Banking
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== General == | == General == | ||
| - | Forget the clichés of numbered account and anonymity. For everyday banking, you will have to furnish a passport or ID card to open an account. Non-Swiss nationals will have to provided proof they are allowed here (Permit B etc.)<br> | + | Forget the clichés of numbered account and anonymity. For everyday banking, you will have to furnish a passport or ID card to open an account. Non-Swiss nationals will have to provided proof they are allowed here (Permit B etc.)<br/> |
| - | Swiss banks operate in 'real time'. This means that a deposit to your account | + | |
| - | Swiss banks do | + | Swiss banks operate in 'real time' just as most European banks. This means that a deposit to your account appears there within seconds - there is no waiting for anything to clear. Clearing does take place every day for inter-bank transactions though. |
| + | |||
| + | Generally, you are not permitted to overdraw your account, but this will depend on your financial status with the bank. | ||
| + | If you need a loan (Kredit) then you must apply for it, not just take it. <br/> | ||
| + | Swiss banks do not generally use paper cheques/checks - for the last 10-15 years all over Europe, the use of cheques has become increasingly rare. The UK remains a somewhat unqieu exception in this case. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Incoming Sterling/Dollar cheques/checks will attract stiff charges (8 francs each). | ||
| + | Payments from abroad should preferrably be made electronically. Paying bills, other than standing orders and direct debits, are made by a 'payment order form' to your bank. Bills are usually accompanied by a payment slip, orange for bank-payments or red for postgiro payments. Naturally both of these can be conveniently processed online with all Swiss banks. | ||
Revision as of 20:14, 15 July 2006
General
Forget the clichés of numbered account and anonymity. For everyday banking, you will have to furnish a passport or ID card to open an account. Non-Swiss nationals will have to provided proof they are allowed here (Permit B etc.)
Swiss banks operate in 'real time' just as most European banks. This means that a deposit to your account appears there within seconds - there is no waiting for anything to clear. Clearing does take place every day for inter-bank transactions though.
Generally, you are not permitted to overdraw your account, but this will depend on your financial status with the bank.
If you need a loan (Kredit) then you must apply for it, not just take it.
Swiss banks do not generally use paper cheques/checks - for the last 10-15 years all over Europe, the use of cheques has become increasingly rare. The UK remains a somewhat unqieu exception in this case.
Incoming Sterling/Dollar cheques/checks will attract stiff charges (8 francs each). Payments from abroad should preferrably be made electronically. Paying bills, other than standing orders and direct debits, are made by a 'payment order form' to your bank. Bills are usually accompanied by a payment slip, orange for bank-payments or red for postgiro payments. Naturally both of these can be conveniently processed online with all Swiss banks.
