Online brokers
The source uses Swissquote as the market reference and records 2026 custody fees ranging from roughly CHF 20 to CHF 50 per quarter in the standard tiers, with additional treatment for very large holdings. Saxo and other competitors use different fee models. Current price sheets should always be checked immediately before publication.
For the surrounding context, see Swiss banking hub.
If this decision changes the viability or sequence of your move, a Swiss relocation strategy consultation can apply it to your own facts.
Traditional bank custody
Percentage-based custody is the danger. At 0.35% a year, CHF 1 million costs CHF 3,500 annually simply to hold, before trading, funds and advice. Over long periods the compounding effect is material.
Swiss securities transfer stamp duty
Transactions through a Swiss securities dealer can attract federal stamp duty. The standard rates in the source are 0.075% for Swiss securities and 0.15% for foreign securities, generally on taxable purchases and sales under the statutory rules.
For the surrounding context, see opening a Swiss bank account.
The two-account model
Many investors use one Swiss bank for payments, mortgage and local relationship, and a lower-cost broker for the investment portfolio.
For the surrounding context, see choosing a Swiss bank.
Do not pay private-bank custody prices for an execution-only portfolio unless you are buying a service that justifies them.
The foreign half of that model has to be opened somewhere, and not every broker takes every residence. FreedomBanking compares international brokers for non-residents.
The Swiss online-broker middle ground
A Swiss online broker can give you Swiss custody, a local tax statement and domestic support without private-bank pricing. The economics depend on portfolio size and activity. The source material uses Swissquote-style quarterly custody ranges of roughly CHF 20-50 in standard tiers as a market illustration, but current price lists must be checked before publication.
The contrast is with percentage-based bank custody. At 0.35% per year, a CHF 5 million portfolio produces CHF 17,500 of annual custody cost before advice, funds or trading. That is why the pricing model matters more than the logo.
When Swiss custody wins
Swiss custody is particularly useful when the portfolio supports a Swiss mortgage/Lombard facility, when you value a Swiss tax statement, or when estate planning is easier with assets in the same legal system as your residence.
For active trading, compare stamp duty, commission and FX with an international broker. A two-depot solution can be sensible.
General information on Swiss law and practice, not individual legal, tax or investment advice.
