How to Open a Swiss Bank Account as an Expat: Step-by-Step with Zak by Bank Cler

Image Source and Credits: https://www.cler.ch/de

When I first arrived in Switzerland, the last thing I expected to stress about was a bank account. Yet, between renting a flat, paying health insurance, and buying groceries, I quickly realized: you can’t survive here without a Swiss bank account.

Everyone jokes about Swiss banks being mysterious and glamorous, but as an expat, it’s mostly about needing somewhere reliable to store your salary and pay your bills. Traditional banks wanted paperwork, high monthly fees, and in-person visits (all in German). Honestly, it felt intimidating.

That’s when I stumbled upon Zak — Switzerland’s first mobile-only bank account, powered by Bank Cler. Setting it up was shockingly easy, and it completely changed how I manage my money here.

(Psst: If you’re ready to skip the stress, you can open a free Zak account here and use code TOP50! to get a CHF 50 starting balance — no expiry date!)

What is Zak Bank and Why Expats Love It

What is Zak Bank for Expats?

Zak is Switzerland’s first mobile-only bank account, run by Bank Cler (part of Basler Kantonalbank). That means: no branches, no paper stacks, and no hidden monthly fees.

Everything happens in the app.

Here’s why expats like me love it:

• Free to open (basic account has no monthly fees).

  
  

• Fast setup: I opened mine in under 15 minutes.

  
  

• English-friendly interface: Even if you’re still learning “Grüezi,” you’ll be fine.

  
  

• Built-in budgeting tools that make Swiss expenses less scary.

  
  

The biggest relief for me? I didn’t have to walk into a bank, try to explain myself in broken German, and wait weeks for approval. Zak made it instant.

How to Open a Swiss Bank Account as an Expat

Step 1 – Choosing the Right Swiss Bank Account for Expats

Traditional banks like UBS or Credit Suisse often charge CHF 10–15 per month in account fees, plus extras for cards and withdrawals. Those costs pile up quickly, especially when you’re juggling rent, health insurance, and food shopping in Switzerland.

Zak’s basic account is free. That was the dealbreaker for me. I didn’t want luxury packages or investment add-ons — just an everyday account that wouldn’t drain my budget.

👉 Check Zak’s options here. And yes — don’t forget code TOP50! for your CHF 50 bonus.

Step 2 – Documents You Need Before Opening an Account

The good news? Zak keeps this simple. Here’s all you need:

• Valid passport or EU ID card

  
  

• Swiss residence permit (B, C, or L permit works)

  
  

• Swiss address (even temporary rental accepted)

  
  

• Swiss mobile number

  
  

That’s it. No heavy paperwork or notarizations. I had mine ready in under 10 minutes.

Step 3 – How to Open a Zak Account Online (The Fun Part)

Opening my Zak account felt more like ordering food delivery than dealing with a bank. Here’s how it works:

1. Download the Zak app (iOS/Android).

   
   

2. Fill in your details: address, nationality, phone number.

   
   

3. Video identification: A short call where someone verifies your ID and permit. Mine took 5 minutes!

   
   

4. E-sign the contract: No printing, no mailing.

   
   

5. Account activation: Almost instant.

   
   

Your Visa Debit card arrives by post within a few days.

👉 Bonus: With code TOP50!, Zak gifts you a CHF 50 welcome balance.

Note: Zak’s website is in German/French/Italian, but your browser’s translate button works perfectly. I used Chrome, and the whole process displayed in English without issues.

Step 4 – Using Zak as Your Everyday Swiss Account

Once I was set up, Zak became my daily financial hub:

• Salary lands directly into Zak.

  
  

• Rent goes out automatically with standing orders.

  
  

• QR code bills (you’ll see these on every Swiss invoice) scan instantly.

  
  

• Visa Debit card works everywhere: Migros, Coop, Starbucks, Digitec, even online.

  
  

The app also sends push notifications after every transaction, which means I always know where my money goes.

Step 5 – Saving Money and Budgeting With Zak Features

One of my favorite Zak tools is Pots — mini savings jars inside your account.

I created:

• “Rent Pot” — money I don’t touch.

  
  

• “Weekend Trips” — for those irresistible train journeys.

  
  

• “Family Support” — money I send abroad.

  
  

It’s budgeting made visual and stress-free.

Fees, Perks, and What Expats Should Know

Here’s the updated breakdown (2025) from Zak’s official pricing page:

• Zak Basic: CHF 0/month

  
  

  • Includes Visa Debit card

    
    

  • One free cash withdrawal/month at any Swiss ATM

    
    

  • After that: CHF 2 at Swiss ATMs, CHF 5 abroad

    
    

• Zak Plus: CHF 8/month

  
  

  • Unlimited ATM withdrawals in Switzerland and abroad

    
    

  • Best if you prefer using cash often

    
    

• Zak Metal: CHF 15/month

  
  

  • Premium metal Visa card

    
    

  • Includes Zak Plus benefits + lifestyle perks

    
    

💡 Deposits are protected up to CHF 100,000 under Swiss banking law.

Most expats I know (me included) stick with Zak Basic, because in Switzerland, cards and QR bill payments cover almost everything. But if you’re a cash person, Zak Plus at CHF 8/month is worth it.

👉 See Zak’s plans here. Use code TOP50! for your CHF 50 starting balance.

Why I Chose Zak by Bank Cler as My Swiss Account

One of the things that reassured me most about Zak is that it isn’t just another flashy fintech. Zak is backed by Bank Cler, a trusted Swiss bank with roots going back to 1927. Originally launched as part of the Swiss cooperative banking movement, Bank Cler has evolved through the decades — once known as Bank Coop, and today part of the Basler Kantonalbank group.

In other words, Zak combines nearly a century of Swiss banking tradition with a modern, digital-first approach that makes sense for expats like us.

That heritage gave me the confidence to choose Zak as my main account. It’s recognized by employers, landlords, and insurers just like UBS or Raiffeisen — the difference is that it’s easier, faster, and free for everyday use.

Common Questions Expats Ask About Zak

What is the minimum deposit to open Zak?

Zero. You only add money when you want.

Can I use Zak without speaking German?

Yes. The app is intuitive, and the website can be auto-translated.

Is Zak safe?

Absolutely. Backed by Bank Cler, deposits insured up to CHF 100,000.

Do I get a physical card?

Yes. Visa Debit arrives by post.

Can I withdraw cash?

Yes. One free ATM withdrawal/month with Basic; unlimited with Plus.

Closing Thoughts + A Gentle Nudge

If you’re new in Switzerland, don’t let banking overwhelm you. Zak by Bank Cler is free, fast, and designed for everyday expat life.

I wish I had opened my Zak account the first week I arrived — it would have saved me so much stress.

👉 Open your Zak account here, enter code TOP50!, and enjoy your CHF 50 welcome balance today.

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