Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Home > Swiss bank accounts > FAQ

New! We have created a special website about Swiss bank accounts with hundreds of pages of information. Micheloud & Cie, a well-known Swiss firm, owns both websites.
Click to visit www.swiss-bank-accounts.com

Basics

Do you open Swiss bank accounts for non residents?
Why is there a minimum balance required for some accounts? Do I have to deposit it the day I open the account?
How can you open Swiss bank accounts with such low minimum balance ?
Can I close my account whenever I wish?
Do you deal with banks that have branches in my country?
I am not 18 yet. Can I open an account?
Is there a deposits insurance in Switzerland? Do you have a Swiss FDIC?
What is the currency of Switzerland? What is a Swiss franc? What does CHF mean?
Can I choose the bank?
How do I know my account will be opened with a first-class Swiss bank?

Our services

Why do I need to pay to open an account?
Why can't I just walk into a Swiss bank and open an account?
I found a website that offers cheaper prices for Swiss bank accounts.
How do I know you are a reputable Swiss company offering reliable services?
What are the benefits of your services?
How much do you charge to open an account? Is this a one-time charge? When do I pay it?
What happens when I click on 'Order'?
Do I need to pay before I know if my application is accepted?
Will you charge me if your company rejects my application?
Will you refund me if the bank rejects my application?
How can I make sure my application will be approved by the bank before I order?
Why are applications rejected ?
What are your banking services?
What are your terms and conditions?
Is it safe to shop with Micheloud and Co?

Choosing an account

Can I open a Sterling or a Dollar account?
Can I open a joint account?
Are Swiss bank accounts anonymous?
Do you open corporate accounts?
Do you open credit card merchant accounts?
Can I upgrade to another account later?
Do you offer safe deposit boxes ?
If I have a numbered account, can I transfer money to my account to a different name, as long as the account number is correct?
What are the advantages of a numbered account?
I live in the US. What account do you recommend for US persons?
What is a "Swiss postal account"?

Documents needed

Information needed to open an account in person?
Why do you need all these documents to open my account?
What do you mean by economic origin of the money?
What is an apostille and why do I need one?
Can I open an account with a driver's licence?
Can I open an account if don't have a passport? What do you mean by "utility bill"?
I live with my parents and the utility bill is in their name. What should I do?
My documents are in chinese/russian/hebrew etc... Are they any good to you?
I am a webmaster and I receive commission cheques. How do I prove the economic origin of the money?
I am a freelance IT consultant. How do I prove the economic origin of the money?
I sold a house - what documents do you need to prove economic origin of my funds?

Opening by mail

How to open my Swiss bank account by mail?
Information required to open a Swiss bank account
How long does it take to open an account ?
Can I open an account by phone, internet, email or fax?
Do I have to transfer the minimum balance immediately?
Do I need to speak any Swiss language to open this account?

Opening in person

Opening a Swiss bank account in person?
Do I need an appointment ?
Is the set-up fee the same ?
Do I need to get an apostille ?
How can I make sure that I have all I need to open the account before flying to Switzerland?
How long does it take to open an account?
Do I need to make an initial deposit the day I open the account?
Can I deposit cash the day I open the account?

Account set-up fee

How can I pay the account set-up fee?
What is your refund policy?
Will the set-up fee be credited to my account?
Can I pay your fee in any currency?
Can you "take" the set-up fee from my initial transfer? From my cheque?
Can I pay you directly from my account when it is opened?
How can I send you a cheque?
What are CVV2 / CVC2 security codes?
Can I pay the account set-up fee with somebody else's credit card?
How to send you my credit card number by fax?
Should I wait for your confirmation before I pay the set up fee?

Investment

What interest will I yield on my account?
Can I invest on the stock market from my Swiss bank account ?

Death, divorce and bankruptcy

What happens with my Swiss bank account if I die?
What do I do inherit a Swiss bank account?
What happens with my Swiss bank account if I divorce?
What happens with my Swiss bank account if I go bankrupt?

Taxes and bank secrecy

Do I need to pay taxes in Switzerland on my Swiss bank account?
Is Swiss bank secrecy lifted for tax evasion?
What is the Swiss withholding tax and how does it apply to me?

Deposits & Withdrawals

What is the best way to deposit money on my Swiss bank account?
How do I deposit money to my Swiss bank account?
Cashing checks to my Swiss account?
Can a bank that issues traveler' checks find out where they have been cashed?
Can I deposit with a postal money order ?
Can I deposit money on my Swiss bank account with Western Union ?
How do I withdraw money from my account in Switzerland?
Secured credit cards
Checks and checkbooks?
How to make international bank transfers via Internet banking?

Miscellaneous

Typical use of Swiss bank accounts
What do you mean by private banking, private bank and private banker?
Is Switzerland member of the EU?
Do the banks you work with have physical branches?
Will my account get interest ?
Why are Swiss bank accounts so popular?

Seven myths

Swiss bank accounts are only for millionaires.
Money invested in Switzerland yields no interest.
It's impossible to open an account in Switzerland by correspondence.
Swiss bank accounts are very expensive to maintain.
It is difficult to close a Swiss bank account.
Swiss bank accounts attract only criminals and dictators.
Numbered accounts are anonymous.

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The information contained in this website is not meant to substitute qualified legal advice given by a specialist knowing your particular situation. We can accept no responsibility for the consequences of decisions made following information found on this website. Micheloud & Cie is not a bank and neither sollicits nor accepts deposits. Currency conversion and interest rates provided on this website are listed for informational purpose only and may not be up-to-date. More >>

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