Since August 2024, bank customers in Switzerland have been able to make transfers that are executed immediately. The amounts are credited within seconds, every day of the week and round the clock. Such instant payments are a versatile payment instrument and are attractive for both private individuals and companies.

Instant payments utilise the tried-and-tested two-tier financial system and combine the strengths of the various stakeholders: the security of the SNB and SIX Interbank Clearing Ltd at the infrastructure level and the innovative power of competition between commercial banks. 

The SNB expects instant payments to become a well-established feature of the payments landscape and the standard option for account-to-account payments.
Since liquidity management can become more challenging for financial institutions in light of instant payments, the SNB will be offering a liquidity facility that is available at all times. From the end of 2027, financial institutions will be able to independently obtain liquidity on a secured basis at any time via the Payment System Support Facility.