Best CHF accounts in Portugal

CHF accounts are commonly used by people with financial ties to Switzerland or Liechtenstein, such as expats, cross-border workers, retirees, or anyone receiving income or making payments in Swiss francs. They can be used to receive money, make international transfers, store value in CHF, and manage everyday spending when visiting these two countries. Some accounts also let you hold, spend, and exchange multiple currencies in one place, which can be useful if you travel frequently, as is the case with providers like Wise and Revolut.

What is a CHF currency account?

A CHF currency account is an account held in Swiss francs (CHF), the currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. For people living in Portugal, it is a type of foreign currency account offered by banks or other financial providers, allowing you to keep, send, or receive money directly in CHF without converting it to EUR. This can be useful if you receive payments from Switzerland or Liechtenstein, travel there often, or want to hold money in a stable currency. Essentially, it’s a way to manage Swiss francs easily while living in Portugal.

What can you do with a CHF account in Portugal?

A Swiss franc account can be useful in several everyday situations, while living in Portugal. Here are some examples:

• Pay invoices or send money in CHF: If you need to pay for services, support family, or cover other expenses in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, a CHF account lets you send money directly in CHF without converting from EUR each time.

• Receive payments from Switzerland or Liechtenstein: If you work with Swiss or Leichtenseiner clients, have family there, or receive a pension, a CHF account allows you to get paid directly in CHF. Multi-currency accounts like Wise support CHF as one of 40+ currencies and let you receive money in different ways, for example CHF via SWIFT transfers and EUR via local account details.

• Spend abroad with a linked card: A CHF account with a card can be a great choice, giving you the flexibility to pay or withdraw directly in CHF when traveling to Switzerland or Liechtenstein.

• Avoid unnecessary currency conversion fees: Keeping your money in CHF until you actually need EUR lets you choose the best time to convert, potentially saving on poor exchange rates. Services like Wise use the mid-market exchange rate and charge only a small fee starting from 0.68%.

• Hold CHF as a saving strategy: Some people choose to keep part of their money in CHF because of the currency’s stability. A CHF account gives you a simple way to store value without converting back and forth between currencies.

Types of CHF accounts

If you’re considering a CHF account in Portugal, it’s useful to know the main types available. They generally fall into two categories: multi-currency accounts, which let you manage several currencies in one place, and foreign currency accounts, which may focus on CHF or a limited number of currencies. Here’s a quick explanation of each account type, along with an introduction to the providers covered later.

Multi-currency accounts: Multi-currency accounts let you hold, convert, and spend several currencies in a single account, making it easier to manage money across borders. Some also include your home currency, giving you flexibility to move between currencies for travel, work, or international payments.

• Wise: Hold, convert, and spend in 40+ currencies, including CHF and EUR, with no opening or maintenance fees, and get account details to receive 20+ currencies.

• Revolut: Hold, convert, and spend in 30+ currencies, including CHF and EUR, and withdraw in EUR, SEK, and RON in the EEA for free with no limits.

Foreign currency accounts: Foreign currency accounts are designed to hold one or more foreign currencies, but the term is usually used for accounts dedicated to a single foreign currency. In this case, they allow you to manage CHF separately from your home currency, and may be aimed at people who want to save or invest in foreign currencies rather than frequent travellers.

• Caixa Geral de Depósitos: Open a CHF current account to manage everyday transactions in Switzerland or Leichtenstein, and optionally open a term deposit account in the same currency to earn interest.

• Santander: Open a CHF current account to strengthen your savings strategy and manage your financial operations in Switzerland.

• BPI: Open your CHF current account with no minimum opening amount.

Some accounts come with a linked debit card for spending directly in the supported currencies. Maintenance fees, as well as minimum opening amounts, vary considerably between banks and providers. Additional fees may apply for certain transactions, so it’s worth comparing the available options to see which one best fits your needs.

Best CHF currency accounts in Portugal

If you need to hold or manage CHF while living in Portugal, you can choose between opening a foreign currency account with a local bank or using a specialist online provider like Wise. Banks often offer stability and access to local services. The fees, exchange rates, and services offered can vary significantly between banks and online providers. Online providers typically offer convenience, competitive exchange rates, multiple currencies in one account, and linked debit cards for easy spending abroad.

The best CHF account for you depends on your needs and preferences. For example, if you want to earn interest on CHF, an account with Caixa Geral de Depósitos may be a good option. If you value competitive exchange rates or plan to spend and transfer money across different countries, a multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut is likely to be more convenient.

See below some of the main features of the leading providers and banks offering multi-currency or CHF accounts in Portugal, selected based on convenience, cost, and different customer needs:

	💡 At a glance
Wise	Hold and exchange CHF and 40+ other currencies at the mid-market rate, spend with a debit card in 140+ countries, and send and receive payments in CHF, EUR, and other currencies.
Revolut	Choose from 5 different account plans, all of which include a debit card and support 30+ currencies for holding, exchanging, and spending. Some account tiers also offer travel perks.
Caixa Geral de Depósitos	Hold and manage CHF with online, direct debit, and bank transfer transactions, though no debit or credit card is provided. You can also open a term deposit in CHF to earn interest.
Santander	Manage and transact in CHF online, at branches, or by phone. No debit or credit card is included. The account is available to non-residents eligible for a Portuguese tax number (NIF).
BPI	Hold and manage CHF with online, branch, and phone transactions, available for both individuals and businesses. No debit or credit card is provided with this account.

Details correct at time of research – 12th December 2025

Wise account

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app for personal or business use, and hold CHF alongside EUR and 40+ other currencies in one account. You can exchange between currencies in the app using the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees, order an optional debit card for spending and cash withdrawals, and get up to 3 virtual cards. Wise also lets you send and receive payments globally, with local account details for 8+ currencies (including EUR, GBP, and USD) and SWIFT details for 20+ currencies (including CHF).

• Hold and exchange CHF and 40+ other currencies
• Exchange at the mid-market rate with low, transparent fees starting from 0.68%
• Use your Wise multi-currency debit card in 140+ countries for spending and cash withdrawals

Account opening fee: 0 EUR for personal customers; 50 EUR for business customers. No minimum opening amount.

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents and businesses in Portugal, as well as in many other countries and regions worldwide.

Supported currencies: CHF, EUR, and 40+ other currencies.

Monthly fees: 0 EUR.

Exchange rates: Mid-market exchange rates, plus a transparent fee starting from 0.68%.

Revolut account

Choose from 5 personal plans and 3 business plans. As a personal customer, you can select the Standard plan with no monthly fee, or upgrade to one of the 4 other plans with maintenance fees up to 50 EUR/month. The Ultra plan, the most comprehensive and premium option, offers perks such as unlimited airport lounge access and no additional weekend currency exchange fees. Hold and exchange 30+ currencies in the app, and use your debit card to spend and withdraw cash in many countries worldwide. Local account details are available for EUR and GBP.

• Choose the plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle
• Hold and exchange CHF and 30+ other currencies
• Use your Revolut multi-currency debit card for spending and cash withdrawals

Account opening fee: 0 EUR. No minimum opening amount.

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents and businesses in Portugal, as well as in many other countries and regions worldwide.

Supported currencies: CHF, EUR, and 30+ other currencies.

Monthly fees: 0-50 EUR/month for personal customers; 10-90 EUR month for business customers.

Exchange rates: For personal customers, weekday currency exchanges use the Revolut rate within plan limits, with fair usage fees of up to 1%. Weekend exchanges may incur an additional fee of up to 1%. Business customers receive the mid-market rate, plus a 0.6% fee above fair usage on weekdays, and a 1% mark-up on all exchanges made during weekends.

Caixa Geral de Depósitos CHF account

Open a foreign currency current account with Caixa Geral de Depósitos to manage your money in a single currency of your choice, from 18 available options, including CHF. The account allows flexible transactions online, by direct debit, or via bank transfer, although no debit or credit card is provided. If you hold this account, you can also open a foreign currency term deposit in the same currency as your current account (available in CHF, USD, GBP, or CAD) to earn interest on your savings. This account is available for personal and business customers, offering a simple way to store and manage funds in a chosen foreign currency. 

• Choose one currency from 18 available options, including CHF
• Move money online, by direct debit, or bank transfer
• Open a term deposit in CHF to earn interest on your savings for 1 to 366 days

Account opening fee: 0 EUR. 100 EUR minimum opening amount.

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents and businesses in Portugal.

Supported currencies: CHF and 17 other options (one currency per account).

Monthly fees: 5.15 EUR/month for personal customers (exemptions may apply, for example if you are under 25); 0-10.4 EUR/month for business customers, depending on the average monthly balance of all credit products.

Exchange rates: The CGD rate, published daily online, applies, with additional fees depending on the type of operation and how it is carried out. For example, SEPA transfers incur a fee of 0.99 EUR when done online, and 6.24 EUR at a branch. Non-SEPA transfers are charged 0.26% of the amount, ranging from 15.60 to 26 EUR online, and from 20.80 to 83.20 EUR at a branch.

Santander CHF account

Open a foreign currency current account with Santander to manage your money in a single currency of your choice, from 13 available options, including CHF. The account allows flexible transactions online, at branches, or over the phone. No debit or credit card is provided. This account is available for personal customers, including non-residents, providing a simple way to store and manage funds in a chosen foreign currency. 

• Choose one currency from 13 available options, including CHF
• Move money online, at branches, or over the phone
• Diversify your savings by holding an account in a stable foreign currency

Account opening fee: 0 EUR. 150 EUR minimum opening amount.

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents and non-residents of Portugal. Non-residents need to obtain a Portuguese tax number (NIF) to open the account.

Supported currencies: CHF and 12 other options (one currency per account).

Monthly fees: 5.51 EUR/month (exemptions may apply, for example if your average monthly balance exceeds 500 000 EUR).

Exchange rates: The daily reference rate published by the Banco de Portugal applies, with additional fees depending on the type of transfer and how it is carried out. For example, SEPA transfers of up to 100 000 EUR incur a fee of 1.30 EUR when made online and 6.76 EUR when made at a branch. Non-SEPA transfers using the BEN or SHA cost-sharing options are charged at 0.26% of the transfer amount, with fees ranging from 15.60 to 109.20 EUR online, and from 26 to124.80 EUR at a branch.

BPI CHF account

Whether you are an individual or a business, you can open a foreign currency current account with BPI to manage your money in a single currency of your choice, from 13 available options, including CHF. No minimum opening amount is required. The account allows flexible transactions online, at branches, or over the phone, but no debit or credit card is provided.

• Select a single currency from 13 options, including CHF
• Make transactions online, at a branch, or by phone
• Available for businesses, allowing you to manage transactions with Switzerland and Liechtenstein easily and securely

Account opening fee: 0 EUR. No minimum opening amount.

Eligibility criteria: Available to residents and businesses in Portugal.

Supported currencies: CHF and 12 other options (one currency per account).

Monthly fees: 5.63 EUR/month.

Exchange rates: The daily reference rate published by the Banco de Portugal applies, with additional fees depending on the type of transfer and how it is carried out. For example, SEPA transfers of up to 100 000 EUR incur a fee of 1.04 EUR when made online and 6.24 EUR when made at a branch. Non-SEPA transfers are charged at 0.25% of the transfer amount, with fees ranging from 18.72 to 104 EUR online, and from 22.80 to 119.60 EUR at a branch.

Fees for CHF accounts in Portugal

The fees associated with CHF accounts in Portugal can vary depending on the provider or bank, the type of transactions you make, and your account type. Knowing these fees in advance helps avoid surprises and ensures you don’t spend more than planned. Here’s a summary of common fees you may encounter:

• Account opening fee: A one-time fee for setting up a new account. None of the accounts covered in this guide charge an opening fee, but Caixa Geral de Depósitos and Santander require a minimum opening amount of 100 EUR and 150 EUR, respectively.

• Monthly maintenance fee: A regular fee applied by some banks on a monthly basis. Caixa Geral de Depósitos waives this fee for customers up to 25 years old, and Santander waives it if you maintain a balance of 500 000 EUR. Online providers like Wise do not charge a maintenance fee, while Revolut offers various plans, some with monthly fees and some without.

• Overdraft fee: A fee applied if you spend more than the available balance. This is uncommon for CHF accounts in Portugal, but it’s always worth confirming with your bank or provider.

• ATM withdrawal fees: Charges for withdrawing cash from ATMs. The three local banks covered in this guide do not provide debit or credit cards with their foreign currency accounts, so cash withdrawals must be done in person at a branch, typically costing 5 to 8 EUR. Online providers like Wise or Revolut offer debit cards, allowing cash withdrawals within certain limits for free.

• Foreign transaction fee: Fee that may apply when spending with a card overseas. Providers like Wise and Revolut do not charge this fee.

• Bank transfer fees: Charges for sending or receiving money internationally. Always check both the exchange rate applied and the upfront transfer fee. Providers like Wise use the mid-market rate with a small, transparent fee starting from 0.68%.

How to open a CHF account in Portugal

Opening a CHF account in Portugal can vary slightly depending on the bank or provider you choose, but the process is broadly similar. Below is an overview of what to expect with local banks and online providers.

With banks: To open a CHF account with a Portuguese bank, you may need to visit a branch in person and, in some cases, already hold a current account in EUR with the bank. Typically, you’ll be asked for a valid ID or passport, a Portuguese tax identification number (NIF), proof of address, and recent payslips if you are employed. The bank may also ask about the source of funds or the purpose of the account. Once approved, you can deposit funds and start managing your money in CHF.

With online providers: Opening a CHF account with an online provider such as Wise or Revolut is usually quicker and can be done through your laptop of smartphone. You’ll need to sign up via the website or app, upload photos of your identification (passport or national ID), and provide proof of address. After verification, you can start holding, converting, and spending CHF and other currencies straight away, with the option to order a linked debit card for everyday spending and cash withdrawals.

How to use your CHF account in Portugal

A CHF or multi-currency account can be extremely useful for expats living in Portugal. Beyond simply holding Swiss francs, these accounts allow you to manage money transactions with Switzerland, whether for business, or with friends or family. Multi-currency accounts like Wise and Revolut are particularly versatile if you travel or need to perform transactions beyond Portugal and Switzerland, letting you hold, exchange, and spend multiple currencies in one place.

Here are some practical ways to get the most out of your account:

• Receive payments in CHF: You can get paid directly in CHF, making it easier to manage income from Switzerland or Liechtenstein without the need for immediate conversion to EUR. This is ideal for salaries, pensions, invoices, or transfers from family and friends, helping you avoid unfavourable conversion rates and markups.

• Send money in CHF: Make one-off or recurring payments to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, or other countries worldwide. Providers like Wise offer international transfers from just 0.68% in fees, with mid-market exchange rates if you don’t have the balance you need for sending.

• Hold and exchange multiple currencies: With a multi-currency account, you can keep funds in CHF, EUR, or other currencies and convert them when needed. This not only adds convenience but also lets you save on conversion by choosing the optimal time to exchange.

• Spend with a linked debit card: Use your account to pay for purchases or withdraw cash when in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. With a Wise debit card, you can also spend and withdraw in other countries; if you don’t hold the currency, Wise automatically converts from the currency with the lowest fees for you.

• Diversify savings: Hold a portion of your funds in CHF as part of a savings strategy, taking advantage of currency stability or interest offered by some accounts.

Conclusion

CHF and multi-currency accounts offer flexibility, convenience, and the ability to manage money across borders for those who live in Portugal. These accounts are useful whether you have business or personal ties to Switzerland or Liechtenstein, travel there frequently, or simply want to diversify your savings. The best account for you depends on your needs, priorities, and practical factors such as residency status. If you prefer in-person banking, want to earn interest, or only need to hold a single foreign currency, a local bank may be the right choice, particularly if you can meet requirements to waive fees. If you need to manage multiple currencies, make international payments to different countries, or handle everything from your phone, an online provider can be more convenient.

For a simple, versatile way to hold, exchange, and spend CHF alongside other currencies, Wise is worth considering. It supports 40+ currencies, allows you to receive payments in CHF, EUR, and 20+ other currencies, and offers a linked debit card for easy spending abroad, making it an ideal choice for expats and frequent travellers.

Useful resources

• Wise – Landing page for Wise Portugal (last checked 13th December 2025)
• Wise personal pricing – Wise pricing page for personal customers (last checked 13th December 2025)
• Wise business pricing – Wise pricing page for business customers (last checked 13th December 2025)
• Revolut personal plans – Compare the Revolut plans for personal customers available in Portugal (last checked 13th December 2025)
• Revolut business plans – Compare the Revolut plans for business customers available in Portugal (last checked 13th December 2025)
• CGD CHF current account – CGD current account in foreign currency (last checked 13th December 2025)
• CGD CHF term deposit account – CGD term deposit account in foreign currency (last checked 13th December 2025)
• Santander CHF current account – Santander current account in foreign currency (last checked 13th December 2025)
• BPI CHF current account – BPI current account in foreign currency (last checked 13th December 2025)
• BPI CHF current account for business – BPI current account in foreign currency for business clients (last checked 13th December 2025)