Switzerland is globally known for its banking excellence, but in recent years, it’s also made a name for itself in the world of fintech. For expats navigating life in a new country, fintech solutions can make a huge difference—offering smarter ways to bank, save, invest, and manage daily payments. From mobile banking to digital pension tools and seamless peer-to-peer payments, Swiss fintechs are building the future of personal finance. In this guide, we’ll explore the best fintech startups in Switzerland that cater to the needs of expats and why they stand out.
Why Fintech Matters for Expats
Expats in Switzerland often face a unique set of challenges: setting up a local bank account, transferring money internationally, dealing with multiple currencies, finding a way to save for retirement under new systems, or even hiring household help legally. Fintech startups solve these pain points with user-friendly apps and cost-effective services.
Unlike traditional banks, fintechs are typically more flexible, offer lower fees, operate digitally, and are easier to access—particularly useful when you’re still adjusting to a new financial environment.
1. Neon – Simple, No-Fee Digital Banking
Neon is a Swiss neobank that offers a fully digital experience and one of the most cost-effective banking solutions in the country. Designed with modern users in mind, Neon provides a Swiss IBAN, a free Mastercard debit card, and a sleek mobile app that makes tracking spending and managing money easy. Expats love it because there are no foreign transaction fees, and ATM withdrawals in Switzerland are free within the monthly limit.
It’s ideal for those who want a straightforward banking solution without the high costs or paperwork of traditional Swiss banks. You can open an account online in less than 15 minutes.
2. Yuh – Banking, Saving, and Investing in One
Yuh is a collaboration between PostFinance and Swissquote, combining traditional banking with modern features like in-app investing and saving tools. The platform offers multi-currency accounts (CHF, EUR, USD), lets you buy stocks and ETFs directly from your phone, and includes tools to set and track savings goals.
For expats, Yuh’s appeal lies in its all-in-one approach. You can manage your daily finances, save money, and begin investing without needing multiple apps. The platform is available in multiple languages, including English, making it very expat-friendly.
3. Swissquote – Digital Investment Powerhouse
Swissquote is more than just a fintech startup—it’s Switzerland’s leading online bank for trading and investing. It’s publicly listed and offers a wide array of services, including trading in stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and even forex.
If you’re an expat who wants to grow your wealth or manage investments in a familiar language, Swissquote is a solid choice. It’s regulated by Swiss financial authorities and offers strong customer support in English. The platform supports users at all levels, from casual investors to experienced traders.
4. TWINT – Mobile Payments Made Easy
TWINT is Switzerland’s most popular mobile payment app, used by over five million people. It’s accepted at virtually all shops, restaurants, markets, and even for parking meters. TWINT links directly to your Swiss bank account or debit card and allows you to send or request money instantly using just a mobile number.
For expats, it removes the hassle of carrying cash or setting up card payments for every small purchase. Whether you’re paying at a local bakery or splitting a restaurant bill, TWINT is the go-to solution.
5. VIAC – Digital Pension Planning for Expats
Understanding and participating in the Swiss pension system (particularly the 3rd pillar or Pillar 3a) can be overwhelming for expats. VIAC makes this easy. It’s Switzerland’s first fully digital pension platform, offering low-fee investment options through ETFs that are compliant with Pillar 3a regulations.
The onboarding is simple, the fees are among the lowest in the market, and it’s a great way to save for retirement while reducing your annual taxes. If you’re planning to stay in Switzerland long term, VIAC is a smart addition to your financial strategy.
6. True Wealth – Automated Investing with Swiss Precision
True Wealth is a Swiss robo-advisor that builds and manages ETF-based portfolios for you. With low minimum investment requirements and transparent pricing, it’s a great fit for expats who want to invest but prefer a hands-off approach.
You start by answering questions about your goals and risk tolerance, and True Wealth takes care of the rest. It’s regulated by FINMA and offers a clear dashboard to track your progress.
7. quitt – Legal Payroll for Household Employees
Hiring household help like a nanny, cleaner, or gardener is common among expat families. But Swiss labor laws are strict—and managing payroll, taxes, and insurance can be a headache. That’s where quitt comes in.
Created by ETH Zurich alumni, quitt handles the full process for you: salary calculations, social security payments, accident insurance, tax documents, and more. Everything is automated and legally compliant. For any expat who needs help at home but doesn’t want to deal with bureaucracy, quitt is a lifesaver.
8. Payrexx – Digital Payments for Freelancers and Small Businesses
For expats running their own business or freelancing in Switzerland, Payrexx offers an easy way to accept digital payments. The platform supports credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, TWINT, and even QR invoices—all in one system.
It’s ideal for those setting up a side hustle, e-commerce site, or professional services business. You can create custom payment pages or integrate Payrexx into your website with minimal effort.
9. Qontis – Budgeting and Financial Planning in One Place
Qontis is a personal finance manager designed to consolidate all your financial accounts into a single dashboard. It helps you monitor spending, set budgets, and plan savings. It was developed with support from Swiss media and tech firms and is tailored for the local market.
Expats benefit from having a clearer view of their finances across multiple banks or accounts, especially in their first year when expenses are high and income may fluctuate.
10. Wise (formerly TransferWise) – International Transfers Made Affordable
Though not Swiss-based, Wise is essential for many expats in Switzerland who need to send or receive money from abroad. It offers transparent, low-fee international transfers with excellent exchange rates. You can also open a multi-currency account and get local bank details for countries like the UK, US, and Eurozone.
Wise works well alongside your Swiss bank and is perfect for managing global income, supporting family abroad, or paying international bills.
What to Consider When Choosing a Fintech
When evaluating which fintech is right for you, consider your primary needs:
- For daily banking, Neon and Yuh are top picks.
- For investing and saving, look to VIAC, Swissquote, and True Wealth.
- For mobile payments, TWINT is essential.
- For freelancing or business, Payrexx is invaluable.
- For legal compliance in hiring, quitt saves time and stress.
- For cross-border transfers, Wise is a go-to solution.
Make sure the service you choose offers a Swiss IBAN if you need to receive your salary locally or pay rent. Also, check language options—most top fintechs offer English interfaces.
Final Thoughts
Switzerland’s fintech ecosystem is thriving, and expats can now access smart, secure, and user-friendly financial tools that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Whether you want to ditch high banking fees, automate your savings, or manage household employees legally, there’s a fintech solution tailored for you.
Take advantage of Switzerland’s innovation and build a digital financial setup that makes your life abroad smoother, safer, and more efficient.