Switzerland, known for its efficiency and banking heritage, is rapidly embracing the convenience of digital payment apps. Whether you’re shopping online, sending money to friends, or paying for services, using the right payment app can simplify your financial life. For expats, this is especially important—payment preferences vary from country to country, and understanding which tools are most effective in Switzerland can help you feel at home faster.
This guide covers how to use PayPal and other popular payment apps in Switzerland, including TWINT, Revolut, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. We’ll explore how they work, where they’re accepted, how to connect them to your Swiss bank, and what to watch out for in terms of fees and compatibility.
The Digital Payment Landscape in Switzerland
While Switzerland may be famous for cash (and you’ll still need it in some places), there’s a strong and growing preference for cashless transactions, especially since the pandemic. According to the Swiss National Bank, digital payments have overtaken cash for everyday purchases.
The most popular payment apps in Switzerland are:
- TWINT (Swiss-made, used nationwide)
- PayPal (global reach, online shopping)
- Revolut (great for foreign exchange and international transfers)
- Apple Pay and Google Pay (gaining ground, especially in urban areas)
- Wise (formerly TransferWise – used for international money transfers)
Each app has its strengths, so let’s explore how to use them effectively in Switzerland.
How to Use PayPal in Switzerland
PayPal is widely used in Switzerland, especially for online purchases and international payments. It’s accepted by many e-commerce sites, including Swiss and global retailers, and is also useful for freelance work or sending money abroad.
Setting Up PayPal in Switzerland
- Go to www.paypal.com and create an account using your Swiss address.
- Choose “Switzerland” as your country during sign-up.
- Link your Swiss bank account or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or PostFinance card).
- Verify your identity and payment method (PayPal may send a test charge with a code).
- You’re now ready to use PayPal.
Using PayPal in Daily Life
- Pay for online purchases from Swiss and international websites
- Send money to friends or family using their email address
- Receive payments for freelance or small business transactions
- Link it to your e-commerce store (if you’re a seller)
Important Notes
- PayPal in Switzerland doesn’t support instant withdrawals to bank accounts like in some other countries. Transfers can take 1–2 days.
- You may face currency conversion fees if you’re sending or receiving payments in non-CHF currencies.
- Fees apply for business transactions and international money transfers.
TWINT – Switzerland’s #1 Payment App
TWINT is Switzerland’s homegrown mobile payment solution, used by more than 5 million people. It’s accepted almost everywhere: grocery stores, vending machines, train stations, online stores, restaurants, and more.
Key Features
- Link directly to your Swiss bank account or prepaid balance
- Pay in stores via QR code scanning
- Send money to friends using just their phone number
- Use for parking meters, train tickets, and online checkouts
- Split bills easily after meals or group events
How to Set Up TWINT
- Download the TWINT app or your bank’s TWINT version (e.g., UBS TWINT, Credit Suisse TWINT)
- Link it to your Swiss bank account or load money via bank transfer
- Verify your identity and phone number
- Start using it for daily transactions
TWINT is free to use for personal payments, and it’s a must-have app for anyone living in Switzerland. Unlike PayPal, it’s tailored for domestic use and doesn’t support cross-border transfers.
Revolut – For Travel and International Payments
Revolut is a digital banking app popular among expats, travelers, and freelancers. It’s not Swiss, but it works well in Switzerland and is great for managing multiple currencies and sending money abroad.
Why Revolut Works Well for Expats
- Multi-currency accounts (CHF, EUR, USD, GBP, etc.)
- Free international transfers (up to a limit, depending on plan)
- Virtual and physical debit cards
- Built-in budgeting and analytics
- Fast exchange rates and crypto trading (optional)
Using Revolut in Switzerland
You can link your Swiss bank account to fund Revolut or use your Revolut card in stores, online, and at ATMs. It’s accepted nearly everywhere Mastercard is.
However, Revolut does not offer a Swiss IBAN, which means:
- You may face issues receiving salaries or domestic payments
- You’ll need to use it more as a spending and travel wallet, not your primary account
Still, it’s ideal for avoiding currency fees and sending money to other countries quickly.
Apple Pay and Google Pay
These mobile wallet solutions are gaining popularity in Switzerland, especially in urban areas and larger retailers.
Setting Up
- Make sure your phone supports Apple Pay or Google Pay.
- Add a compatible Swiss debit or credit card to your wallet.
- Authenticate with face or fingerprint ID.
You can then tap your phone at terminals with the contactless symbol.
Compatibility
Not all Swiss banks support Apple or Google Pay. The following banks do:
- UBS
- Credit Suisse (via Swisscard)
- Neon (Apple Pay)
- Revolut (both)
- PostFinance (limited support)
Check with your bank for availability and setup instructions.
Wise – For International Transfers
Wise (formerly TransferWise) is an international money transfer platform that’s very popular with expats sending money in and out of Switzerland.
Why Use Wise?
- Get a real exchange rate (no hidden fees)
- Transparent pricing
- Local account details for multiple countries (EUR, GBP, USD)
- Connects to your Swiss bank account
Wise doesn’t act as a full bank, but it’s perfect for paying tuition, supporting family abroad, or freelancing internationally. It’s significantly cheaper than PayPal for global transfers.
Which Payment App Should You Use?
The right app depends on your needs:
- Everyday domestic payments: TWINT is unbeatable in Switzerland.
- Online shopping and receiving international payments: PayPal is still the top option.
- Travel and multi-currency usage: Revolut gives flexibility and savings.
- Digital wallet functionality: Apple Pay and Google Pay are convenient where accepted.
- International money transfers: Wise is fast and cost-effective.
Many expats use a combination of apps to cover all their needs. For example, TWINT for day-to-day Swiss payments, PayPal or Wise for international transactions, and Revolut for travel.
Staying Secure When Using Payment Apps
Whichever app you use, keep security in mind:
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Never share your login credentials or passwords
- Use strong PINs and biometric authentication when available
- Regularly monitor your account activity
- Only send payments to trusted recipients
Most apps offer fraud protection, but being cautious adds an extra layer of safety.
Final Thoughts
Digital payment apps make life in Switzerland more convenient, especially for expats adjusting to new systems and habits. Whether you’re paying rent, splitting a bill, or sending money to another country, there’s a reliable app to help you do it efficiently and securely.
From PayPal to TWINT, each app serves a unique purpose—and the good news is, they’re easy to use once you understand the setup and limitations. Choose the ones that fit your lifestyle, and enjoy the convenience of modern Swiss living.