A Cash loans in Switzerland is a consumer loan whereby the bank transfers a fixed amount into your account – for you to use as you wish. You repay it in equal monthly instalments over a fixed term. The term is often used interchangeably with Personal loan or a consumer loan. credXperts compares your cash loan offers from several Swiss banks with a single enquiry – free of charge, with no obligation, and you’ll usually receive a response within 24 hours.
Cash loan, personal loan, consumer loan – what’s the difference?
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cash loan | The amount is paid out (as a ‘lump sum’ into the account), with a fixed instalment and term |
| Personal loan | Loans to private individuals – in practice, almost always a cash loan |
| Consumer credit | General term in the Act (KKG): cash loans, leasing, credit and customer cards, overdraft facilities |
| Small loan | Small-amount cash loan, usually up to around CHF 20,000 |
The key difference compared to a credit card or an overdraft is that, with a cash loan, the interest rate, instalments and term are fixed from the outset. You know exactly when the loan will be paid off and how much it will cost in total.
How much does a cash loan cost in Switzerland?
The interest rate depends primarily on your credit rating, the amount and the term. With credXperts, you can get cash loans from 5.8 % for homeowners and from 6.9 % for tenants. The statutory maximum interest rate for cash loans has been 10 % since 1 January 2026.
| Amount | Runtime | Interest | Monthly instalment | Total interest expense |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHF 10'000 | 36 months | 6.9 % | approx. CHF 308 | approx. CHF 1,100 |
| CHF 10'000 | 36 months | 9.9 % | approx. CHF 322 | approx. CHF 1,600 |
| CHF 30,000 | 60 months | 6.9 % | approx. CHF 593 | approx. CHF 5,560 |
| CHF 50,000 | 72 months | 5.8 % | approx. CHF 824 | approx. CHF 9,320 |
This example shows that a three-percentage-point difference in interest rates amounts to around CHF 500 on a loan of just CHF 10,000. That is why it is worth comparing several banks. You can calculate your personal instalment using the Credit calculator.
What is a cash loan suitable for?
- major purchases such as furniture, electronics or home improvements
- Buying a car or motorbike as an alternative to leasing (see Car loan)
- Paying off expensive credit card or overdraft debts (see Redeem loan)
- Consolidating several loans into a single repayment
- Education, moving house, a tenancy deposit or unexpected expenses
Requirements for a cash loan
- Resident in Switzerland and aged between 18 and 65 (up to 70 at some banks)
- Permanent employment, usually for at least three months
- Regular net income of around CHF 3,000 per month
- No outstanding debt enforcement proceedings or certificates of loss
- A C or B residence permit held for at least 24 months; a G permit held for at least 36 months whilst employed by the same employer
- Positive budget under the KKG: The loan must be repayable within 36 months without affecting the minimum subsistence level
More about this at Requirements for a loan.
How to apply for your cash loan
- Select the amount and term – as deep as possible, for as long as necessary.
- Online enquiry with credXperts – takes just a few minutes to complete.
- Compare offers – we’ll show you which bank offers you which interest rate.
- Sign the contract – For loans of up to CHF 80,000, a 14-day cooling-off period then applies.
- Payout into your account.
Frequently asked questions about cash loans
What is the maximum interest rate allowed on a cash loan?
The Federal Council sets the maximum interest rate annually. For cash loans, it has stood at 10 % effective annual interest rate since 1 January 2026.
Can I repay a cash loan early?
Yes. Under the KKG, you can repay the loan early at any time and are entitled to a waiver of interest for the remaining term.
How much cash credit will I receive?
That depends on your budget. The bank will work out whether you could repay the loan within 36 months. You can get an initial estimate from the Budget calculator.
Is a cash loan recorded with the ZEK?
Yes. Every consumer loan is reported to the ZEK and the IKO. Instalments paid on time do not have a negative impact on your credit record.
How much does credXperts charge for its brokerage service?
It won’t cost you a thing. The enquiry is free of charge and without obligation.
Compare cash loans now
One enquiry, several Swiss banks: Apply for a cash loan now. credXperts is rated 4.88 out of 5 stars by customers.
Lending is prohibited if it leads to over-indebtedness (Art. 3 UWG).