ID and Cash Limits for Buying Gold in Switzerland
Switzerland has no legal cap on paying cash for gold. Since 1 October 2026, dealers in precious metals and stones must identify you when you pay more than CHF 15,000 in cash (it was CHF 100,000), and anyone buying old gold commercially must record your ID on every purchase.
Facts checked 31 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| Situation | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buying | Due diligence for cash payments of more than CHF 15,000 to precious-metals dealers. | Banks and other financial intermediaries identify cash customers from CHF 15,000. |
| Paying cash | No legal cap. | The EU cash cap doesn't apply in Switzerland. |
| Selling | Registered or licensed buyers record your ID on every purchase. | You get a signed purchase receipt. |
| Reported | Suspicious activity only. | No automatic report of large purchases. |
The rules in detail
- Under the Anti-Money Laundering Act, dealers had due diligence duties (identify the customer and beneficial owner, clarify unusual deals) only for cash payments of more than CHF 100,000.
- Parliament passed a revision on 26 September 2025 that lowers this to CHF 15,000 for dealers in precious metals and precious stones, and removes the threshold for real estate. The Federal Council brought it into force on 1 October 2026.
- Banks and other financial intermediaries supervised by FINMA must identify you for cash transactions of CHF 15,000 or more when you have no account with them (lowered from CHF 25,000 in 2020).
- Payments by card or bank transfer don't trigger the dealer duties, and dealers report only suspicions.
When you sell
- Under the Precious Metals Control Act, anyone buying old precious metals (melt material such as old jewellery) commercially for more than CHF 50,000 a year must be registered or licensed with the Central Office for Precious Metals Control (since 2023, mandatory from 1 January 2024).
- For each purchase they record your name, address, ID type and number (or a copy), a description, weight and price, and you sign; they must give you a signed receipt.
- Check the buyer in the PREZIUS register; from 2027 registrations and licences are handled only in Prezius.
Silver and travel
- The dealer and old-metal rules cover precious metals generally, including silver and platinum.
- Switzerland isn't in the EU: carrying €10,000 or more in cash, gold coins (at least 90% gold) or bars (at least 99.5%) into the EU must be declared there.
Gold ID and Cash Limits in Switzerland: FAQ
Can I buy gold anonymously in Switzerland?
With cash up to CHF 15,000 at a precious-metals dealer. Since 1 October 2026, dealers must identify you for cash payments above CHF 15,000.
Is there a cash limit in Switzerland?
No. Switzerland has no cap on cash payments, and the EU's €10,000 cap from July 2027 doesn't apply there.
Do I need ID to sell old gold in Switzerland?
Yes, to a registered or licensed buyer: they must record your name, address and ID details, and you sign the purchase record.
Sources (5)
General information for individuals buying or selling gold, checked October 2026. Rules change and dealers may ask for more than the legal minimum; check with the dealer or the regulator. Not legal advice.