Guide to borrowing in Switzerland
Before applying for a loan, it helps to understand how banks assess your file. This guide answers the questions our clients ask us most often.
Eligibility conditions
Age, permit, income and history: the criteria banks examine.
Budget calculation
Minimum subsistence income and the 36-month rule: how your borrowing capacity is calculated.
Loans for cross-border commuters
G permit: the specific conditions for borrowing in Switzerland.
Creditworthiness and ZEK
ZEK, IKO and scoring: the tools that determine the bank's answer.
Reasons for refusal
Why a bank refuses a loan, and what you can do about it.
Required documents
The documents needed for your application to be processed quickly.
Application steps
From the first conversation to the payout of funds, step by step.
In Switzerland, consumer credit is governed by the Federal Consumer Credit Act (CCA). It protects borrowers by requiring banks to check that every loan can be repaid without putting the borrower's budget at risk.
Clear rules
The CCA sets the same framework for every bank operating in Switzerland.
A protected budget
Your repayment capacity is calculated while protecting your minimum subsistence income.
A right of withdrawal
You have 14 days after signing to withdraw from the contract.
Free advice
We are happy to answer your questions before you take any steps.
Let's talk about your project.
A first conversation that is free, with no obligation, in your language.