top solutions on the market. You'll discover which options provide the best costs, transparent fees, and fast service.

Note: This comparison is for informational purposes only, and the offers may change. We do not guarantee its accuracy at all times and recommend that you always check the rates directly with the respective institutions.

Traditional banks

Traditional banks offer currency exchange services with the security and reliability expected from large financial institutions. However, they may have higher fees and less competitive exchange rates compared to specialized services.

UBS Logo

UBS

UBS is the largest Swiss bank, offering a wide range of financial services, from retail banking to wealth management and investment services. With a strong reputation and international presence, UBS is a trusted choice for many clients seeking comprehensive banking solutions. However, its exchange rates are less advantageous compared to the interbank rate, and its fees are substantial.


Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Option to have a credit cardLess competitive exchange rates (Between 1.7% and 3.6%)
Wide range of financial servicesFinancial services include fees
Personalized serviceSometimes longer processing times
Account maintenance fees (From CHF 3.- to CHF 9.-)
Transaction fees
Banque du Léman Logo

Banque du Léman

Banque du Léman offers personalized services. However, its exchange rates are less advantageous than the interbank rate, and its fees are very high.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Personalized serviceLess competitive exchange rates (from 1.5%)
Option to have a credit cardExchange rate locking is possible but at a rate less advantageous than the market rate
Processing time
Numerous fees on services and transactions
CA Next Bank Logo

CA Next Bank

CA Next Bank offers services tailored to cross-border workers, providing good coverage and a variety of banking solutions. However, its exchange rates are significantly less advantageous than the interbank rate, and its fees are high.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Comprehensive banking servicesUnfavorable exchange rates (1.25%)
Personalized serviceHigh transaction fees
Option to have a CHF-EUR accountComplex transfer procedures
Processing time
Advanced banking services with a monthly cost (starting from CHF 12.-/month)
Crédit Mutuel Logo

Crédit Mutuel

Crédit Mutuel has a strong reputation and offers banking services for cross-border workers. However, for currency exchange, its "exchange guarantee" is well below the actual market rate.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Comprehensive banking servicesUnfavorable exchange rates
Personalized service"Exchange guarantee" offering a lower exchange rate than the market
Option to have a CHF-EUR accountLack of clarity on transfer fees
Processing time
Sparkasse Logo

Sparkasse

Sparkasse offers a wide range of financial services. However, its exchange rates are often less advantageous, and additional fees apply for transfers to Switzerland as well as monthly account fees.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Dedicated CHF IBANUnfavorable exchange rates
Wide range of financial servicesLong processing times
Monthly account fees (€10)
Fees for transfers to Switzerland (€2)
Deutsche Bank Logo

Deutsche Bank (Switzerland)

Deutsche Bank (Switzerland) offers a wide range of financial services, particularly appealing for international transactions and currency exchange. Despite its strong global presence and reliability, its exchange rates are often less competitive, and fees can be high. For example, the fee for currency exchange averages 1.50% of the amount, with additional costs potentially incurred for international transfers.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Global presence and reliabilityLess competitive exchange rates (from 1.5%)
Wide range of financial servicesHigh transaction fees
High security and trustComplexity of services
Monthly account management from €6.90
Zürcher Kantonalbank Logo

Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB)

Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) is one of the largest cantonal banks in Switzerland and offers a broad range of financial services. It is particularly popular among cross-border commuters and Swiss customers due to its strong local presence and trustworthiness. However, its exchange rates are often less competitive, and fees can be high. For example, the fee for deposits and withdrawals in euros at the counter is 0.75% of the amount, with a minimum of CHF 20. The monthly account maintenance fee for the euro account is CHF 3.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Strong local presenceLess competitive exchange rates
Wide range of servicesHigh fees
High stability and trustworthinessLonger processing times
Possibility of a credit cardMonthly account maintenance fees
Migros Bank Logo

Migros Bank

Migros Bank is convenient and accessible due to its extensive network of branches and diverse banking services. Despite offering slightly more competitive currency exchange rates than other banks, international transfers can take longer, and it provides limited options for online services.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Accessibility and convenienceLimited options for online services
Extensive branch networkAccount maintenance fees (CHF 3)
Strong local presenceProcessing time for international transfers

Our review of traditional banks

Traditional banks such as UBS, Banque du Léman, CA Next Bank, Crédit Mutuel, Sparkasse, Deutsche Bank, Zürcher Kantonalbank or Migros Bank offer a comprehensive range of financial services. However, when it comes to currency exchange, they often charge higher conversion fees and offer less favorable exchange rates compared to the interbank rate. Processing times can be significant, and additional fees may also apply.

Neobanks

Neobanks have emerged as modern and often more economical alternatives to traditional banks. They are characterized by lower fees, intuitive apps, and more competitive exchange rates. Let's explore their advantages and disadvantages.

Yuh Logo

Yuh

Yuh is appreciated for its ease of use and the absence of account management fees for payments in Swiss francs. However, it applies a relatively high margin on currency conversions, although they remain more attractive than those of traditional banks.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Intuitive mobile appCurrency conversion fees of 0.95%
Multi-currency accountFewer advanced features compared to other neobanks
Open to non-Swiss residentsLimited coverage to basic transactions
Transparent feesBasic multi-currency management
Cryptocurrency rewards for each transactionRecent customer reviews
Transfer fees for SEPA transfers in Europe in other currencies (CHF 4)
Neon Logo

Neon

Neon offers an easy-to-use mobile app. Although currency conversion fees are lower than those of a traditional bank thanks to its partnership with Wise, they remain relatively high. Opening an account with Neon requires being a Swiss resident.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Intuitive mobile interfaceCumulative fees with Wise from 0.8% to 1.7%
No hidden feesHigh fees for withdrawals abroad
Quick and fully digital account creationOnly available to Swiss residents
Credit card for CHF 20
Receiving foreign currencies with additional fees
Revolut Logo

Revolut

Revolut offers competitive exchange rates using the interbank rate, allowing for significant savings compared to traditional banks. However, it does not provide a Swiss IBAN. A 1% fee applies to currency conversions on weekends, and the free plan's conversion limit is $1,000 per month, with a 0.5% fee beyond that. Higher limits require paid plans. Additionally, a concerning number of accounts have been reported as blocked or suspended.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Easy account opening1% fee for currency conversions beyond the free plan limit
Exchange rates close to the interbank rateFree conversion limit of $1,000 per month for the free plan
Intuitive and feature-rich mobile app0.5% fee beyond the monthly free conversion limit for the plus plan
Cashback and various rewardsSome advanced features require paid subscriptions
Numerous currenciesPremium offer that commits for 12 months
Instant transaction processingConcerning number of deactivated accounts
No Swiss IBAN
Wise Logo

Wise

Wise is known for its low and transparent exchange fees, using the interbank rate without hidden margins, allowing significant savings compared to traditional banks. Its intuitive mobile app enables quick, often instant transfers. However, conversion fees vary by currency, adding complexity for regular users in addition to the concerning number of deactivated accounts.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Use of interbank exchange rateComplex pricing system
No management feesNo Swiss IBAN
Numerous currenciesConcerning number of deactivated accounts
Up to 3 Visa cardsHigh fees on certain currency conversions
Variable fees proportional to the amount
Debit card for CHF 7
Xe Logo

Xe

Xe allows transfers in numerous currencies. However, depending on the currency pairs, a margin on the exchange rate can increase the total cost, and fees may be applied by intermediary banks, especially for less common currencies.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Transfer speedMargin on the exchange rate (0.5% to 2%)
Numerous currenciesPotential fees from intermediary banks
Variable exchange margins

Our opinion on neobanks

Neobanks offer significant advantages over traditional banks, including lower conversion fees and greater ease of use. However, they are not the best solutions for currency exchange due to relatively high conversion fees, geographic limitations, and the complexity of some pricing systems. A major concern for users remains the frequent account closures and suspensions at Revolut and Wise. For frequent transfers or substantial amounts, it is worth considering specialized services that offer complete transparency and even lower margins. Let's discover them now!

Currency converters

Online currency converters have emerged as the best solution for making exchange transactions. Simple to use, they outperform traditional banks and neobanks in terms of currency conversion by offering the real market exchange rate, fee transparency, minimal margins, and unmatched ease of use.

Telexoo Logo

Telexoo

Telexoo stands out for its competitive exchange rates, often significantly lower than those of traditional banks. However, additional fees may sometimes be applied by intermediary banks.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Competitive exchange ratesNo personal IBAN
Tiered transfer fees ranging from 0.42% to 0.25% for amounts exceeding CHF 1,000No physical exchange office
Simple and intuitive user interfacePotential banking fees applied by intermediary banks
Numerous currenciesNo CHF-EUR account
Transfer fees of 1% for amounts below CHF 1,000
B-Sharpe Logo

B-Sharpe

B-Sharpe offers competitive exchange rates and fee transparency. However, additional fees may be applied by intermediary banks.
Source

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Competitive exchange ratesLimited number of currencies
Transfer fees from 0.50% to 0.12%Potential banking fees
Simple and intuitive user interfaceNo CHF-EUR account
Good customer serviceNo physical exchange office
Numerous currenciesCHF 5 fee for transfers under CHF 4,900
ibani Logo

ibani

ibani is a Swiss FinTech specialized in currency exchange that allows you to quickly obtain a dedicated Swiss IBAN without opening a bank account, enabling you to receive your salary directly through it. Additionally, ibani stands out for its intuitive app, low transfer fees, the ability to automate the payment of Swiss bills via the app, its tiered margins among the most competitive on the market, and its complete transparency regarding applied margins. However, ibani does not yet offer a CHF-EUR account.
Our margins

Advantages ✅Disadvantages ❌
Ability to operate without a Swiss bank accountNo CHF-EUR account
Automatic salary repatriation via dedicated IBANNo physical exchange office
Dedicated Swiss IBAN6 currencies
Competitive exchange rates
Tiered margins ranging from 0.4% to 0.05% for the largest amounts
Full cost transparency
Fast transactions
Works without banking reference for transfers
Ability to automate the payment of Swiss bills
Excellent customer service

Our opinion on currency converters

Online currency converters have become essential tools for those looking to maximize the value of their international transactions. They offer competitive exchange rates and increased transparency compared to traditional banks. They are the most economical solution for currency exchange.

In conclusion

Optimizing your international transfers is crucial, whether you are a cross-border worker, an individual, or a business. Traditional banks like UBS, Banque du Léman, CA Next Bank, Crédit Mutuel, and Banque Migros benefit from their historical reputation and offer interesting banking services. However, while they remain a convenient solution, their currency conversion offers are less attractive due to high fees and less competitive exchange rates.

Neobanks such as Yuh, Neon, Revolut, and Wise stand out for their modernity, reduced fees, and advantageous rates. They are ideal for daily expenses thanks to their intuitive apps and additional features. However, their currency conversion service remains relatively costly with additional fees or paid subscriptions, and the recent account closures at Wise and Revolut invite caution.

Currency converters like Telexoo, B-Sharpe and ibani offer competitive rates and increased transparency. ibani stands out with its ability to obtain a dedicated Swiss IBAN without opening a bank account, low transfer fees, intuitive app, degressive margin, and transparent rates, making it an ideal solution for cross-border workers, individuals, and businesses. Additionally, ibani is particularly advantageous for the conversion of very large amounts, with margins as low as 0.05% for amounts over 500,000 francs.

To optimize your exchange rates and finances, it is essential to use a currency converter like ibani in combination with a neobank. This allows you to maximize your savings, simplify your financial management, avoid hidden fees and unfavorable rates, and most importantly, save significant amounts in the long run.

Comparison in numbers

ServiceYou ReceiveDifferenceTransfer Fees
ibani Logo8,468.260
UBS Logo8,363.750
Banque du Léman Logo8,468.260
Crédit Agricole Next Bank Logo8,405.000
Crédit Mutuel Logo8,468.260
Sparkasse Logo8'468.262
Deutsche Bank Logo8'468.260
Zürcher Kantonalbank Logo8'422.000
Migros Bank Logo8,423.000
Yuh Logo8,468.260
Neon Logo8,468.260
Revolut Logo8,468.260
Wise Logo8,468.260
Xe Logo8,468.260
Telexoo Logo8,468.260
B-Sharpe Logo8,468.260
Exchangemarket Logo8,468.260
Currencyfair Logo8,468.260
BNC Change Logo   *8,468.260
Change Cité Logo   *8,468.260
Zürcher Kantonalbank Logo8,422.000
PostFinance Logo8,405.000
BCJ Logo8,468.260
BCGE Logo8,378CHF1.00
Raiffeisen Logo8,422.000
BCN Logo8,3620
BCV Logo8,2420
PayPal Logo8,154.170
Western Union Logo8,2420

*Cash rate

Note: The exchange rates for the providers listed in this table are based on the average exchange margin over a 30-day period.

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