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.

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.

The account goes on your FBAR even if you never invested a franc — the $10,000 trigger is about the account balance, not investment gains.

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.

Check my FBAR & 8938 thresholds

Bank policies change — confirm with PostFinance. Atamatax provides preparation software and educational estimates, not individualised tax, legal, or investment advice.

Atamatax provides tax preparation support and educational resources. This website does not constitute legal or tax advice.

Frequently asked questions

Do I report my PostFinance account on the FBAR?

Generally yes, if your combined non-U.S. financial accounts exceeded $10,000 at any point during the year. That threshold is about the account balances, not whether you earned or invested anything.

Can a U.S. citizen invest through PostFinance?

PostFinance is generally reluctant to take on U.S.-citizen investment clients, though a basic account may be possible. Practices vary and change — confirm your options directly with PostFinance.

Is a PostFinance fund a PFIC?

If it's a non-U.S.-domiciled fund, it is generally a PFIC for a U.S. person and needs Form 8621. U.S.-domiciled funds are not PFICs, but they're rarely available to retail clients at Swiss institutions.