Crowdlending vs. Bank Loan Switzerland 2026
Rates, speed and flexibility — side by side. Find out why more and more Swiss borrowers choose Cashare crowdlending over a traditional bank loan.
Two ways to borrow — one clear winner on cost
Understanding the structural difference helps you make the right choice.
The bank model
A bank collects savings deposits at low interest, then lends them out at a higher rate — keeping the spread as profit. This margin, combined with branch infrastructure costs and lengthy internal approval processes, pushes effective rates on personal loans to 6–12% p.a. in Switzerland. An in-person appointment and weeks of processing are standard.
The Cashare crowdlending model
Founded in 2008, Cashare is Switzerland's first crowdlending platform. Private and institutional investors fund loans directly — removing the bank intermediary and the associated margin. The result: personal loans from 4.4% eff. p.a., a 100% online application taking around 10 minutes, and a credit decision within 24 hours. Cashare is regulated under the Swiss KKG (consumer credit law) and supervised by SRO PolyReg.
Crowdlending vs. Bank Loan: Detailed comparison
| Criterion | Cashare Crowdlending | Traditional Bank Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Interest Rate | from 4.4% eff. | 6–12% eff. |
| Decision | 24 hours | 1–3 weeks |
| Application | 100% online, 10 min | Bank appointment required |
| Early Repayment | Free, anytime | Early repayment fee (1–3%) |
| Maximum Amount | CHF 1,000–80,000 (unsecured), up to CHF 500,000 with mortgage collateral | Up to CHF 250,000 |
| Transparency | Borrower can influence rate | Fixed bank conditions |
| Regulation | KKG, SRO PolyReg | FINMA, KKG |
| Collateral | None for personal loans up to CHF 80,000 | Guarantor may be required |
Savings example: CHF 20,000 over 60 months
A concrete calculation showing what a lower rate means in practice.
Bank loan at 9.9%
Monthly instalment: CHF 423.96
Total repaid: CHF 25,437
Total interest cost: CHF 5,437
Cashare at 4.4% (Rating A)
Monthly instalment: CHF 371.95
Total repaid: CHF 22,317
Total interest cost: CHF 2,317
Cashare at 6.9% (Rating B)
Monthly instalment: CHF 395.08
Total repaid: CHF 23,705
Total interest cost: CHF 3,705
Saving of CHF 1,733 to CHF 3,120 — depending on your credit rating, simply by choosing the lower rate. Individual rates at Cashare depend on your credit profile and loan term.
When might a bank loan be the better choice?
Crowdlending is not the right answer in every situation.
- You already have a long-standing private banking relationship and qualify for preferential conditions not publicly listed.
- You need an overdraft or revolving credit facility rather than a fixed-term instalment loan.
- You prefer in-person advice and want to discuss complex financing structures (e.g. combined mortgage and personal loan) face to face.
- You require a very large amount (above CHF 80,000 unsecured or CHF 500,000 with collateral) that exceeds the Cashare personal loan limit.
Frequently asked questions
Is crowdlending regulated and safe in Switzerland?
Yes. Cashare has operated since 2008 and is subject to the Swiss Consumer Credit Act (KKG), which caps rates and mandates affordability checks. Cashare is also supervised by SRO PolyReg as an anti-money-laundering self-regulatory organisation. Your loan contract is a standard Swiss KKG credit agreement with full legal protection.
How is my interest rate determined at Cashare?
Your rate is set individually based on your creditworthiness (ZEK score, income, existing liabilities) and the loan term. Unlike a bank with fixed rate bands, Cashare investors bid on your loan — which can push your rate down if your profile is strong. You see the final rate before accepting, with no hidden fees.
What documents do I need to apply?
The online application takes around 10 minutes. You will typically need a valid ID or passport, your last three salary slips or proof of income, and your IBAN for disbursement. Cashare checks the ZEK creditworthiness database as part of the standard process — as required under Swiss KKG.
Apply for your Cashare loan today — free and non-binding
From 4.4% eff. p.a. · CHF 1,000–80,000 (unsecured) · Decision within 24 hours · No early repayment fee · 100% online · Regulated under Swiss KKG