December 31: Swiss Banks Tighten Coin Deposits, Fees Rise for Cash
Swiss bank coin deposit fees are climbing as major lenders curb cash handling at year-end. PostFinance has removed coin deposit machines and now charges for loose coins, Migros Bank no longer accepts coins, and BEKB limits free deposits at ATMs. ZKB and Raiffeisen still take coins but with thresholds and charges. We explain what changed, why cashless banking Switzerland is accelerating, and how these moves can impact bank margins and customer habits in 2026.
What changed at major Swiss retail banks
PostFinance has removed coin deposit machines and now charges for unrolled coin deposits at the counter. Customers face higher friction and costs when bringing in jars of change. This is part of a wider reset of cash services to reduce manual counting and transport. The policy details were flagged by Swiss media reports at year-end source.
Migros Bank does not accept coins. BEKB limits free coin deposits to designated ATMs and applies tiered pricing beyond free thresholds. ZKB and Raiffeisen still accept coins, but both set thresholds and charge above limits. These rules vary by channel and customer segment, so exact fees depend on the bank and account type, according to the same report source.
Why banks are tightening coin deposits
Handling coins is expensive. Counting, transporting, insuring, and reconciling heavy cash consumes staff time and vendor budgets. Banks cut these costs by removing coin deposit machines, limiting over-the-counter volumes, and adding Swiss bank coin deposit fees to offset the work. This also reduces risk in branches while nudging customers toward cards, mobile payments, and e-commerce.
Card and mobile payments continue to rise in Switzerland, while bank branches shrink their cash footprint. As usage shifts, unit costs for coin handling increase, which justifies tighter policies and pricing. The pattern mirrors other European markets: fewer machines, fewer counters, and more app-led options. For consumers, it means planning coin deposits carefully to avoid fees and delays.
What it means for investors and bank economics
Swiss bank coin deposit fees can lift retail fee income at the margin, while cutting cash-handling costs improves efficiency. Removing low-usage coin deposit machines frees maintenance budgets. Over time, this supports cost-to-income ratios. However, banks must balance savings with service levels to protect primary relationships, especially in cantons with high cash usage.
Policies on coins often align with branch redesign and ATM fleet reviews. Expect more smart ATMs and fewer manual counters. Banks that standardize rules across regions can manage vendor contracts better and improve forecasting. Investors should track disclosed fee changes, cash services availability, and customer churn signals in upcoming annual reports and local press coverage source.
Practical tips for customers in Switzerland
Check your bank’s thresholds before visiting a branch. Sort and roll coins if required, and use ATMs that still accept coins to stay within free limits. Split deposits across months if permitted by your account plan. When possible, spend coins at retailers to reduce the volume you need to deposit and to avoid Swiss bank coin deposit fees.
Review updates on coin deposit machines, ATM capabilities, and PostFinance fees as terms can change with little notice. Compare banks in your canton for friendlier limits. Keep digital options ready for small payments to lower future coin build-up. If you hold large volumes, call your branch first to ask about accepted packaging and any appointment needs.
Final Thoughts
The clampdown on coin deposits shows how banks are adapting cost structures to fit digital habits. PostFinance’s removal of coin machines, Migros Bank’s refusal of coins, and tiered approaches at BEKB, ZKB, and Raiffeisen signal lasting pressure on cash services. For investors, higher Swiss bank coin deposit fees and lower cash-handling costs can modestly support margins and branch modernization plans. For customers, the best defense is simple: check thresholds, use coin-accepting ATMs where available, and plan deposits to avoid charges. As cashless banking Switzerland grows in 2026, expect more clarity in fee tables and service maps. Stay informed through bank notices and local media to adjust your routine without surprises.
FAQs
ZKB and Raiffeisen still accept coins, but they apply thresholds and fees above limits. BEKB allows coin deposits at select ATMs with tiered pricing. PostFinance removed coin deposit machines and charges for unrolled coins. Migros Bank does not accept coins. Always confirm your branch and account conditions before visiting.
Check your bank’s free limits and eligible channels. Use coin-accepting ATMs where available, pre-sort and roll coins if required, and split deposits across months if permitted. Spending coins for small purchases can also reduce the volume you need to deposit, lowering the chance of breaching thresholds and paying fees.
Counting, transporting, and insuring coins is costly and time consuming. As digital payments grow, fewer people deposit coins, so unit costs rise. Banks are trimming machines and counters and adding fees to cover the work. These steps push customers toward cards and apps while improving branch efficiency and cost control.
No. PostFinance fees and rules depend on the service channel and product. The institution removed coin deposit machines and charges for unrolled coins, but specific amounts and packaging rules can vary. Check the current price list and ask your local branch for accepted formats to avoid surprises and rejections.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
