A Swiss capital payment account is a temporarily blocked bank account used to deposit the cash contributions for a new LLC (Sàrl/GmbH) or limited company (SA/AG). Also called a capital deposit account, or compte de consignation in French, it allows the bank to issue the certificate required for incorporation. After commercial registration and completion of the bank’s formalities, the funds become available for the company’s business.
Swiss capital payment accounts: bank fee comparison
The following published charges apply to company formation with a CHF deposit. The French source comparison was checked on 12 September 2026. The examples compare actual deposits of CHF 20,000 and CHF 100,000.
| Bank | Fee schedule | CHF 20,000 deposit | CHF 100,000 deposit | Conditions and additional charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBS | Free subject to conditions | CHF 0¹ | CHF 0¹ | Capital transferred to a UBS business account. Transfer to another bank: minimum CHF 1,000. |
| PostFinance | Flat fee of CHF 145 | CHF 145 | CHF 145 | For incorporation. Account converted into a business account; different rates apply to capital increases. |
| Raiffeisen | Set by the local bank | On request | On request | No opening or maintenance fee, but a commission on transfer. Ask your local Raiffeisen bank for its tariff. |
| BCGE · Geneva | 1‰; min. CHF 200, max. CHF 5,000 | From CHF 250² | From CHF 250² | Includes the minimum CHF 50 delivery fee. Certificate amendment: CHF 100. |
| BCV · Vaud | 0.5‰; min. CHF 250, max. CHF 2,500 | CHF 250 | CHF 250 | Commission based on the amount actually deposited. |
| BCVs · Valais | 1‰; min. CHF 250, max. CHF 2,500 | CHF 250³ | CHF 250³ | CHF 600 commission if the operating account is opened elsewhere without establishing a banking relationship. Postage extra. |
| BCF · Fribourg | 1‰; min. CHF 250, max. CHF 2,500 | CHF 250⁴ | CHF 250⁴ | 50% discount for eligible Fribourg start-ups. Release: an additional CHF 250 without a BCF relationship. |
| BCN · Neuchâtel | 1‰; min. CHF 300, max. CHF 2,500 | CHF 300 | CHF 300 | The CHF 300 minimum applies to both examples. |
| Migros Bank | 0.5‰; min. CHF 300, max. CHF 2,000 | CHF 300 | CHF 300 | Fees remain payable if incorporation does not proceed. |
Indicative amounts calculated from public tariffs, excluding special services, foreign exchange charges and the future business account. For an SA/AG, CHF 100,000 here means fully paid-in capital; partial payment can be possible.
¹ UBS: free if transferred to a UBS business account. Transfer to another UBS account: 0.5‰, min. CHF 200, max. CHF 5,000; transfer to another bank: minimum CHF 1,000. ² BCGE: CHF 200 processing fee plus at least CHF 50 delivery. ³ BCVs: CHF 250 in these examples if the operating relationship is opened with BCVs; otherwise CHF 600 under the brochure. ⁴ BCF: CHF 125 in these examples for start-ups registered in Fribourg that meet the bank’s criteria; check any release fees separately.
How to read the rates: 1‰ means 0.1%. On CHF 20,000, that is CHF 20; with a CHF 250 minimum, you pay CHF 250. Minimum charges explain why both deposit examples often cost the same.
The essentials before you start
- An LLC with the minimum CHF 20,000 capital must have the full amount paid in at incorporation.
- An SA/AG needs at least CHF 100,000 subscribed capital. At least 20% of each share’s nominal value and CHF 50,000 overall must be paid in.
- Bank fees are additional to incorporation costs. The deposited capital subsequently belongs to the company.
- Opening, certification and release are three separate stages. Ask the bank about each before setting your timetable.
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Start my LLC from CHF 490 excl. VATWhat is a capital payment account used for?
For a cash incorporation, this account holds the funds exclusively for the company being formed. The bank certificate confirms the amount actually deposited to the notary and commercial register. It does not guarantee future profitability or solvency.
Distinguish two operations: paying in contributions means providing the promised capital; releasing the funds means making the money available in the company’s account after incorporation.
This article covers cash contributions. Incorporation using contributions in kind (in French) follows specific formalities (explained in our French article). A sole proprietorship has no minimum share capital to deposit. For the detailed financing rules, see our article on Swiss share capital.
How to open a Swiss capital payment account
1. Finalise the company details
Confirm the name, legal form, registered office, purpose and allocation of contributions. Give the same details to the bank and notary. A late change may require a replacement certificate and additional fees.
2. Choose the bank and future business account
Compare deposit fees alongside the services your business will need later. Ask what happens if you transfer the capital to another bank after incorporation. A free capital deposit does not mean all future banking services are free.
3. Submit the application and documents
Complete the bank’s form and provide its requested documents. The exact list depends on the institution and your circumstances. Wait for acceptance and payment instructions before transferring funds.
4. Pay in the agreed contributions
Use the IBAN and references supplied by the bank. Follow the stated allocation between contributors. For international transfers or another currency, confirm charges, exchange rates and the amount that must actually be credited.
5. Send the certificate to the notary
The bank issues the certificate after receiving the required contributions. Check the company name, amount and currency. Confirm the required format with the notary and allow for delivery if it is sent by post.
6. Arrange release after registration
Provide the registration evidence requested, finalise the business account documents and confirm signing rights. Release is complete when the company can actually use the funds.
Which documents should you prepare?
BCGE’s information sheet and BCV’s application form provide a useful starting point. Your bank may ask for additional documents.
| Item | What to prepare |
|---|---|
| Company being formed | Name, legal form, registered office address and planned activity |
| Capital | Subscribed amount, amount to pay in, currency and allocation of payments |
| Contributors | Identity and contact details of the people making the payments |
| Applicant | Identity document and verification under the bank’s procedure |
| Notary | Contact details and planned incorporation date, if already agreed |
| Correspondence | Certificate delivery address and the person responsible for forwarding it |
| Additional case-specific documents | Draft articles, information about founders, ownership structure or source of funds if requested |
If founders live abroad or a company is investing, ask for the appropriate document list before booking the signing. Online onboarding criteria may be narrower than the cases a bank adviser can handle.
How long does it take?
There is no universal timescale. A quickly opened account does not mean incorporation and release will happen the same day.
| Stage | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Application approval and opening | Complete documents, identity checks and any additional review |
| Receipt of funds | Transfer timing, currency and intermediary banks |
| Certificate | Issue date, format and delivery to the notary |
| Incorporation and registration | Notary availability and cantonal register processing |
| Release | Registration evidence, business account contracts and active banking access |
UBS key4 business describes an account available after successful opening, with payment details emailed shortly afterwards. The certificate is sent by registered post once funds arrive. This process is not a guaranteed timescale for every application.
How are the funds released after incorporation?
Commercial registration starts the release process. The bank must still receive or verify the documents it requires. An application for registration is not the same as completed registration.
Prepare the required evidence: a register extract, original or certified if the bank requires it. Also confirm the business account opening and its authorised signatories.
Procedures differ. UBS’s product page mentions an original register extract; its key4 help also refers to contractual documents in the app. PostFinance requests the extract and required resolutions, then converts the capital payment account into a business account. BCF requires an extract issued by the register.
The SME Portal also describes transfer after publication in the Swiss Official Gazette of Commerce. Confirm your bank’s accepted evidence and processing point. Registration, publication, transfer and activation of banking access do not necessarily happen together.
If the money remains blocked
Ask exactly what is missing: registration evidence, a signed contract, signatory approval, a name correction or account activation. Confirm who must provide it and when it will be processed. This is more useful than a general request for a faster turnaround.
What can the released capital pay for?
The funds become company cash. They can pay for business equipment, software, suppliers and other operating expenses. Release does not mean members can freely return their contributions to private accounts. Transactions must be justified and recorded.
Prepare your incorporation with Entreprendre.ch
Your bank handles the account and certificate. Entreprendre.ch supports the incorporation itself: file preparation, coordination with the notary and registration follow-up.
Form your LLC from CHF 490 excluding VAT, with notary fees included. Budget separately for the capital contribution, bank charges, commercial register fees and any signature certifications required in your case.
Ready to form your company?
File preparation, coordination with the notary and registration follow-up.
Start my LLC from CHF 490 excl. VAT
Frequently asked questions about capital payment accounts
Which Swiss bank offers a free capital payment account?
UBS offers it free when capital is transferred to a UBS business account after incorporation. This does not automatically cover future business account services. Compare transfer conditions before choosing.
How much does Raiffeisen charge?
The fee depends on the local Raiffeisen bank. The national page lists free opening and maintenance but says a commission is deducted when capital is transferred. Ask your local bank for the total charge.
Does a sole proprietorship need a capital payment account?
No. A sole proprietorship has no minimum share capital to deposit at formation. The process described here concerns cash contributions when incorporating a company.
Can you open the account online?
Yes, some banks offer online opening subject to conditions. UBS’s digital process includes residence and identity document requirements. Check eligibility before relying on an entirely online process.
Must you deposit CHF 100,000 to form an SA/AG?
Subscribed capital must be at least CHF 100,000. At incorporation, at least 20% of each share’s nominal value and CHF 50,000 overall must be paid in. An SA/AG with minimum capital can therefore be formed with CHF 50,000 paid in if these conditions are met.
Is a transfer receipt the same as the bank certificate?
No. A payment confirmation does not replace the incorporation certificate. The bank issues the certificate once it receives the required amount. Confirm the document needed with the notary.
Can I use the capital before registration?
Blocked capital is not freely available cash before registration. Budget separately for earlier payments. Follow the bank’s and notary’s instructions for incorporation expenses.
Must I keep the same bank afterwards?
Conditions depend on the product. An external transfer may alter the commission or trigger extra fees, particularly at UBS, BCVs and BCF. Confirm exit arrangements before opening.
Is the account always closed after release?
No. Depending on the institution, it is closed with a transfer of funds or converted into a business account. Ask which IBAN to use for your first customer payments.
What if incorporation is abandoned?
Ask the bank and notary which documents are needed for a refund. Do not assume an immediate repayment: the process depends in part on documents already issued. Fees may apply.
Continue preparing your company
- Understand Swiss share capital
- Read about forming a Swiss LLC
- Understand the Swiss SA/AG
- Prepare the steps after incorporation
Official and bank sources
The French source comparison was checked on 12 September 2026. Confirm the applicable tariff and formalities with your bank for your circumstances.
- Code of Obligations — Fedlex
- SECO SME Portal — LLC
- SECO SME Portal — SA/AG
- UBS — fees and conditions
- UBS key4 — payment and certificate
- PostFinance — incorporation fee
- Raiffeisen — locally determined tariff
- BCGE — 2026 tariffs, page 22
- BCV — rates and conditions
- BCVs — fee schedule, page 4
- BCF — tariffs, page 10
- BCF — start-up offer eligibility
- BCN — capital deposit commission
- Migros Bank — application and fees, page 3
Romain Prieur is a Swiss-qualified accountant and founder of Entreprendre.ch. With more than ten years of experience in auditing and supporting Swiss businesses, he advises entrepreneurs on company formation, accounting and taxation.
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