PostFinance Ltd
FINMA Regulated - High TrustPros
- Licensed and regulated by Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) since 2013, providing robust client protection and oversight
- Designated as a "Systemically important financial institution" by Swiss National Bank, ensuring enhanced stability and regulatory compliance
- Competitive fees for large trading operations with costs as low as 0.24% for orders over 100,000 CHF
- Up to 3 free trades per quarter with 18 CHF brokerage credit provided
- Free analysis and search tools included with all trading accounts
- Integrated with Swiss Post banking infrastructure providing seamless domestic payment processing
- Direct asset custody through PostFinance with institutional-grade security measures
Cons
- High relative fees for small trading operations - 1.5% for orders of 1,000 CHF is significantly above market average
- Very high currency conversion fee of 1.2% makes international trading expensive
- Limited product range compared to international brokers
- Quarterly custody account fee of CHF 18 regardless of account activity
- Platform functionality and trading tools are basic compared to specialized trading platforms
- Limited international market access and restricted to mainly Swiss-focused investments
Basic Information
User Reviews
Regulation Analysis
PostFinance operates under comprehensive regulation by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), having received its banking license in 2013. This regulatory oversight is particularly significant as Switzerland maintains some of the world’s most stringent banking regulations. The institution’s status as a systemically important financial institution, designated by the Swiss National Bank, subjects it to enhanced regulatory requirements regarding liquidity and equity holdings. Client funds benefit from the robust Swiss regulatory framework, which includes strict capital adequacy requirements and regular supervisory reviews. Following the 2017 abolition of state guarantees, PostFinance has maintained independent financial stability under FINMA’s supervision. The bank must comply with Swiss banking laws and regulations, including extensive client protection measures and anti-money laundering provisions. PostFinance’s regulatory compliance includes segregated client accounts, regular external audits, and maintenance of substantial capital reserves. The institution has maintained a clean regulatory record with no significant violations or sanctions from FINMA. For trading activities, PostFinance adheres to Swiss securities dealer regulations, operating as both a client dealer and custodian bank.
Trading Products
- Stock Trading: Access to Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX) listed shares, international stocks from major global exchanges, with comprehensive coverage of Swiss blue-chip companies
- Bonds: Swiss and international bonds, including government and corporate securities, with focus on CHF-denominated issues
- Investment Funds: Wide selection of mutual funds and ETFs, including both Swiss and international options
- Structured Products: Various structured investment products available through the Swiss market
- Savings Plans: Automated investment plans with 1% brokerage fees per execution
- Currency Trading: Available for major currency pairs with 1.2% conversion fee
- Trading Hours: Aligned with respective exchange trading hours, primary focus on Swiss market hours
Trading Platforms
PostFinance E-Trading provides a proprietary trading platform designed for both desktop and mobile access. The platform offers essential trading functionality including real-time market data, basic charting tools, and order management capabilities. Key features include watchlists, price alerts, and portfolio analysis tools. The mobile trading app allows users to monitor positions and execute trades on-the-go, with support for both iOS and Android devices. The platform provides access to market research, company information, and basic technical analysis tools. While not as sophisticated as specialized trading platforms like MetaTrader, it offers sufficient functionality for long-term investors and casual traders. The web-based interface ensures cross-platform compatibility without requiring software installation. Trading tools include basic order types such as market, limit, and stop orders, with real-time quote updates and portfolio valuation. The platform also integrates seamlessly with PostFinance’s e-banking services for easy funds transfer and account management.
Deposit and Withdrawal
- Account Funding: Direct transfers from PostFinance accounts with instant processing and no fees
- Bank Transfers: Domestic Swiss bank transfers supported with standard processing times
- Minimum Investment: Varies by product type, with some saving plans starting from small amounts
- Currency Options: Primary account currency in CHF, with additional options for EUR and USD accounts
- Withdrawal Processing: Standard bank transfer times apply, typically 1-2 business days for domestic transfers
- Account Maintenance: Quarterly custody fee of CHF 18 regardless of account activity
- Trading Fees: Tiered structure based on transaction value, ranging from 0.24% to 1.5%
- Currency Conversion: 1.2% fee applies for trading in non-account currencies
- Documentation Requirements: Standard Swiss KYC and AML verification required
Customer Support
PostFinance provides comprehensive customer support through multiple channels. Phone support is available at +41 848 888 710 during standard Swiss business hours. Online support includes a detailed help center, FAQ section, and secure messaging through the e-banking platform. Support is primarily offered in Switzerland’s official languages (German, French, Italian) plus English. Response times are generally prompt during business hours, with most queries addressed within 24 hours. Technical support for the e-trading platform is available during market hours. The institution maintains physical branches throughout Switzerland for in-person assistance. Educational resources include online guides, investment tutorials, and market analysis tools. Customer service quality is generally high, reflecting Swiss standards for banking services, though support outside Swiss business hours is limited.
FAQ
Q: Is PostFinance a safe and regulated trading provider?
A: Yes, PostFinance is highly regulated as a Swiss bank under FINMA supervision and is designated as a systemically important financial institution. This means it must maintain strict capital requirements and follow rigorous regulatory standards. As a subsidiary of Swiss Post Ltd, it benefits from institutional stability and Swiss banking sector oversight, making it one of the most secure financial institutions in Switzerland.
Q: What are the trading costs at PostFinance?
A: PostFinance operates a tiered fee structure where costs decrease with larger trade sizes. Small orders around 1,000 CHF incur fees of 1.5%, while larger trades over 100,000 CHF cost 0.24%. There’s a quarterly custody account fee of CHF 18, and currency conversion fees of 1.2% apply for international trades. The platform offers 3 free trades per quarter with an 18 CHF brokerage credit.
Q: What trading platforms and tools are available?
A: PostFinance provides a proprietary e-trading platform accessible via web browser and mobile apps. The platform includes basic charting tools, real-time market data, watchlists, and portfolio analysis features. While not as advanced as specialized trading platforms, it offers sufficient functionality for long-term investors and casual traders, with seamless integration into PostFinance’s e-banking services.
Q: How can I open and fund a trading account?
A: Opening a trading account requires existing PostFinance banking relationship and completion of standard Swiss KYC requirements. Account funding is instantaneous through PostFinance accounts, while external bank transfers are accepted with standard processing times. The platform supports CHF as primary currency, with EUR and USD accounts also available. All accounts include access to trading tools, market research, and customer support.
