Have you already had the experience of applying for credit in Switzerland in the past, and are you looking for a suitable, sustainable and secure solution for your future projects, with an attractive credit rate? At MultiCredit, we understand that your expectations change over time and that your priorities are clear: transparent service, precise answers and efficient management of your file to obtain the best possible offer for your credit. Test our credit simulator now!
Obtaining credit at an attractive rate depends mainly on your creditworthiness, your financial management and the quality of your file. Here are the key steps to optimizing your application and maximizing your chances of acceptance with the best possible terms.
Preparing a solid financial file
Lending institutions analyze a number of factors to assess your ability to repay. To strengthen your credibility :
✅ A stable job: being in permanent employment or a civil servant is a major asset. For the self-employed, a stable income history over 2 to 3 years is recommended.
✅ Sufficient income: make sure that your debt ratio remains below 33% of your net income.
✅ An impeccable banking history: avoid overdrafts and demonstrate sound account management.
✅ A clean extract from the debt collection register: ask for an extract from the debt collection register to check that there are no outstanding debts.
📌 Tip: If you have outstanding debts, try to pay them off before applying again.
Improve your Credit Score
Your credit rating (also known as bank scoring) has a strong influence on the rates offered by banks. To improve it :
✔ Pay off your current loans before taking out a new one.
✔ Avoid multiplying credit applications at the same time: this can signal an urgent need for money and be a red flag for banks.
✔ Don’t overuse your credit card: a high balance each month can be seen as a sign of over-indebtedness.
✔ Keep good savings: having savings proves that you know how to manage your finances.
📌 Tip: Order your ZEK (Zentralstelle für Kreditinformation) credit statement to see your rating before you apply.
Choosing the Right Amount and Duration
💡 A void asking for too large an amount: the larger the loan, the more reluctant the bank is to grant it.
💡 Opt for a reasonable term: a loan over 48 to 60 months can offer a good compromise between low monthly payments and reduced total cost.
📌 Tip: Simulate several scenarios before applying to find the option that maximizes your chances of acceptance.
Supplementary warranties
The more you reassure the lender, the lower the rate you’ll get. Here are some effective strategies:
🔹 A co-borrower (spouse, parent) can reassure the bank and improve your borrowing terms.
🔹 A personal deposit (10-20% of the amount borrowed) proves your commitment and reduces the risk for the bank.
🔹 Additional income (rent received, investment income) can strengthen your case.
Justifying the use of credit
Banks prefer to finance concrete projects with a positive impact on your financial situation.
✔ A home loan is better perceived than a consumer credit.
✔ A credit buyback to optimize your debt is a good justification.
✔ Financing a vehicle for professional use can be a favorable argument.
📌 Tip: Avoid specifying a vague destination such as “liquidity needs”, which may worry banks.
Using a credit broker
A specialized broker like MultiCredit, Lend.ch or Cashare can:
🔹 Find the best deals by comparing several institutions.
🔹 Negotiate a lower rate thanks to their business volume.
🔹 Save you from multiple applications and protect your credit rating.
📌 Tip: A broker only charges fees if credit is granted.
Check Documents to be supplied
A complete, well-prepared application speeds up processing and increases your chances of acceptance.
📌 Documents generally required :
- Identity card or residence permit (B or C for foreigners).
- Salary slips for the last 3 months.
- Last tax assessment.
- Recent bank statements.
- Extract from the register of prosecutions.
Compare Offers and Negotiate
Even if a bank accepts your application, don’t accept the first offer without comparing!
✔ Compare the APR (Annual Percentage Rate) of the different offers.
✔ Check for hidden charges.
✔ Negotiate the rate if you have good creditworthiness.
📌 Tip: Online banks often offer better rates than traditional establishments.
To obtain credit at the best rate, you need to:
✅ Look after your file (stable income, low debt, clean banking history).
✅ Improve your credit score (no overdue debts, solid savings).
✅ Use a broker to compare and negotiate offers.
✅ Avoid multiple applications that can impact your rating.
A good application and a strategic approach increase your chances of acceptance and enable you to obtain the lowest possible rate!
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