Swiss Bank Accounts for Seniors

Over 1.6 million Swiss citizens are at least 65 years old, and a fair number of well-heeled pensioners from across the world also call Switzerland home. The aging country is sometimes appropriately referred to as a pensioners’ nation.

It isn’t surprising then that pensioners are an important target group for Swiss banks. It isn’t only the sheer number of pensioners that interests banks. The amount of wealth held by pensioners in Switzerland is well above the global average.

Increasingly rare are special offers for retirees with a minimum age of usually 60 years. However, some banks still have special personal and savings accounts for seniors. Typically, these kinds of bank accounts are titled "senior accounts" or "60 plus accounts."

The conditions attached to senior accounts may differ, albeit moderately, from "standard" accounts. That’s why, when you reach 60 years of age, its important to compare the best offers available for your new age bracket.

Senior savings accounts compared

Savings accounts for seniors have long offered higher interest rates than standard savings accounts. However, under the current negative interest rate regime, the yields earned by senior account holders now match those offered by standard accounts.

Withdrawal limits: Most banks set the monthly limit on withdrawals you can make at anywhere between 10,000 to 50,000 francs. It’s possible to make withdrawals above the limit, but you will have to give advanced notice (normally 3 months).

Note that as a senior, you can just as easily open a regular bank account. Regular savings accounts may also offer higher annual yield rates for those above the age of 60.

Tip: The unbiased and comprehensive savings account comparison tool by moneyland.ch lists all applicable savings and senior savings accounts, based on your year of birth.

Private accounts for seniors

Private accounts for seniors may vary from standard private accounts in certain details. Differences normally affect interest rates, bank fees, monetary transactions and debit cards.

Here too, it’s worth noting that many standard private accounts are also available to seniors. Depending on how you use your account, a standard account may offer better conditions than a specialized senior account.

Tip: The independent moneyland.ch private account comparison tool takes your date of birth into account when listing the best available offers. Both standard and senior private accounts are included in the comparison.

Swiss retirement capital accounts

A handful of banks offer what’s know as a retirement capital account (Pensionskapitalkonto in German). These accounts are a sort of "catchment" for age-limited retirement benefits from your pension fund, your vested benefits account or your privately funded 3a retirement account. 

More information:
Compare Swiss savings accounts now
Compare Swiss private accounts (checking accounts) now