If you’re like most people, you use your local bank to make money transfers. And most likely, you’ve seen how expensive sending money to Switzerland can be. Luckily for you, this Switzerland Money Transfer Guide will show you how you can cut the delivery time in half and get rid of the transaction fees, all while you handle the transaction online from the comfort of your home couch.
With our recommended Foreign Exchange companies, you will receive benefits on money transfers to or from Switzerland like you never benefited from your local banks.
The Topics Of This Guide:
- Best Way to Send Money to Switzerland
- Best Company to Transfer Money from Switzerland
- Today’s Swiss Franc Rates
- Reasons to Move Funds into Switzerland
- Regulation and Limitations
Best Company To Transfer Money To Switzerland
Payment Facility | Summary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
 | Min. Transfer: £ / €100. Transfer: Online or by Phone. Wire Fees: None.  Best Rates for £5,000+- GBP: 1.9247 AUD to 1.9286 AUD - EUR: 1.6066 AUD to 1.6098 AUD - USD: 1.4376 AUD to 1.4405 AUD |   |
 | Min. Transfer: £ / €1,000. Transfer: Online or by Phone. Wire Fees: None. Best Rates for £50,000+- GBP: 1.9267 AUD to 1.9334 AUD - EUR: 1.6082 AUD to 1.6139 AUD - USD: 1.4390 AUD to 1.4441 AUD | |
 | Min. Transfer: None! Transfer: Online only. Wire Fees: Based on amount. Best Rates for £100-5,000- GBP: 1.3093 CHF - EUR: 1.0929 CHF - USD: 0.9779 CHF | |
 | Big International Transfer Fee + Commission On Currency Exchange. Bad Currency Exchange Rate. Exchange rate would be approximately *: - GBP: 1.2896 CHF to 1.3027 CHF - EUR: 1.0764 CHF to 1.0874 CHF - USD: 0.9632 CHF to 0.9730 CHF |  |
 | 2.9%+ Transfer Fees, and 2.5% more for Currency Exchanges. Quick But Very Bad Currency Exchange Rates. Exchange rate would be approximately *: - GBP: 1.2830 CHF or worse - EUR: 1.0764 CHF or worse - USD: 0.9632 CHF or worse | |
* Expected Rates reflect our rate expectations based on our research. We do not guarantee accuracy. For some companies we used a range of rates because they offer wholesale rates for large trades and higher rates for small trades.
Supported Countries & Payment methods
With TorFX you can send money to Switzerland from countries like the USA, UK, Canada, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, China and many more, with zero transaction fees. Yes, you heard it right! There is no sending fee when using this company and, as an added bonus, the minimum amount is only 100 Swiss francs.
From your debit card to your destination in just 1-2 days, with no transaction fees and great currency exchange rates – that’s why we recommend using them instead of your local banks.
World First provides similar services with similar benefits. The main aspect that we want to bring to your attention is their awesome and easy to use the mobile app. It’s available on both iOS and Android and you can even install it on your smartwatch. Imagine being able to book a money transfer with you a few touches on your watch.
For more info or to get a quote, be sure to visit their website.
Best Company to Transfer Money from Switzerland
Service Provider | Summary | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Transfer: € 100. Transfer: Online or by Phone. Why Them? Staff of over 100 Traders. 9.4 / 10 Rating by Clients. | |
Supported Regions & Currencies
The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) directly oversees and ensures that companies comply with the financial regulations imposed by the EU’s Anti-Money Laundering laws. One of these regulations states that companies that are licensed to provide their service in Switzerland, can do so on the entire territory of the country. There are no zoning restrictions like those in the US.
Currencies: Having access to more than 40 currencies, out of which one is the Euro (used in 19 countries), TorFX can help send money from Switzerland to almost any region of the world. Anything from important destinations like China, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, UAE, India, to more exotic countries like the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Cyprus, New Zealand or Brazil.
Today’s Foreign Exchange Rates for CHF
GBP to CHF – Pounds to Euro; 10,000 GBP is 13,158.9000 CHF
CHF to GBP – Euro to Pounds; 10,000 CHF is 7,599.4194 GBP
CHF to CAD – Euro to Canadian Dollars; 10,000 CHF is 13,395.4206 CAD
CAD to CHF – Canadian Dollars to Euro; 10,000 CAD is 7,465.2378 CHF
AUD to CHF – Australian Dollar to Euro; 10,000 AUD is 6,795.7590 CHF
CHF to AUD – Euro to Australian Dollar; 10,000 CHF is 14,715.0598 AUD
CHF to USD – Euro to US Dollars; 10,000 CHF is 10,174.4827 USD
USD to CHF – US Dollars to Euro; 10,000 USD is 9,828.5095 CHF
EUR to CHF – Euro to Swiss Franc; 10,000 EUR is 10,983.8734 CHF
CHF to EUR – Swiss Francs to Euro; 10,000 CHF is 9,104.2564 EUR
NZD to CHF – New Zealand Dollar to Euro; 10,000 NZD is 6,506.5120 CHF
CHF to NZD – Euro to New Zealand Dollar; 10,000 CHF is 15,369.2178 NZD
Swiss franc behaviour
A very independent central bank and a strong current account position provides crucial underlying franc backing, although volatility can be very high. Global risk-appetite trends are also crucial.
The Swiss National Bank has the mandate to maintain price stability under Article 99 of the constitution. While the bank is also mandated to take account of economic developments, priority must be given to price stability. Fierce bank independence gives a strong underlying currency tone.
A floating rate does sometimes compromise wider objectives and the National Bank has pursued a fixed rate at times. Fundamental tensions usually lead to a quick breakdown of fixed rates with very strong franc gains when the latest Euro peg broke in early 2015. The bank will intervene, sometimes aggressively and persistently, to deter an over-valued currency.
The annual current account balance has been in surplus for every year since 1981, often exceeding 10% of GDP. Current account strength provides strong underlying backing for the currency.
Given historical strength, the Swiss currency is also perceived as an internationally safe currency. The Swiss franc gains defensive capital inflows when confidence in global financial markets and risk appetite is weak. Demand for the Swiss currency tends to fall when the global economy is strong and equity markets very bullish.
Switzerland’s long history of neutrality and political stability means that the currency also gains support when there are fears surrounding international geopolitical tensions and terrorism-related events.
Send Money To A Swiss Bank Account
The Swiss franc is the 6th most used reserve currency around the world and the national currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Banking: Swiss neutrality, long recognized by foreign countries, has developed an environment in which the banking sector has been able to thrive. Currently, it is estimated that 28% of all offshore funds are kept in Switzerland. In 2009 Swiss banks managed 5.4 trillion Swiss Francs.
High-End Products: Switzerland is one of the leaders in exports of high-end watches as well as clocks with exports exceeding 19.3 billion CHF in 2011. But there a lot of other quality products that this country is known for, including chocolate and cheeses.
Thinking Of Relocating To Switzerland?
If you consider moving to Switzerland and start living there as an expat, you may find the following information helpful.
Advantages Of Moving To Switzerland:
- Affordable University Education: On average, the Swiss pay 5,000 EUR total for their entire degree.
- Low Unemployment Rate: 3.16 Unemployment Rate.
- High Level of English: Swiss speak basically flawless English, which greatly helps expats.
Disadvantages Of Moving To Switzerland:
- Job Prospects Limited: Expats who don’t speak German or French are at a huge disadvantage in the hiring process.
- Schools Are Difficult to Adjust To: Children who do not speak German or French have to attend international schools. Additionally, children go home for lunch, which can be difficult for parent’s work schedules.
- Housing Regulations: Swiss housing complexes are very selective and often are not encouraging to expats.
Popular Destinations in Switzerland
Popular cities for business and real estate transactions in Switzerland are: Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Winterthur, St. Gallen, Lucerne, Biel and Thun.
How To Send Money To Switzerland For Cheap
As they make the bulk of their profit by trading cash on the foreign exchange market, FX companies don’t also need to charge you exorbitant fees. For them, it is enough to take the profit margin from exchanging any kind of currency with Swiss Francs. Unlike banks that are content to charge you at every turn, regardless of how much they’re already making, FX companies are happy to pass along to you any savings that they enjoy.
When you send your money to Switzerland with FX companies, you can trust that the process will be as secure as dealing with a bank. From a safe website to world-class customer support, FX companies are just as reliable as banks and so much easier to deal with.
In an increasingly mobile world, FX companies are at the forefront of currency exchange. If you aren’t already utilizing their services to make an international money transfer to or from Switzerland, you’re overpaying and wasting your time. Real Estate agents have also seen the great opportunity that these companies bring to the table and frequently use this type of transfer when working for people that are buying a house overseas or any kind of property abroad.
What you need to send money to Switzerland
- Bank Name and Address
- IBAN
- Swift Code
- Account Number
- Receiver’s Complete Name
If you have all the info listed above, you need to follow four simple steps:
- Create a free account on the company’s website.
- Receive and approve the free quote from one of the dealers.
- Send the money to fund your account with the amount needed for your transfer.
- Receive a confirmation via email and/or phone call by the dealer you worked with.
Our Company Recommendation:
- Send Money to Switzerland: Companies that enable people to transfer money to Switzerland.
- Send Money from Switzerland: Companies that take on Swiss Clients.
Regulations and taxes when transferring money to and from Switzerland
Switzerland has not adopted the Euro, but until January 2015, had the Swiss Franc (CHF) pegged to the Euro. Under these regulations, the Swiss Franc had a minimum exchange rate of CHF1.20 to the Euro. Switzerland scrapped these regulations in January, causing the Franc to skyrocket. Foreign investors saw the Euro value of their money drop drastically.
Switzerland has no regulations or currency controls. Transferring money in and out of Switzerland is not restricted for non-residents and residents alike. This applies even to countries outside the Eurozone.
The Swiss National Bank
The Swiss National Bank sets currency controls and monitors the stability of the financial system.
In 2009, the Swiss Federal Banking Commission, the Federal Office of Private Insurance, and the Anti-Money Laundering Control Authority merged to create the single, independent Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).
Transfer regulations
As a free-flowing currency, there are no transfer regulations for the Swiss Franc (CHF). Despite not having adopted the Euro, transfer of currency in and out of Switzerland is relatively simple.
Taxation on foreign income
Swiss residents are taxed on any foreign income.
Non-residents are taxed only on income originating in Switzerland. Double tax treaties are in place to avoid double-taxation. However, tax treaties between Switzerland and key European countries – including France, Italy and Spain – have not been successfully negotiated.
Biggest banks in Switzerland
- Credit Suisse
- Julius Bär
- UBS
- Zurich Cantonal Bank
- Banque Cantonale de Genève