neon
Switzerland's leading independent neobank app.
- Who holds it
- A sponsor bank behind the brand — not the app you signed up with — Partner: Hypothekarbank Lenzburg.
- The ledger
- Split between a program manager and the sponsor bank — the modular setup that broke in Synapse.
- If it fails
- Any claim runs through the sponsor bank, and only works if the two ledgers reconcile.
Derived from neon’s regulation type and custody — a class of protection, not a guarantee. Limits and eligibility vary by scheme, balance and jurisdiction; confirm before you rely on it. What happens if a neobank shuts down →
The facts
| Category | traditional |
| HQ | Zurich, CH |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Custody | Custodial |
| Regulation type | Partner-bank model |
| License detail | Partner: Hypothekarbank Lenzburg |
| Card | MC · Debit |
| Stablecoins | No |
| KYC | Yes |
| Active regions | Europe |
| Countries | Switzerland |
| Founders | Jörg Sandrock + team |
Verified links: official site ↗ · @neon_switzerland ↗
Common questions about neon
What is neon?
neon is a fiat neobank, headquartered in Zurich, CH and founded in 2017. Your money is held custodially, so neon or its partner bank holds the balance and you hold a claim on it. It operates on a partner-bank model (Partner: Hypothekarbank Lenzburg).
Does neon have a card, and where can you use it?
It issues a Mastercard debit card. It is available in Europe.
Does neon require KYC?
Yes. neon requires identity verification (KYC) to open an account, as a partner-bank model.
Peers
Monzo · Wise · Starling Bank · Atom Bank · Zopa Bank · Chase UK
neon appears in
Neobanks running on someone else’s banking license (81) · Neobanks available in Europe (144) · Neobanks that issue a Mastercard (150) · Neobanks in Switzerland (11)
Figures compiled from public sources, for comparison only — not financial advice. "Up to" rates change constantly; always confirm with the issuer. Spotted an error? Suggest a fix.