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Bank Cler created its modern subsidiary “Zak” through its innovative branch which operates within the Basler Kantonalbank group ensemble. Bank Cler established Zak in 2018 to become the first smartphone bank serving Switzerland while demonstrating its role as a digital innovator within Swiss retail banking. The recent inception of this solution reflects its mature development through its backing from a well-established group organization.

A woman making a payment with her card

Each company operates independently through separate brands and maintains separate financial resources. Group CEO Basil Heeb states that this situation will persist because the parent institution BKB receives state-backing yet Cler doesn’t receive such protection. However, the deposit protection system guarantees the security of small savers. Your money stays securely in Swiss banks and is fully covered by insurance up to 100’000 through FINMA-regulated Bank Cler and its parent institution Bank Cler.

Zak’s offer

As a part of Bank Cler Zak offers digital solutions along with a basic finance product for free to its younger customer base. Zak draws benefits from the well-established group’s comprehensive infrastructure through its product processes and accounting systems. You can reach out to any of the 30+ Bank Cler branches if you require physical assistance. Bank Cler delivers excellent customer support along with fast responsiveness to their customers.  

Zak in practice

The process to open a Zak bank account remains straightforward. A Zak account activation process for smartphones and tablets requires just three requirements. You should be older than 15, Swiss resident and hold a valid ID or passport. You can finish setting up your account in less than 10 minutes by staying at home. 

From your Apple and Android tablets or smartphones, you can start a new account through the app. Direct access to the account starts by downloading the app where you’ll perform standard question-based setup procedures. Insert GUID50 as your promotional code during the code insertion point. Your Swiss account is established now with a free welcome amount of CHF 50 free transfer capabilities and a Visa debit card.

Download the App Zak on:

  • Google Play.
  • App store.
  • Use promo code GUID50 to claim your CHF 50 bonus payment.

Three rules apply to enjoy free service with the Zak Visa prepaid card: first use it only at Zak bank ATMs instead of third-party ones. And second, performing foreign currency transactions directly through the app will cost you 1.2%. Through your registration, you gain access to French financial management tools that perform transfers and enable free Visa usage while running transactions cost-free inside Switzerland. Never purchase products online or from other countries.

The lack of Swiss Franc currency support exists alongside limited monthly limit adjustment and the absence of chat support and Twint functionality despite Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay payment options. On the other hand, most of the usual features are included in the application: You can consult your banking operations through the application by entering transfers or standing orders or scanning Swiss-format bills.

Welcome bonus

Once you download the Zak app from the App or Play Store you can enter the voucher code GUID50 to get 50 francs. Worth starting credit and helping finance free financial education materials at the same time. Your free account activation requires the insertion of the code GUID50 into specific profile fields where you will get 50 CHF credited to your account at no cost.

In summary

The advantages of Zak are numerous:

  • The registration and login process proves extremely simple.
  • No account management fees.
  • No debit card fees.
  • All functionality including bill scanning and joint pots remains accessible through your smartphone application.
  • The Zak account benefits from access at Cler Bank branches whenever you need assistance.

You should try using it as a secondary account especially because it has simple user interfaces and gives free CHF 50 bonus money to cover regular private expenses.


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