How to use Wise in Switzerland as an expat

Wise offers a simpler way to stay in control of your finances. With a multi-currency account, CHF account details, and a debit card that works almost anywhere, it helps you build independence, and feel more at home in Switzerland.

At a glance: Wise in Switzerland

With a Wise account, expats in Switzerland can easily manage Swiss francs alongside other currencies. You can hold and convert CHF at the mid-market exchange rate, helping you avoid the steep markups often charged by banks. Wise also provides CHF account details so you can receive local payments, although these shouldn’t be relied on for all domestic transfers, as not every Swiss bank supports them.

Wise Account

Wise gives expats in Switzerland an easy way to stay in control of finances while living and working abroad. You can hold and convert Swiss francs at the mid-market rate and receive local payments with CHF account details. You can also open a EUR balance to send or receive money across Europe from the same account.The Wise multi-currency account lets you hold and convert over 40 currencies, send money to more than 140 countries, and spend in 150 countries with the Wise debit card.

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About Wise

Wise is a global financial technology company that helps people send, spend, convert and manage money across borders with transparency and low fees. Trusted by over 15.6 million customers worldwide, it was created to make international banking fairer and more accessible, using the mid-market exchange rate without hidden markups.

For expats in Switzerland, Wise’s multi-currency account is a convenient way to stay financially connected to more than one country. You can receive your salary in Swiss francs, pay bills locally, send money back home, or travel abroad, all from one account. Everything is managed through an easy-to-use app designed to help expats stay in control of their money wherever life takes them.

How to use Wise to money transfer

Making international transfers straightforward for expats in Switzerland and across the globe, Wise lets customers see the mid-market exchange rate and total fee before confirming a payment – meaning no hidden costs or unwanted surprises. Most transfers arrive within minutes to a day, and you can send money directly from your Wise balance or linked bank account.

How to send money with Wise

1. Create or log in to your Wise account: Start by signing up or logging in to your Wise account using your email and password. You’ll need to verify your identity before sending your first transfer.
2. Go to “Send” in your account: From the home screen, select Send to begin your transfer.
3. Add or choose a recipient: You can pick an existing recipient or add a new one by entering their bank details, email, or @Wisetag.
4. Enter the amount and currency: Decide how much you want to send or how much your recipient should receive. Wise will show the exact fee, exchange rate, and total cost before you confirm.
5. Choose your payment method: Pay directly from your Wise balance, by bank transfer, or using another available option. The app will show you how long each payment method usually takes.
6. Review and confirm: Double-check your details, then confirm the transfer.
7. Receive confirmation: You’ll get an instant notification when your money is received and again when it’s on its way to the recipient.

Once your transfer is sent, you can track its progress in real time in the Wise app or on the website. Updates appear automatically, so you’ll always know where your money is and when it will arrive.

How to open a Wise multi-currency account

Opening a Wise multi-currency account only takes a few minutes and gives you a simple way to manage global finances from one place. You can hold and exchange over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate and receive payments in more than 20 currencies with local account details. Once your account is verified, you can add money in Swiss francs, euros or any other currency and start spending or sending internationally right away.

How to open your Wise account

1. Register on Wise.com or the Wise app: Create your account online or download the Wise app for Android or iOS. You can register with your email address or sign up using your Google, Apple, or Facebook account.
2. Choose your account type: Select a personal or business account, then confirm that you live in Switzerland.
3. Add your personal details: Enter your legal name, date of birth, and home address to help Wise verify your identity.
4. Verify your phone number: Wise will send a security code by text message. Enter the code in the app to confirm your number and secure your account.
5. Upload ID for verification: Provide a photo ID such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of address like a recent utility bill. Verification usually takes 1-2 working days.
6. Open a balance in Swiss francs: Once verified, create a CHF balance to start using your account in Switzerland. You can also open balances in other currencies when needed.
7. Add money to your account: Top up your balance in CHF or another currency using your linked bank account, debit card, or another available method. Your funds will then be ready for sending, spending, or converting.

How to use the Wise account in Switzerland

The Wise multi-currency account offers an easy way to manage both local and international finances. You can get paid like a local with your own EUR IBAN and CHF account details, making it simple to receive a salary or move larger sums across Europe.

What you can do with your Wise account

• Hold and convert money in more than 40 currencies whenever you need, using the real mid-market rate.
• Spend worldwide with the Wise debit card, accepted in over 150 countries for online and in-store purchases.
• Receive international payments with account details for 20+ currencies, including CHF, EUR, USD, GBP, and AUD.
• Send money directly from your Wise balance to friends and family, often at a lower cost than bank transfers.
• Pay bills and subscriptions in Switzerland using your CHF balance and European IBAN.
• Shop safely online with digital or virtual cards that can be managed in the app.
• Save and plan ahead by setting up “jars” or “groups” to keep money separate for specific goals.

How to use Wise to receive money

Receiving money with Wise is flexible and low-cost, whether funds are sent from Switzerland or abroad. You can receive CHF directly into your Wise balance through a domestic transfer to Wise’s account in Switzerland. Once received, the funds are credited to your CHF balance, which you can hold, convert to another currency, or spend using your Wise card.

While Wise offers a CHF balance, it’s important to note that there are no local CHF account details, so it’s best suited for receiving funds from supported accounts or for holding francs before converting them.

If you receive income from abroad, Wise makes it easy to get paid without high fees or unfair exchange rates. You can use local account details in over 20 currencies, including EUR, USD, GBP, AUD, and CAD, to accept payments like freelance income, pensions, or support from family overseas. Most transfers are free to receive, with only USD wire payments carrying a small fixed fee.

For international transfers sent via SWIFT, Wise also supports incoming payments in several major currencies with low fixed fees per transaction, which vary by currency. A convenient option for expats who receive income or pensions from abroad, Wise lets you hold the money in a foreign currency or convert it to CHF when the rate suits you.

How to get a Wise card in Switzerland

The Wise debit card makes it easy to spend and withdraw money worldwide without hidden fees or exchange rate markups. It’s linked directly to your Wise multi-currency account, so you can spend in CHF or convert and pay in over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate. The card costs a one-time fee of 8 CHF, with optional express delivery from 11.76 CHF if you need it sooner. Standard delivery in Switzerland usually takes up to 14 days.

How to order your Wise card

1. Open your Wise account: Sign up for a free Wise account and open your first currency balance in Swiss francs. You’ll need to verify your identity before ordering the card.
2. Go to the “Cards” tab: In the Wise app or website, select Cards and follow the steps to order your physical card.
3. Pay the one-time order fee: The Wise card costs 8 CHF to issue, and you can pay this directly from your Wise balance or linked bank account.
4. Choose your delivery option: Standard delivery within Switzerland takes up to 14 days. For faster service, choose express delivery, which typically arrives within 1 to 2 working days for an additional fee.
5. Activate your card: Once it arrives, activate your card by making a Chip and PIN purchase. After activation, it’s ready to use for spending, making withdrawals, and online shopping anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.

How to use the Wise card in Switzerland

The Wise debit card lets expats spend and withdraw money globally, while saving on hidden fees. You can pay in shops, restaurants, and online in over 150 countries using funds from your Wise account. Each payment is automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate, helping you get more for your money.

In Switzerland, the Wise card is widely accepted and can be used as your main payment method for daily purchases. It’s also ideal for cross-border shopping in euros, where you can spend directly from your EUR balance and avoid bank markups.

Always pay in CHF when in Switzerland and decline any ATM or terminal conversion offer to make sure you get the fair exchange rate. You can link your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for quick, contactless payments, and withdraw up to 200 CHF per month for free before a small fee applies.

Money Management

Using the Wise card in Switzerland

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Using Wise digital cards

Wise digital cards give you all the same benefits as the physical card, with an added layer of security. You can create up to three digital cards in seconds through the Wise app and use them immediately for online shopping or contactless payments via Apple Pay or Google Pay. Each card can be frozen, unfrozen, deleted or replaced instantly, and you’ll receive a notification every time a transaction is made.

Using Wise Business Account in Switzerland

Thanks to the Wise Business Account, feelancers, entrepreneurs, and international companies in Switzerland can manage global payments in one place. You can send, spend, convert and receive money in multiple currencies while keeping fees low and exchange rates transparent. The account costs a one-off 55 CHF to unlock all features, including account details to receive payments in 22 currencies and business debit cards for you and your team.

Opening an account only takes a few minutes – just register online, verify your business details, and pay the 55 CHF setup fee. You can then order your Wise Business card, open balances in different currencies, and start managing payments from one dashboard.

What you can do with Wise Business in Switzerland

• Get paid like a local with EUR, USD, GBP and other account details to receive international transfers easily.
• Send and receive payments worldwide with transparent, low fees and no exchange rate markups.
• Pay invoices and suppliers instantly – over half of Wise Business transfers arrive within 20 seconds, and 95 percent within 24 hours.
• Use batch payments to send up to 1,000 transfers in one go and save valuable time on admin.
• Spend with business debit cards for you and your team, keeping company and personal spending separate.
• Sync with accounting tools for automated reconciliation and accurate reporting.
• Benefit from volume discounts when sending more than 20,000 GBP (or the equivalent in Swiss francs) in a month.

Wise large amount transfers

If you’re transferring savings or paying for property abroad, Wise makes it simple to move larger sums internationally while keeping costs low. You can send high-value payments with no exchange rate markups, full fee transparency, and access to dedicated customer support if you need help.

You’ll also benefit from automatic volume discounts once your total transfers or conversions reach the monthly threshold of 20,000 GBP, or the equivalent in CHF. The discount applies to any additional transfers for the rest of the month, whether sent in one payment or across several. Major currencies such as EUR, USD, GBP, and JPY all count toward this limit, and the reduced fee is applied automatically. For larger transfers, Wise also provides extra support and the same transparent pricing that helps expats and businesses save money when sending funds internationally.

Is Wise safe to use?

Wise uses advanced technology and strict security systems to protect your money and personal information. Your funds are safeguarded and kept separate from Wise’s own accounts, so they’re always available when you need them. Dedicated anti-fraud teams monitor transactions around the clock, and every step of your account activity is secured by multiple layers of protection.

Key security measures

• Two-step authentication confirms it’s you before any important action, from login to payment.
• Biometric verification and encryption use your phone’s built-in security for extra protection.
• Customisable privacy controls let you hide balances, manage permissions, and set auto log-out.
• Real-time notifications help you track every transaction instantly.
• Digital cards create unique payment details to keep your main card information safe.
• Instant freeze option allows you to lock your card immediately if it’s lost or stolen.
• 24/7 security monitoring with over 1,000 specialists and machine learning tools that detect suspicious activity.

You can learn more about how Wise keeps your money secure on the Wise safety and security page.

Is Wise regulated in Switzerland?

Wise operates in Switzerland under Wise Europe SA, an authorised payment institution supervised by the National Bank of Belgium. The company is incorporated in Belgium and has passporting rights across the European Economic Area (EEA), allowing it to provide services throughout the region.

How to contact Wise customer service in Switzerland

Wise offers dedicated customer support for personal and business users in Switzerland, and you can reach the team in English 24/7. The Help Centre is usually the fastest way to find answers, but you can also speak directly with a team member by logging in to your account.

Ways to contact Wise customer service

• Help Centre: Visit the Wise Help Centre for quick answers to common questions.
• In-app support: Log in to your account on the app or website and select Help or ? to access personalised support options.
• Chat or email: Contact the support team directly through live chat or email after logging in.
• Phone support: Call the Wise team by logging in to find your local number.
• If you can’t log in: Go to the Help Centre, scroll to the bottom of any article, and select Contact us to send an email explaining your issue.

Useful resources:

• Wise Pricing – Switzerland – Overview of fees, limits, and card availability in Switzerland
• Wise Help Centre – Order your card – Step-by-step guide to ordering and activating your Wise card
• Wise Help Centre – Spending limits – Default and maximum limits by payment type
• Wise Help Centre – Smart Conversion – How Wise automatically selects the best currency for your payment
• Wise Help Centre – Supported countries – Where the Wise card can be used worldwide