Many services in Switzerland offer special discounts for those under 30, making life a bit more affordable. However, once you hit that milestone, you might be in for a shock—prices can skyrocket without warning, leading to unexpected expenses that could cost you hundreds of francs per year.
I learned this the hard way. Here are two real examples of price hikes I faced after turning 30, and how I managed to avoid overpaying.
- Household & Liability Insurance: A Surprise Price Hike!
- Bank Account Fees: From Free to Expensive!
- How to Avoid These Price Hikes?
🏠 Household & Liability Insurance:
A Surprise Price Hike!
For years, I had Baloise insurance, which offered a great under-30 plan: only 120 CHF per year for both home contents and liability insurance. It was affordable and covered everything I needed, so I didn’t think twice about it.
🚨 Then, I turned 30… and suddenly, my premium jumped to 299 CHF! 🚨
Thankfully, I read the notification letter and discovered that I had only 14 days to cancel before being locked into the higher rate. I acted fast and switched to IKEA’s insurance, which provided the same coverage for just 121.99 CHF per year—saving me almost 180 CHF annually.
💡 Lesson:
✔ Always check your insurance policy annually, especially as you approach 30!
✔ If you receive a price increase notification, act quickly—some providers give you a small window to cancel before the new rate takes effect.
🏦 Bank Account Fees:
From Free to Expensive!
When I first moved to Switzerland, I opened a UBS student account, which had zero monthly fees—a great deal for young people. However, the moment I turned 30, everything changed:
❌ 8 CHF per month for account maintenance
❌ 100 CHF per year for a credit card
I suddenly found myself paying 196 CHF extra per year for something that had previously been free!
Instead of accepting the charges, I decided to switch to Neon, a digital bank with:
✔ No account maintenance fees
✔ A free debit card
✔ No hidden charges
✔ Deposit insurance (up to 100’000 CHF)
By making this change, I now pay 0 CHF per month, saving me almost 200 CHF per year.
💡 Lesson:
✔ Many Swiss banks start charging fees after 30—review your account terms before it happens.
✔ Consider switching to fee-free digital banks like Neon to avoid unnecessary costs.
🚀 How to Avoid These Price Hikes?
1️⃣ Check contracts for “under-30” conditions – Know when your discounts expire and prepare in advance.
2️⃣ Set calendar reminders – One month before turning 30, review your bank, insurance, and other subscriptions.
3️⃣ Compare alternatives – Before you start paying extra, look for cheaper or fee-free options.
4️⃣ Take action quickly – If you receive a price increase notice, don’t delay! You may have only a few days to cancel or switch.
Final Thoughts: Stay Smart & Save Money!
By being proactive, I avoided paying an extra 380 CHF per year—money that I can now save or spend on things that truly matter.
If you’re approaching 30 in Switzerland (or already there), take control of your finances now! A few simple checks can help you avoid hidden fees and keep more money in your pocket.
💬 Have you experienced unexpected price hikes after turning 30? Share your story in the comments!
