Currency profile
Swiss Franc (CHF)
The Swiss franc (CHF) is the official currency of Switzerland, divided into 100 centimes. It floats freely, is issued by the Swiss National Bank, and is widely regarded as a safe-haven currency.
The Swiss Franc today
Mid-market · as of 6:11 PM GST
The franc floats freely, so its rate is set by the market and by Swiss National Bank policy. As a safe-haven currency it can move sharply when global risk sentiment shifts.
Exchange-rate regime
Free-floating. The franc floats freely. From September 2011 to January 2015 the Swiss National Bank held a minimum exchange rate of 1.20 francs per euro, then discontinued it; the bank intervenes in the market but runs no peg.
The issuing central bank
The Swiss National Bank opened for business on 20 June 1907 and issues the franc.
History
- 1850The Swiss franc was introduced under the Federal Coinage Act.
- 1907The Swiss National Bank opened as the country’s central bank.
- 2011On 6 September 2011 the Swiss National Bank set a minimum rate of 1.20 francs per euro to cap the franc’s strength.
- 2015On 15 January 2015 the Swiss National Bank discontinued the euro floor, and the franc rose sharply.
Coins and banknotes
One franc is divided into 100 centimes. Coins: 5, 10, 20 and 50 centimes and 1, 2 and 5 francs. Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 1,000 francs, issued by the Swiss National Bank.
Popular Swiss Franc pairs
What moves it
- The franc floats freely; Swiss National Bank policy and market demand set its rate.
- The franc is widely regarded as a safe-haven currency, so global risk-off periods tend to push it higher — a pressure the Swiss National Bank has actively managed.
- The bank has used low and negative policy rates and foreign-exchange intervention to limit excessive franc strength.
Structural facts reviewed 8 August 2026 · reviewed quarterly. Sources: Swiss National Bank. Live rates are mid-market — see our Methodology and Editorial Policy.