Broker · Switzerland
PostFinance, U.S. citizens & the FBAR
What U.S. citizens need to know about PostFinance accounts — reporting on the FBAR and Form 8938, and the PFIC angle if you invest.
By Danilson Ramos · Founder, Atamatax
Updated July 2026
Takes ~2 minutes — then continues into your full free diagnostic.
PostFinance is one of Switzerland's most widely held accounts. For U.S. citizens the key issues are reporting (FBAR and Form 8938) and, if you invest, PFICs.
Does PostFinance accept U.S. citizens?
PostFinance is generally reluctant to take on U.S.-citizen investment clients; a basic account may be possible while investment services often are not. (This is the widely reported experience — confirm your own situation with PostFinance.) Whatever the arrangement, the account is reportable.
Reporting your PostFinance account
- FBAR (FinCEN 114): required when your combined non-U.S. accounts exceed $10,000 at any point in the year.
- Form 8938 (FATCA): abroad thresholds are higher — more than $200,000 end-of-year / $300,000 any time (single), or $400,000 / $600,000 married filing jointly.
If you do hold PostFinance funds
Any non-U.S.-domiciled fund is a PFIC for a U.S. person and needs Form 8621. U.S.-domiciled funds are not PFICs — but Swiss/EU institutions rarely offer them to retail.
See what you have to report
Check whether you cross the FBAR and Form 8938 thresholds — then check any funds for PFICs. Atamatax is tax-preparation software, not a CPA firm, and this is not individualised tax advice.
Authorities cited
- FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) — Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR)
- 31 CFR §1010.350 — 31 CFR §1010.350 — FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) filing requirement and $10,000 threshold
- IRS Form 8938 — About Form 8938 — Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets
- IRC §6038D — IRC §6038D — Information reporting of specified foreign financial assets (Form 8938)
- IRS Form 8621 — About Form 8621 — Information Return by a Shareholder of a PFIC or QEF
- IRC §1297 — IRC §1297 — Definition of a passive foreign investment company
Primary sources (Cornell Legal Information Institute for the US Code and CFR; IRS.gov for forms, procedures, and treaty documents). This page is general information, not individualized tax or legal advice.
Atamatax provides tax preparation support and educational resources. This website does not constitute legal or tax advice.