Revolut Switzerland: everything French expats need to know about the account, card and fees

Can you open a Revolut account if you live in Switzerland? What fees should you expect? And what are the advantages of using this payment provider from France or across the border? Here’s everything you need to know.

If you're looking for an alternative to Revolut, a Wise account is also available in Switzerland. It lets you make payments and withdrawals at the mid-market exchange rate, with no limits and no hidden markups.

Discover the Wise account

Opening a Revolut account in Switzerland: is it possible?

Yes — you can open a Revolut account if you live in Switzerland. However, Revolut does not currently provide a Swiss IBAN.

You’ll receive a European IBAN instead, meaning that anyone sending you a payment in Swiss francs may be charged fees by their bank.

A Revolut account lets you:

• Transfer money to a Swiss bank account at the Revolut exchange rate (access varies by plan).¹
• Make withdrawals and payments in Switzerland at the Revolut exchange rate (depending on your subscription).
• Send money from Revolut to your account in France.

Please note: some sources claim Revolut offers Swiss IBANs to residents, but this is not confirmed in the General Terms and Conditions.

How to open a Revolut account in Switzerland

Download the Revolut app and sign up

• Visit the Revolut website and click “Sign up.”
• Scan the QR code to download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Alternatively, enter your phone number to receive a download link.
• Once the app is installed, follow the instructions to sign up and create your provisional account.

Verify your identity

Identity verification is essential. If you skip it, your account may be deleted.²

Here’s how:

• Tap the “Profile” icon.
• Go to “Personal information.”
• Upload a copy of your ID (or passport/residence permit) and a selfie.
• Revolut will review your documents within a few days.

Order your debit card

Once your identity is verified, you can order your physical Revolut card.

Steps:²

• Open the app and go to “Home.”
• Tap the “Cards” icon (top right).
• Select “Add.”
• Choose the card type (Debit, Business, Joint, or <18).
• Select “Physical card.”
• Pick the design and confirm your order.

Any applicable fees will appear before confirming. Your card will be sent to the address you provided.

Revolut Switzerland account: key benefits

With Revolut, you get access to a multi-currency account along with savings and investment options.

• International transfers: make transfers via SWIFT or ACH, send money to cards or other Revolut users.
• Payments: receive funds via payment links, the “Nearby” feature, or a QR code; split bills and share payment URLs.
• Budgeting and analytics: manage subscriptions (like Netflix), create savings pots, view spending reports, or automate bill payments with the Pocket feature.
• Open banking: link your external bank accounts to see all balances in one place.
• Investment options: buy stocks, invest in commodities like gold or silver, and set alerts to track prices.

Unlike Revolut, Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate without markups or limits — and no need for a paid plan.
More information on the Wise account →

Revolut Switzerland card: main features

With a Revolut card, you can:

• Pay in Switzerland at the Revolut exchange rate (depending on your plan).
• Withdraw cash in Switzerland, free within your plan’s limits.
• Use Apple Wallet for contactless mobile payments.

You also have access to virtual cards for secure online shopping.
Plus, you can set spending limits or block your card directly from the app.

Revolut Switzerland: fees to expect

Revolut fees vary depending on the plan and type of transaction:

• Subscription plan: paid plans come with higher allowances and added perks, though a free account is available.
• Withdrawal fees: your free withdrawal allowance depends on your plan.
• Weekend exchange fees: Standard and Plus plans apply extra charges on foreign currency conversions made during weekends.

Comparison of Revolut Switzerland subscription plans

If you’re looking for an alternative to Revolut in Switzerland, the Wise account offers unlimited currency conversion at the mid-market rate — even on weekends — without paid subscriptions.

You can open your Wise account for free and pay only €7 for the Wise card delivery, with no ongoing fees.

More information
on the Wise account

Paying in Switzerland with Revolut: what to know

Revolut cards can be used easily for payments in Switzerland.

You won’t pay any fees if you already hold Swiss francs in your account.
If not, Revolut will convert them automatically — without additional fees as long as you stay within your plan’s currency conversion limit.

Withdrawals are also free within your allowance. Beyond the limits, Revolut applies commissions on both the withdrawal and the currency exchange.

Revolut Switzerland review

Revolut accounts are available for Swiss residents — but their suitability depends on your needs.

We couldn’t confirm whether Revolut currently offers Swiss IBANs. If it does, it could be convenient for everyday banking, especially to receive salaries without fees. Otherwise, you’ll still need a local account, since employers may face transfer fees when paying you.

Are you a cross-border commuter? You can open a Revolut account in France and transfer money to your Swiss account at the Revolut exchange rate. This lets you withdraw and pay locally without extra fees.

Revolut is also practical for people living in France who often travel to Switzerland, as it allows fee-free payments and withdrawals within plan limits.

Beyond everyday banking, Revolut also provides tools for investment and budgeting — such as stock trading, gold investment, savings pots, and expense tracking.

Wise: an alternative to Revolut in Switzerland

The Wise account is a strong option for people who live in or frequently travel to Switzerland.

It lets you:

• Make transfers from France at the mid-market rate without limits or allowances.
• Pay by card without fees if no currency conversion is required.
• Withdraw up to €200 (or equivalent in CHF) per month, with a maximum of 2 free withdrawals.

All this with no monthly subscription. The Wise account is free to open, and you only pay €7 for card delivery.

Open your Wise account

This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.