Frequently asked questions

Do you have any questions about opening your new account online or are you having difficulties with it? Find answers to frequently asked questions here. If the answer to your question is not among them, please do not hesitate to ask us in person.

  • How do I open an account with CIC (Switzerland) online?

    Opening a new account with CIC (Switzerland) is easy – you can do it entirely online in just a few steps.

    Having selected the account you want:

    Step 1: Enter your personal details

    Step 2: Register

    Step 3: Scan your identity document and match your photos

    Step 4: Answer the personal questions

    Step 5: Confirm the documents

    Step 6: Make your opening deposit – and that’s it!

  • Which products am I able to open online?

    At present, the following accounts for individuals resident in Switzerland, Germany or France can be opened online:

    Only clients resident in Switzerland:

  • How long will it take me to open an account with CIC (Switzerland) online?

    It normally takes less than ten minutes to open an account online.

  • What conditions do I have to meet in order to open an account online?
    • Individual
    • Of legal age
    • Resident in Switzerland, Germany or France
    • Swiss, German or French nationality or that of another country on our list
    • Hold a valid identity document (passport or identity card)
    • Additionally for clients resident in Germany or France:
      - extra identity document in electronic format
      - tax identification number
      - proof of tax residence
    • Hold an existing bank account in your name
    • Smartphone, tablet, laptop or computer with a camera and internet access to compare your ID with a live photo

    If you would like to open a client relationship but your nationality is not on our list, please present yourself in person with your passport at one of our branches in Switzerland so that we can perform the necessary identification checks. Your relationship manager will be happy to assist you. 

    If you have any questions about opening an account online, please write to us or call us on +41 58 268 16 00 (Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 5.30 pm).

  • What happens after I have finished opening an account online?

    You will receive confirmation, as well as your IBAN and access data for CIC eLounge.

    To finish opening your account with CIC (Switzerland), you need to pay at least CHF/EUR 1.00 into it from an account in your name. Your client relationship will be activated automatically as soon as the payment arrives.

    You will then be able to open other products, make payments and carry out further banking transactions in CIC eLounge.

  • Which identity documents are accepted in order to verify my identity?

    Your identity will be verified during the online account-opening process on the basis of an official identity document (passport or identity card). This must be valid at the time of identification.

  • Can I open an account online if I am already a client of CIC (Switzerland)?

    Yes. If you already have a client relationship with CIC (Switzerland) you can open additional accounts in CIC eLounge directly.

    If you do not yet have access to CIC eLounge, you can request your CIC eLounge access data here or contact your relationship manager.

  • I would like to open other products now in addition to a private account for payment transactions. How do I go about it?

    Once you have finished opening your account, you can open additional accounts in CIC eLounge directly.

    To finish opening your account with CIC (Switzerland), you need to pay at least CHF/EUR 1.00 into it from an account in your name.

  • I would like to open an account for my business. Can I do that online as well?

    Only individuals are able to open an account online at the moment.

    We would be happy to have a one-to-one discussion with you in order to find the solution that best suits your needs. Just drop us a line.

  • What happens if the online account-opening process is interrupted?

    Follow this link to pick up from where you left off and continue opening the account. Your data will be stored for 30 days. After this time, you will not be able to resume the registration process and will instead have to restart it.

    If you are still unable to continue the opening process, please contact us.