Frequently asked questions

To open an account with Alpian, begin by downloading the app, available for both iOS and Android devices. During the sign-up process, you will be asked to provide some personal information and complete a quick ID verification to ensure security and compliance.

Eligibility requirements: You must hold a valid Swiss residence permit and provide an original, valid passport or national ID. Please note that photocopies will not be accepted.

Activating your account: The final step to activate your account involves making a deposit that must come from a bank account registered in your name at a licensed bank located either in Switzerland or a FATF country.

Important: Because of FINMA regulations, deposits from neo-banks and financial platforms that do not hold a banking license such as Neon, PayPal, Revolut, Yuh, or Wise are not accepted.

There is no minimum amount required to open an account. However, an initial transaction is necessary to activate the account.

To see where you stand in the application process, please go to the initial page of the app where your progress is displayed. For further details, feel free to contact our support team via chat or schedule a call here.

To activate your account, the first transfer must meet specific criteria mandated by the Swiss regulator FINMA for banks accepting clients through digital channels:

• Source of transfer: The transfer must originate from an account held in your name. Transfers from third-party or company accounts are not accepted.

• Type of bank: The transfer must come from a licensed bank that adheres to the standards of the Swiss regulator. We do not accept initial transfers made from fintech or payment companies (e.g., Neon, PayPal, Revolut, Yuh, Wise, ZAK).

• Bank location: The transfer must be from a bank located in a Financial Action Task Force (FATF) member country. These countries adhere to stringent guidelines regarding customer due diligence and wire transfers, ensuring a higher level of regulatory compliance.

FATF-compliant countries include: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (China), Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, and USA.

Please ensure that your initial transfer conforms to these criteria. Once your account is activated, you can perform all standard banking transactions normally.

Our multi-currency account allows you to hold the four most commonly used currencies—CHF, EUR, USD, and GBP—under a single IBAN. This feature enables you to hold, transfer, pay, save, and receive money in these currencies without the need for multiple bank accounts.

Funds are credited in the currency they are received in. For example, if you receive 100€, it will be credited and stored in euros. This is perfect for frequent travelers and expats, as it allows you to manage your finances without commissions or high exchange rates.

Our multi-currency account allows you to hold, manage, and transact in multiple currencies under a single IBAN. At Alpian, our multi-currency account currently supports CHF, EUR, USD, and GBP.

Your IBAN can be easily found with just a few clicks. To locate it: Open your Alpian app > Click on the Accounts menu (second menu from the left) > Click on the Details icon on the right.

Open your Alpian app > Click on your profile icon at the top right > Select Documents > Select My Uploads > Click on the +.

Open your Alpian app > Click on your profile icon at the top right > Documents > Statements.

To change your phone number, please contact our support team via the live chat or by scheduling a video call with a wealth advisor. You will be required to verify your new phone number as part of the process to ensure the security of your account.

Open your Alpian app > Click on your profile icon at the top right > Select Personal Details > Change address here.

Yes, with our metal debit card, you can use four currency accounts at no additional cost, making it easy to manage your finances while traveling.

Additionally, there are no commission fees on card transactions abroad, and our competitive exchange rates ensure that you keep more money in your pocket. Check out our comparative analysis of exchange rates for more information.

To receive your debit card, you must first manually order it via the Alpian app following these steps:

• Tap on the top right icon of the app and then select Cards Management from the menu.

• Request your physical debit card.

The debit card typically takes between 5 and 7 business days to arrive. Always ensure that you have used the correct address and that your name is clearly labeled on your mailbox. If there are any discrepancies, please contact us.

While waiting for your card, you can use your Alpian account by creating virtual cards, digital debit cards that you can use for payments when added to your e-wallet or for online shopping.

Activating your debit card is a straightforward two-step process:

Step 1: Activate it within the app

• Open the Alpian app on your device.

• Tap on the icon at the top right corner to access your profile options.

• Navigate to the Cards Management section.

• Tap on Activate Card to enable it for online payments.

Note: If you see a code in your card package, it is not your PIN. Please ignore it.

Step 2: Activate it with a transaction

• Enable the contactless feature by inserting your card into a Swiss ATM or using it at a merchant terminal in Switzerland.

• Perform one transaction with your card to fully activate it for contactless payments.

Your 4-digit PIN, required for transactions, is available under the Cards Management section within the app. Remember, this PIN is different from any code you might have received with your card package.

Open your Alpian app > Click on your profile icon at the top right > Select the Cards Management tab > Select the card > Click on PIN.

If you need to change your PIN, you can do so at any ATM across Switzerland. Please note that only 4-digit PINs are supported.

Open your Alpian app > Click on your profile icon at the top right > Select the Cards Management tab > Select the card > Click on the "eye" icon at the bottom left of the card > Enter your Alpian app access code.

Investing with Alpian is straightforward and fully digital, allowing you to begin quickly without any paperwork or office visits. After you’ve downloaded Alpian and created your account, here's how you can start:

1) Open the Alpian app and tap the Investments tab, located as the third icon from the left on your screen.

2) Tap Start Now to select the investment mandate that best fits your style:

• Managed by Alpian (discretionary mandate): Hands-off wealth management.

• Managed by Alpian Essentials (discretionary mandate): Located inside the 'Managed by Alpian' mandate, wealth management for small budgets.

• Guided by Alpian (advisory mandate): Investing with the recommendation of investment professionals.

3) After you select the right mandate, complete a 10-minute questionnaire to provide information about your financial knowledge, situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. This assists us in tailoring an investment strategy specifically for you. You will also have the opportunity to set preferences for geographical areas and asset classes to include or exclude, and your desired impact level.

4) Once you finished the questionnaire, we have crafted your strategy that you can now review. Here is all you can check before actually committing to invest:

• Portfolio allocation: You’ll see a detailed breakdown of how your funds would be allocated across fixed income, equities, and alternative investments. Modifications are possible at this stage.

• Risk/return projections: You’ll understand the potential risks and expected returns of your strategy.

• Impact score: You can assess the social and environmental impact of your portfolio. Here you have the option to increase or decrease the impact level.

• Risk level: You can see how your strategy compares to others at Alpian based on your risk profile.

• Historical performance: You can review the past performance of your selected strategy to understand how it would perform if you go for it.

• Exposure: You can examine the countries and sectors your investments will touch.

5) If you agree with the proposed strategy, it’s now time to accept the proposal.

6) Finally, you need to sign the contract to get you started and transfer funds to your investment account.

7) Congratulations, you are now investing!

Alpian provides three tailored investment solutions to cater to various investor needs and preferences:

Managed by Alpian: Ideal for clients preferring a hands-off approach, this solution starts with CHF 30,000. Our experts manage your investments, focusing on crafting a strategy that maximises returns aligned with your long-term financial objectives.

Managed by Alpian Essentials: Start investing with as little as CHF 2,000. Choose from one of four pre-designed ETF savings plans managed by our experts, providing a simple and effective way to start growing your wealth.

Guided by Alpian: Perfect for clients who want more involvement in their investment decisions with a starting point of CHF 10,000. This option offers the flexibility of making your own investment choices with the added benefit of receiving real-time, professional guidance.

The "Guided by Alpian" investment mandate involves crafting a personalised investment strategy aligned with your specific goals and needs, which you execute. Our experts provide consistent advice and recommendations anchored in your strategy and in response to market developments. Just like with "Managed by Alpian," you can access wealth advisors through in-app video consultations.

The "Managed by Alpian" investment mandate involves crafting a personalised investment strategy aligned with your specific goals and needs, executed and managed day-to-day by a seasoned team of experts. You'll also receive regular updates to keep you informed about market-related portfolio changes, with the added convenience of direct contact with our wealth advisors via in-app video consultations.

Alpian offers a variety of investment solutions tailored for all budget sizes:

Managed by Alpian – Essentials (discretionary mandate):

• Available from: CHF 2,000

• Description: ETF-savings plans, fully managed by our team, ideal for those new to investing.

Guided by Alpian (advisory mandate):

• Available from: CHF 10,000

• Description: Offers professional investment guidance, empowering you to make the final investment decisions.

Managed by Alpian (discretionary mandate):

• Available from: CHF 30,000

• Description: Provides full-service wealth management with extensive personalisation and optimisation, managed entirely by our experts.

For more information about Alpian's investments solutions, head to our pricing page.

Once you deposit funds into your Alpian account, the investment process depends on the mandate you have chosen:

• Managed by Alpian and Managed by Alpian Essentials: Your funds are typically invested at the next rebalancing session, which occurs every weekday morning when financial markets are open. Please note that rebalancing does not occur on weekends or public holidays.

• Guided by Alpian: After depositing funds, you need to submit your investment orders yourself. These orders are processed at the next investment cut-off, with all transactions being grouped and executed around midday.

Unlike traditional and private banks, which often involve cumbersome paperwork and in-person meetings, our streamlined approach makes it easy for you to get started.

Our management mandates are based on ETFs. To select the ETFs included in our portfolios, we followed a rigorous selection process across 4 sub-asset classes: Fixed income, equities, commodities, and digital assets. Learn more

Equities: Planet Thematics, People Thematics, and equities from the regions Switzerland, the US, Europe, Asia ex-Japan, Japan, and Emerging Markets.

Fixed Income: Includes Global Government Bonds (all maturities and inflation-linked), Corporate Investment-Grade Bonds, High Yield, Money Markets, Development Bank Thematics, and Green Bonds Thematics.

Alternatives: Commodities, Precious Metals, Cryptocurrencies

Your investments are securely stored in a personal account at Interactive Brokers. This independent custodian arrangement ensures that your assets are safe and accessible at any time, while you benefit from our expert management.

Yes, our portfolios are primarily hedged in Swiss francs. This hedging strategy effectively reduces currency risk, providing greater stability, especially for Swiss investors. Unlike many competitors, whose performance can fluctuate significantly with currency movements—such as when the euro fluctuates—our approach helps ensure a more stable investment experience for you.

Our daily investment cycle ensures that your orders are processed every day when markets are open. This means your money is actively working for you, maximizing its potential without delay. Unlike other investment options that may not offer this frequency, we prioritize keeping your funds engaged in the market.

To ensure smooth processing, we follow a clear execution policy: while orders are typically executed within a day, we may take up to 3 days in exceptional cases, such as system interruptions or market disruptions. This policy ensures transparency and reliability, even when unexpected delays occur.

Orders may take up to one hour to appear after execution. Please check back later to see it reflected in your app.

Settlement takes 2 working days to process. For "Managed by Alpian" investments, funds are credited to your current account two working days after the order execution.

For "Guided by Alpian" investments, funds are credited to the cash bucket of the mandate two working days after the order is executed.

Absolutely, there are no lock-in periods with your investments at Alpian. You can access your funds anytime, with liquidation typically occurring within two working days after your request.

When you request a withdrawal or close an investment mandate:

• For Managed by Alpian / Managed by Alpian Essentials mandates: Orders are executed during the next rebalancing.

• For Guided by Alpian: Orders are executed at the next investment cut-off (around midday) after you submit them.

Please note that it takes 2 working days for trades to settle (the exchange of the instrument for cash with our broker). Once settled, the cash will be available to you.

You can view a chart showing the performance of the discretionary mandate since its inception on our dedicated "Managed by Alpian" page. For more detailed information and to discuss how these investments can work for you, please book a meeting with one of our advisors.

After establishing your investor profile in the app to create the investment strategy, you will have access to various data on past performance, risk profile, volatility, and much more.

Absolutely, your preferences and values play a crucial role in shaping your investment portfolio at Alpian. We believe in empowering you to align your investments with your personal convictions and financial goals. Here's how you can tailor your portfolio to exclude specific investments or sectors:

During the initial setup of your investment account, you'll have the opportunity to specify any sectors or types of investments you wish to exclude from your portfolio. This could include, but is not limited to, sectors such as fossil fuels, tobacco, or arms manufacturing, depending on your personal values.

Your investment preferences are not set in stone. As your values or financial goals evolve, you can adjust your exclusions or investment criteria by communicating with your Wealth Advisor. We're here to adapt your portfolio to your changing needs.

At Alpian, we prioritise integrity and transparency. We adhere strictly to a policy of not accepting any compensation from third parties that could influence our service to our clients. In exceptional cases where such compensation is unavoidable, we pass the full amount directly to you.

Our collaboration with external advisors, including entities within the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, is conducted with the utmost respect for these principles. We remain exclusively responsible for all investment decisions made as part of our discretionary portfolio management services, as well as for all our investment recommendations. This ensures that our advice is always objective, transparent, and tailored to your unique financial goals and needs.

Alpian, as a bank supervised by FINMA, offers the suite of protections and safeguards inherent to Swiss banks. The protection of your wealth and personal information is our utmost priority.

On our blog, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of investment articles, videos, and podcasts, along with a two-season email series designed specifically for beginner investors.

It is not possible to create two investment mandates of the same type. However, you can have both a "Managed by Alpian" mandate and a "Guided by Alpian" mandate.

At Alpian, we recognise the importance of keeping you informed about your investment's performance. Here’s how we ensure you are always up-to-date:

Continuous updates: Via the Alpian app, your portfolio's performance is updated nearly every hour. This feature enables you to monitor your investments' progress anytime, providing flexibility to check in as often as you like.

Monthly journal: Each month, you will receive a report summarising your portfolio’s performance, including any changes made and the reasons behind these adjustments. This journal helps you stay informed about the strategic decisions impacting your investments.

Alpian combines digital tools with experienced wealth managers to provide a modern and efficient wealth management experience. We offer customisable investment strategies, transparent pricing, and a focus on client satisfaction, which is a departure from traditional private banking practices.

Yes. Alpian integrates everyday banking with investment services in one app. Once you open an account, it serves as a hub for both your banking and investing needs, simplifying your financial management.

At Alpian, you have the freedom to book unlimited sessions with our wealth advisors. We understand the importance of readily available financial guidance, so our advisors are available to you whenever you need them.

Open your Alpian app > Click on the Accounts menu (second menu from the left) > Click on the Payments icon > Click on the QR code at the top right > Scan the QR invoice.

Learn how to add your Alpian card to Apple Pay by following the instructions here.

Here's how to add your card to the  Google Wallet:

Open the Google Wallet app.

• Tap Payment card and then New credit or debit card.

• Enter your card details.

• Scroll to the bottom, tap Save and Continue.

• Read the Issuer Terms and accept them.

That's it! Your Alpian card is now ready for you to use with your Android devices. 

Transfers don’t show up immediately. Here’s what you need to know:

Local CHF transfers: Payments made from a CHF account in Switzerland, whether under your name or a third party, may take up to 2 working days to reflect in your account.

International transfers: Transfers from accounts outside Switzerland or in another currency, whether under your name or a third party, can take up to 5 business days to arrive.

Rest assured, your funds will be credited as soon as they arrive.

Yes, the pre-paid version of TWINT can be funded through your Alpian account. Please follow the steps below to get started:

• Download the prepaid TWINT & other banks application.

• Complete the TWINT account opening process.

• Once the TWINT account is open and verified, select the Payment option within the TWINT mobile application.

• An email will be received from TWINT which includes a QR code with which to make the payment to fund the account.

• Login to your Alpian account, navigate to the Cash page, and select Payments.

• Select the QR payment option and scan the QR code sent by TWINT.

• Once the payment is complete, the TWINT account will be funded and available for use.

When you use your Alpian Visa debit card to pay in a currency other than CHF, EUR, USD, or GBP, here's how it works:

• Check balance: Alpian first checks if you have sufficient funds in the transaction currency.

• Automatic exchange: If the funds are insufficient, the exchange will automatically be made from the currency with the highest balance in your account.

• Visa Rate: The exchange rate applied to these transactions is the Visa rate, which is published on the Visa website and may vary daily.

• Low fees: Alpian applies a minimal FX mark-up of 0.20% during business days and 0.50% over weekends.

This ensures transparency and cost-effectiveness, allowing you to pay in local currencies without hidden fees.

Alpian only charges one of the lowest markups in the country and zero transaction fees. This rate is among the most favorable in Switzerland, ensuring you receive the best value for your international transactions. Find the full breakdown of fees for your card payments and international money transfers on our Pricing page.

High fees for paying and withdrawing money abroad can be frustrating. Alpian puts an end to exorbitant commissions and unfavourable rates by offering foreign exchange capabilities at one of the lowest fees in the Swiss market: 0.20%. This fee isn't about making a profit; it simply covers the exchange process. At Alpian, we're committed to transparency in pricing – we only charge you when a service demands our expert touch.

Yes, Alpian is a fully regulated and licensed bank under the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA).

Alpian complies with Swiss banking regulations, which are among the strictest in the world. Alpian unifies everyday banking with accessible investment and private banking services in a hassle-free mobile app so that your financial life fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. The combination of human expertise and system intelligence is how we fulfil our promise: to always be at your side on your journey to wealth beyond money.

Opening and maintaining an Alpian bank account is free of charge. We charge a management fee of 0.75% per year for investments. For more specific details, please visit our pricing page.

Although Alpian does not provide direct credit card services, our partnership with American Express enables our clients to enjoy the exclusive benefits and preferential rates associated with the Platinum Card. This integration ensures that Alpian clients can access premium services seamlessly.

You can explore all the exclusive benefits and features by following this link.

Client confidentiality and data security are paramount at Alpian. As a FINMA-regulated bank, we adhere to the highest standards of security and regulatory compliance. Your personal and financial data are safeguarded with the utmost care and advanced security measures.

Yes, you can access your funds anytime without restrictions or fees. Only the booster is impacted if you withdraw over CHF 10'000.

No. The rule applies to total withdrawals after February 28, 2025. If your cumulative withdrawals exceed CHF 10,000, you lose the booster.

No. It is your responsibility to track your balance and ensure it does not drop more than CHF 10,000 below the qualifying level.

No. Once deactivated, the booster cannot be reinstated.

You will not qualify for the booster. The cut-off date is February 28, 2025.

Yes, as long as your balance reaches at least CHF 125,000 on February 28, 2025. However, if your balance is below 125’000 before February 28, 2025, you will not qualify for the booster and a lower base rate will apply.

You do not qualify for the booster. The minimum qualifying balance must be at least CHF 125,000.00 on that date.

The booster is tied to your savings account balance only. Moving funds to a multi-currency or another account counts as a withdrawal will disqualify you.

You will still qualify for the booster, since the threshold is “more than CHF 10,000.” But if you withdraw CHF 10,001 or more, you lose the booster.

No. The booster is a one-time payout made on January 1, 2026. You will only see monthly base interest payments throughout the year.

If you close your savings account before January 2, 2026, you forfeit the booster.

No. The booster is calculated only on the balance at February 28, 2025. New deposits after this date earn only the base rate.

Yes. Any movement of funds out of the savings account—whether to another Alpian account or an external bank—counts as a withdrawal.

No. Once your balance falls more than CHF 10,000 below the February 28, 2025 balance, the booster is permanently deactivated, even if you later restore the funds.

No, there's only one savings account per client.

Strategic small withdrawals do not reset the threshold. The rule is simple: if your balance ever falls more than CHF 10,000 below your February 28, 2025 balance, the booster is deactivated—even if you later top it up.

Yes, as long as your balance never drops by more than CHF 10,000 below your February 28, 2025 balance, you will still qualify for the booster.

Yes, you will qualify as long as your balance remains above CHF 125,000 on February 28, 2025. The booster will be applied to your full CHF 200,000 deposit.

However, if you withdraw more than CHF 10,000 before January 2, 2026, the booster will be deactivated.

No. The 0.4% booster applies only to the balance that is in your savings account on February 28, 2025. If you withdraw more than CHF 10,000 after that date, you will lose the booster.