OCTIS vs Yapeal vs neon: which Swiss app account can a business open?
A common search, with a clear answer. One of the two is a business account and the other is not.
Last checked · 3 sources
Otty's short answer
neon cannot be your business account. Its FAQ says it is a purely private account and that this includes freelancers. Yapeal offers a Swiss business account with Visa cards and a custom IBAN, on plans from CHF 0 to CHF 119 per month. Yapeal holds a FINMA fintech licence, not a full bank licence, and deposit protection is not guaranteed.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Yapeal | neon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business account offered | Yes, international multi-currency business account via licensed partners | Yes | No, private only |
| Freelancers and sole traders | Yes, through a Hong Kong company | Business plans | Not allowed |
| Free plan | 10–30% below your current bill | CHF 0, 5 domestic payments | Private accounts only |
| Paid plans per month | Not published | CHF 9, 49 or 119 | Not a business product |
| Extra domestic payment, Free plan | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | CHF 0.30 | Not applicable |
| Visa debit cards | Corporate card via licensed partners | 1 to 200, by plan | Not applicable |
| Outgoing SWIFT fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | CHF 27.50 Free, CHF 4 paid, as listed | Not applicable |
| Cash withdrawal abroad | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | 1.50% | Not applicable |
| Licence | OCTIS is not a bank; licensed partners provide the account and cards | FINMA fintech licence | Not stated here |
| Capital deposit account for a new GmbH or AG | Not applicable: a Hong Kong company has no minimum capital | Yes | Not applicable |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you want a business account in several currencies, a corporate card and your company admin in one place.
Yapeal
Choose Yapeal if you need a Swiss business account on an app, from a free plan up, including a capital deposit account for a new company.
neon
Choose neon only for private banking. It is not an option for a company, sole trader or freelancer.
What the table does not show
Why neon is not an option
neon's FAQ on business accounts reads, in short, that it cannot offer a business account because neon is a purely private account, and that this also applies to freelancers. Using a private neon account for business payments is therefore against its terms. If you are a sole trader or run a GmbH, open a business account elsewhere and keep neon for personal use.
What Yapeal Business offers
Yapeal lists Free at CHF 0, Essential at CHF 9, Grow at CHF 49 and Business at CHF 119 per month. Free includes 5 domestic payments a month, then CHF 0.30 each. Paid plans allow unlimited domestic payments and more Visa cards, from up to 3 on Essential to up to 200 on Business. Every plan lists QR invoices, Apple Pay and Google Pay, and a customisable IBAN.
Licence and deposit protection
Yapeal says it holds a FINMA fintech licence under Article 1b of the Banking Act. It does not describe this as a full banking licence. CHF deposits are held in a segregated account at the Swiss National Bank, and deposit protection under Article 7a of the Banking Ordinance is not guaranteed. A company holding large balances should weigh that against a bank with full deposit protection.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS is not a bank and does not hold money. If your Malaysian or Hong Kong company runs a Swiss entity, choose the Swiss account on fees and licence as above. Your books still need doing wherever the money sits. OCTIS bookkeeping reconciles statements from a home or foreign account, and switching can take 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use neon for my sole proprietorship?
No. neon's FAQ says it cannot offer a business account because neon is a purely private account, and this also applies to freelancers. You need a business account from another provider.
How much does Yapeal Business cost?
Plans run from CHF 0 to CHF 119 per month. Essential is CHF 9, Grow is CHF 49 and Business is CHF 119. The Free plan includes 5 domestic payments a month. Confirm current prices on Yapeal's site.
Is Yapeal a bank?
Yapeal holds a FINMA fintech licence under Article 1b of the Banking Act. Its own page does not call this a full banking licence and says deposit protection is not guaranteed.
Can I open a capital deposit account for a new company?
Yapeal lists a capital deposit account among its products, which a GmbH or AG needs to deposit its founding capital. Ask Yapeal about terms and timing before you book the notary.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.