NEON Bank – Review, Test, and Complete Overview in March 2026

[Update – 02/27/2026: Introducing the Neon Pillar 3a offer]
[Update – 02/24/2026: Fees, expense analysis features, banking packages]
[Update – 02/06/2026: Improved visibility (investing with Neon + general comparison)]
[Update – 02/03/2026: Removed Neon VS Radicant comparison, following Radicant’s closure]

Neon is the first independent Swiss neobank. Founded in 2018, it now has over 245,000 users in Switzerland. Its app focuses on ease of use and features a sleek design. Based in Zurich, Neon relies on Hypothekarbank Lenzburg to provide its financial services.

Neon offers 4 mobile banking plans, tailored to different needs, and 2 add-ons:

1. Neon Free 💳 – Free

Neon Free is perfectly suitable for basic local use, but its limitations quickly become apparent when traveling or withdrawing money.

2. Neon Plus ➕ (2 CHF/month)

Includes the benefits of Neon Free, plus:

• 2 free withdrawals in Switzerland per month
• No foreign exchange fees abroad
• Phone customer service

3. Neon Global 🌍 (8 CHF/month)

Includes the benefits of Neon Plus, plus:

• Insurance package included (shopping, travel, cyber, etc.)
• Cashback on Wise transfers (20%)
• Reduced fees for payments or withdrawals abroad

4. Neon Metal 💎 (15 CHF/month)

Includes the benefits of Neon Global, plus:

• Metal Mastercard
• Phone insurance against damage and theft
• Free withdrawals worldwide
• Cashback on Wise transfers (40%)

+ Add-ons: Neon Green 🌱 and Neon Duo 🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻

You can customize your account with 2 additional extensions compatible with all plans:

🌱 Neon Green (3 CHF/Month)

• Wooden card (Mastercard Debit)
• Extended warranty for electronic devices
• Integrated carbon offsetting
• Free card delivery
• 1 tree planted for every CHF 500 spent

🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻 Neon duo (3 CHF/month per person)

• Shared account with 2 co-holders
• 2 cards, 1 common IBAN
• Consolidated view of transactions
• Budget tools and shared expense tracking

Neon Invest

Also discover all of Neon’s investment solutions (ETFs, stocks, etc.) in our guide.

📊 Comparison of Neon plans in Switzerland in 2026

What is the best Neon plan in 2026?

• Neon Free is suitable for local use in CHF without frequent withdrawals.
• Neon Plus (2 CHF/month) is ideal for avoiding occasional exchange fees.
• Neon Global (8 CHF/month) becomes profitable for regular travelers.
• Neon Metal (15 CHF/month) is suitable for heavy international users needing comprehensive insurance.

👉 In practice, as soon as you make foreign currency payments or withdrawals abroad, Neon Plus or Global quickly becomes more cost-effective than Neon Free.

Neon Promo Code

Use promo code VSWH3C when opening your account.

Free account ✔︎

Open an account

Neon bank is available in French, German, English and Italian.

Step-by-step guide to opening a NEON account

💳 Mastercard Prepaid NEON Free in brief :

• Contactless payment without code up to CHF 80/purchase, max CHF 250/day. Cannot be modified. Beyond that, the code is required.
• Works with Apple Pay / Google Pay / Samsung Pay / SwatchPAY! / Garmin Pay
• Push notifications for card payments
• Daily payment limit: 5,000 CHF online and in-store
• Monthly payment limit: 10,000 CHF

You can temporarily block your card from the app, but you have to go to the ATM to change the PIN code.

The default cash withdrawal limit is CHF 2,000/day or 10,000/month. The card is only funded from the main account (money from Spaces is excluded).

Neon Promo Code

Use promo code VSWH3C when opening your account.

Free account ✔︎

Open an account

The Neon bank app is suitable for all situations in Switzerland:

• Track account movements
• Push notification of movements
• View expenses by category
• eBill 🇨🇭
• Standing orders
• Scan payment slips (QR invoices) 🇨🇭
• Create “Spaces” sub-accounts
• Instant payment with “Pay a friend” (from Neon user to Neon user)
• Change contact details (2FA required)
• Temporarily block the card
• neon invest lets you invest in equities (Swiss and international) and ETFs directly in the app
• Open a joint account directly from the app
• Open a savings plan
• Budget tools and detailed expense tracking

Spending analysis (advanced statistics)

Thanks to Neon Analytics, the app includes an advanced statistics module to analyze your spending in detail.

The goal is simple: better understand where your money goes to manage it better.

Specifically, the tool allows:

• 📊 Spending analysis by category
• 📅 Monthly and historical view
• 🔍 Identifying the biggest expenses (“cash drainers”)
• 📈 Tracking habit trends
• 💡 Better visibility to optimize your budget

Unlike a simple spending graph, Neon Analytics works almost like a built-in mini Excel sheet, but without the technical complexity. The approach remains visual, intuitive, and accessible.

The features it lacks :

✘ Create sub-accounts in other currencies (as offered by YUH).
✘ Change card limits in the app.
✘ Buy and sell cryptocurrencies. It’s a shame because we’re counting on fintech DNA to bridge the gap between the cryptic world of crypto and the general public 😉 Neon should find a way to offer at least Bitcoin (BTC) / Ethereum (ETH).

Launched at the end of November 2025, Neon 3a continues the neobank’s digital, low-cost approach. The solution relies exclusively on Swisscanto index funds, with a simple logic: broadly diversified and transparent investment for your pension.

Five strategies are offered, ranging from Defensive 25 to Offensive 100. Depending on the chosen risk profile, equity exposure can reach up to 99%, with the remainder invested in bonds and other asset classes. As with most modern 3a providers, you select an overall strategy, not individual funds, which greatly simplifies management for the saver.

Four orientations are also available: Global, Swiss, Sustainable, or Swiss Sustainable.

Security

Neon 3a is based on the Simply 3a foundation, with Lienhardt & Partner as the custodian bank.

Specifically:

• Securities are held in your name by the custodian bank.
• They are considered separate assets (not on Neon’s balance sheet).
• In case of Neon’s bankruptcy, your assets remain protected.

If the manager were to disappear, the foundation would have to appoint a new manager.
The framework is therefore that of a standard digital 3a in Switzerland: separate structure, protected assets, regulated partners.

Conditions

• Up to 5 Pillar 3a Portfolios
• Payments possible from 1 CHF
• Standard 3a taxation
• 2026 legal limit: 7,258 CHF for employees with a 2nd pillar
• Accessible only via the mobile app

Multi-account is a real advantage: it allows you to stagger withdrawals at retirement and reduce capital tax.

Fees

Management fees are degressive based on the invested amount:

• 0–4,999 CHF: 0.45%
• 5,000–9,999 CHF: 0.44%
• 10,000–24,999 CHF: 0.43%
• 25,000–49,999 CHF: 0.41%
• 50,000 CHF and more: 0.39%

The funds used have a TER of 0%.

In practice, the fund structure implies a slight theoretical deviation of approximately 0.15% per year compared to the most optimized ETFs on the market. This corresponds to indirect costs related to product construction, not additional fees charged.

This deviation remains marginal given the overall pricing. Neon 3a is among the cheapest digital 3a options on the market, even if some specialized providers push indirect cost optimization a bit further.

Neon 3a is suitable if:

• You want a low-cost 3a integrated with your Neon account
• You want to be able to open up to 5 portfolios
• You are looking for a dynamic allocation (up to 99% equities)
• You accept foreign exposure limited to 50%

It will be less suitable if:

• You want to build a fully customized portfolio
• You want more than 50% exposure to foreign currencies
• You are looking for the most optimized fund structure possible

Pillar 3a Neon is a competitive and well-integrated offering for those seeking a low-cost product, particularly useful for young investors or those looking to simplify their pension management with a digital tool. However, it is less suitable for those seeking total flexibility in terms of investments or broader exposure to international markets.

Integration with the Neon app and the ability to open multiple portfolios make it an interesting option for tax optimization and dynamic retirement management.

Interest rate: 0.00% (no remuneration, even in Spaces)

• Instant transfers with “pay a friend” (from Neon user to Neon user).
• An IBAN transfer within Switzerland made before noon arrives on the same day. If it’s done in the afternoon, it arrives the next day.
• A transfer abroad takes from a few minutes to a maximum of 24 hours.

Neon Promo Code

Use promo code VSWH3C when opening your account.

Free account ✔︎

Open an account

• Free bank account
• IBAN CH free of charge
• Prepaid Mastercard 20 CHF for Neon Free and Plus, free for Neon Global and Metal
• 👛 Virtual sub-accounts “Spaces” free
• 💳 Card payments without transaction fees
• Exchange fees without markup on the Mastercard exchange rate, except for Neon Free (0.35%)

neon invest

• Swiss stocks and ETFs: 0.5% of the purchase or sale price per transaction
• International stocks: 1.0%
• From July 1, 2024: Minimum fee of 1 CHF per transaction, except:
  • Above 200 CHF for Swiss stocks or ETFs
  • Above 100 CHF for international stocks and investment plans

Money transfers in Switzerland 🇨🇭 ➔ 🇨🇭

IBAN transfers in CHF are free. In EUR, there are no transaction fees, but a 1.5% markup on the Mastercard exchange rate.

International transfers 🇨🇭 ➔ 🌍

SEPA transfers are not available, but Neon allows you to save fees and time with international transfers:

➔ A very advantageous exchange rate at the average market rate.

➔ Transfers that can end up on the other side of the world in a matter of minutes.

How does it work?

• It’s the WISE service that handles these transfers. It is generally faster, less expensive and more transparent than IBAN and SEPA transfers.
• The fees are clearly indicated. They range between 0.8 and 1.7%. This includes a 0.40% convenience fee applied by Neon for integrating the service into the app. Therefore, it’s not necessary to have a WISE account.

Cash withdrawals in Switzerland 🇨🇭

At ATMs (cash dispensers) :

• Neon Free: 2.50 CHF per withdrawal
• Neon Plus: free 2x/month then 2 CHF per withdrawal
• Neon Global: free 3x/month then 2 CHF per withdrawal
• Neon Metal: free 5x/month then 2 CHF per withdrawal

☝️ Withdrawal limits: daily = 2,000 CHF / monthly = 10,000 CHF

➔ In parallel, Neon enables free cash withdrawals in stores, kiosks and restaurants with Sonect, whose updated partner locations are shown below.

➔ You can also withdraw cash from Lidl cashiers (CHF max 300.-/withdrawal) conditional on a minimum purchase of CHF 10.

Cash withdrawals abroad 🌍

ATMs (classic cash dispensers)

• Neon Free: 1.5% of the withdrawn amount, no exchange rate markup
• Neon Plus: 1% of the withdrawn amount, no exchange rate markup
• Neon Global: 0.5% of the withdrawn amount, no exchange rate markup
• Neon Metal: free withdrawals

There is a daily cash withdrawal limit of 1K CHF or 1K EUR.

Neon Metal is essentially free withdrawals everywhere for CHF 15/month. Once you’ve done the math: at what usage level is it worth taking out Neon Metal?

3 examples:

• In Switzerland, you need to make at least 7 withdrawals with Neon Free.
• Abroad, you need to withdraw more than 1000 CHF.
• A combination of 500 CHF withdrawal abroad + 6 withdrawals in Switzerland.

You can easily place yourself in front of these 3 examples to find out if Neon Metal is right for you. ✔︎

Don’t forget:

• Replacement Neon Metal card charged at 80 CHF (compared to 20 CHF for other offers)
• Free delivery of the metal card included

Neon Promo Code

Use promo code VSWH3C when opening your account.

Free account ✔︎

Open an account

With NEON bank, there are no transaction fees or exchange fees.

The exchange rate is Mastercard’s, which is about 0.5% above the actual interbank rate. In comparison, it’s more advantageous than Zak, for example, which also uses a VISA reference rate but with a 2% markup.

📍 We always recommend paying in local currency.

• International transfers via WISE available in more than 40 currencies
• Application adapted for mobile payments abroad (Apple Pay / Google Pay, etc.)

Here’s how to deposit cash into your Neon bank account. Purchase a TWINT top-up at a Post Office, Coop, or Interdiscount with the amount you wish to deposit into your account:

With TWINT Prepaid, you need to select the “Unload credit” function then indicate an amount and the account IBAN.

The money is deposited into the account 2 to 3 working days later.

Accessibility: by phone 🤳 Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm. Response time is quick. By email and form in the app, the response window is two days ⏳, but urgent matters are dealt with quickly.

Unlike N26 and Revolut, it is not possible to speak to a support person directly via chat from the app or website.

Reported experience generally excellent. On the basis of all our interactions in French, the agents are fully up to the level of their promises. There’s a real culture of user feedback within the support department, so that information can be passed on to the development team. Even on Fridays, at the end of the day, even if the call goes overtime, the search for solutions and the efficiency are there.

Relatively inconsequential. NEON bank’s limited offer allows you to benefit from discounts with partner businesses such as: NordVPN, MoneyPark, EF, etc.

However, there is a cashback system with Wise:

Neon is currently one of the best neobanks in Switzerland. The app provides a Swiss IBAN and payment of Swiss QR bills and eBill. It is particularly interesting for Swiss residents who travel often or spend regularly across the border. It is the best Swiss card for paying abroad because there are no exchange rate surcharges or fees when used overseas.

✔︎ As the card costs 0 CHF with our code VSWH3C, you can open an additional account for free with another app. to enjoy the benefits of each and compare online banks in practice.

Neon vs Zak

Zak natively integrates TWINT, supports eBill, LSV, and covers common payments in Switzerland seamlessly. However, it doesn’t allow managing multiple currencies, severely limits withdrawals outside Switzerland, and offers no access to investment.

Neon bank is more minimalist in terms of classic banking services, but better suited for foreign payments and small investments from the app.

To be preferred if…

• You want a simple app, with integrated TWINT, for 100% local use in CHF: Zak (read Zak review and test)
• You sometimes pay in foreign currencies, travel, or want to invest easily: Neon

To avoid if…

• You’re looking for a multi-currency tool (Zak is limited to CHF)
• You often use TWINT (not compatible with Neon)
• You need an all-in-one tool for bills, payments, transfers and local management (Zak is more complete in this aspect)

Yuh vs Neon

Neon bank offers a better experience for everyday Swiss payments: CH IBAN, QR-bills, eBill, LSV, and free CHF withdrawals. However, the lack of native TWINT and the inability to hold multiple currencies limit its use when traveling or receiving funds in EUR.

Yuh covers traditional Swiss banking services less comprehensively, but it has an advantage in multi-currency payments, EUR withdrawals, and access to investment.

Also read

For a detailed comparison, criterion by criterion: check our complete analysis of Neon vs Yuh.

To be preferred if…

• You live in Switzerland, with regular payments in CHF and bills to manage easily: Neon
• you pay in EUR, you travel, or you want to invest occasionally: Yuh (Yuh review and test)

To avoid if…

• You use TWINT daily
• You’re looking for a multi-currency account or an EUR IBAN
• You want to manage your payments, expenses and investments in several currencies

Neon vs Alpian

Alpian allows holding multiple currencies in a single account (CHF, EUR, USD, GBP), making international transfers without fees, and accessing an investment platform assisted by a human advisor. However, the card costs 60 CHF, withdrawals in Switzerland are charged 2 CHF, TWINT is only available as prepaid, and the app remains focused on wealth management logic.

Neon bank is more direct, without fixed fees, smoother for everyday payments in Switzerland, but without multi-currency features or personalized financial management.

To be preferred if…

• You want an account without fixed fees, compatible with Swiss payments and suitable for daily use in CHF: Neon
• you are looking for personalized support to invest capital, with integrated wealth management: Alpian (Alpian review and test)

To avoid if…

• You use TWINT or pay regularly by LSV
• You want a free card or CHF withdrawals without surcharge
• You don’t have an active investment project (Alpian then loses its main interest)

Yuh vs. Neon vs. Revolut

(See also the complete review of Revolut Switzerland.)

Free bank account	✔︎		✔︎		✔︎
Individual CH IBAN	✔︎		✔︎		✘
Free bank card	✔︎		✘		✘
Withdrawal in Switzerland	✔︎		✔︎		✔︎
International transfers	✔︎		✔︎		✔︎
Traveling abroad	✘		✔︎		✔︎
TWINT	✔︎		✔︎		✘

Neon Promo Code

Use promo code VSWH3C when opening your account.

Free account ✔︎

Open an account

Also read

• Neon vs. Revolut – 8 Key Points Comparison (February 2026)

What do you think of Neon?

• Does the Neon app make your daily life easier?
• What feature would you like to customize or improve?
• Is Neon suitable for your needs abroad?

Share your feedback with all Neo’s friends 😈