Feyr, in that case it would be better if you changed your profile. US nationality carries all sorts of baggage, and is especially toxic wrt banking. Saying you are US when you are not means you will get advice that may not be applicable to your situation.
I get that you don't want to disclose much info. In terms of getting useful replies applicable to your situation, however, knowing if the poster is CH, EU, non-EU or US is often needed, as in many situations different rules apply to each of these categories. You could keep your anonymity simply by listing yourself as EU or non-EU (non-US).
Regarding postfinance fees: the non-resident fees only appear to be payable on 'payment' accounts, those that usually have payment cards. I believe if you just have savings accounts, there are no non-resident fees.
If you don't have any payments accounts, you can request a special login card that is not linked to any bank account so that you can log in e-finance web app.
Non-resident probably don't need a CHF payment account, so this can be a good solution.
For me is it the opposite. I dont need a savings account in a foreign country. I liked to keep a normal checking account for all the stuff that takes ages in Switzerland... like getting your rental deposit back after you long live somewhere else.
I didn’t mean to suggest that a swiss savings account is useful in terms of investing, it is clear it is not whether resident or not.
It is just a chf account with an iban. Correct me if i am wrong, but i imagine you can deposit money by your iban just like a payment account, including you damage deposit of your apartment.
So does that mean that it is possible to keep a bank account open, provided you pay monthly fees? Many thanks in advance. Also what is the story with credit cards. Is it possible to keep a credit card account open after leaving CH?
I have 2 Swiss bank accounts, and have moved to and from Canada a few times.
I also have 2 Canadian bank accounts.
I currently hold all 4.
On the Swiss side:
Raifeissenbank: No problem, I get ALL of my documents via email. No increase in fees.
Berner Kantonal Bank: No problem, they sent all papers/statements via paper mail. Annual fee went from CHF 6.- to CHF 18.-
Canadian banks:
Both said it was not a problem, what's the Swiss address? I state it, then they updated the account and I got everything by mail from them at no extra cost. (Ok Canadian banking is already really expensive as it is...).
Either the fees have changed since your time or you are a much loved customer who was swung a deal. BEKB quotes 20/month for "Domizil Ausland" on its website. Raiffeisen fees reportedly vary per canton but are generally similar or more.
To receive money owed by persons or companies in Switzerland who/which may not be able or willing to make international transfers.
To be able to just get on with it and use CHF for things in Switzerland, especially smaller sums, without bothering with foreign exchange rates.
To have and use the convenience of a local bank during any visits to Switzerland.
To provide consistency in recurring transactions (receiving, such as a pension or paying, such as a mortgage or child-support) which may need to continue uninterrupted by the person's leaving the country.
To have a Swiss destination into which to transfer money from abroad, especially in case one were to return to Switzerland.