Is debt a taboo in Switzerland?

You may not have the collateral you need to obtain consumer credit. Is this really a concern? How to do it?

Remember your first time?

You put on your best suit or dress to visit the person who will have a huge influence on your life and plans. You're kind of going to meet your significant other. 

The appointment is set, the address where the 'date' will take place is known and you are not sure what to expect.

The date goes as you hoped, the charm works. And then comes the fateful moment, the question that will decide the rest of your meeting... 'What guarantees do you have so that we can review your loan application?'

The cold shower, the atmosphere changes abruptly... You were simply hoping to benefit from financial assistance for your project and you realize that without funds, without goods, without a contribution... This will be more complicated than expected.

As everyone knows, in order to benefit from a bank loan  , you need to present assets in return. The system is thus set up and serves as a margin of safety that allows our financial institutions to take as little risk as possible in granting a loan. Is that fair? Is it romantic? It's simply a give-and-take game.

Will history repeat itself?

It all depends on your need. There is indeed a form of financing that does not require any contribution or even the slightest commitment before the contract is signed.

This form of financing is private credit. No need to advance a sum, no need for collateral, no need for guarantees from a third party.

All you need to do is be domiciled in Switzerland, be of legal age and have a file that meets the legal standards in force. 

Of course, additional acceptance criteria are applied once your application has been submitted. Each bank has a set of rules that will need to be agreed to in order for you to benefit from a favorable review. It is therefore essential to gather all the supporting documents to maximize your chances.

Apart from that, there are no guarantees, no advances, no collateral... is not required beforehand.

What's the catch?

There is none. A financing platform such as Milenia puts together your file by simply making sure that your budget is in line with the amount requested. It's about presenting you with a responsible and repayable loan. It's as simple as that.

Do I still need to provide documents?

Yes, it is essential to put together an application that meets the established criteria. Repayment capacity, indebtedness, marital status, ZEK and CRIF history, etc.

Is it a cumbersome administrative procedure?

Absolutely not. You will be accompanied and advised. With just a few steps, all the necessary documents are gathered and you will receive a financing proposal within 24 hours. Are you happy with the conditions? Your money is paid out immediately after you sign the credit agreement. It's simple and it's fast.

Does it work to buy a vehicle? To finance a furniture project? To pay for my studies?

Yes, yes, yes. The advantage of a loan of this type is also your freedom to use the borrowed funds according to the need you encounter.

Not a fan of the leasing principle  ? You can buy your car in cash. The vehicle is fully yours, you are free to resell it whenever you want, you are not tied to a specific garage or dealership and the type of insurance policy taken out is at your convenience.

Need to renovate your apartment? No need to go through a mortgage. In order to circumvent the complexity of this type of arrangement, a personal loan is indeed an attractive solution. Of course, it all depends on the amount involved, but the simplicity of a loan application combined with the fact that you do not have to pre-finance a loan is very attractive.

Are the registration fees for your studies high? Credit can help. When you're just starting out in the workforce, which is the case for most people entering higher education, needless to say, you're not immersed in cash. As long as your approach is balanced and well thought out, access to a personal loan makes things a lot easier. This way, you can devote yourself fully to succeeding in your academic endeavours!

We repeat; As long as the credit solution is balanced and respectful of your personal and financial reality, it is undoubtedly the least restrictive and easiest to carry out financing method available on the market.

How do I do it?

It's easy. All you have to do is go to a financing platform, make a simulation including the amount, duration and the expected interest rate. You will then be contacted for an exchange allowing your personal advisor to further your query. Once the required information has been gathered and you give your consent, your request will be sent to one of the partner banks that is best able to respond favourably.

The contract will then be sent to you. After signing, the amount is paid into your account. Your personal advisor will guide you from the beginning of the process to the receipt of the funds. 

One last thing, not only will you not be asked for any guarantee, but there will be no application fees or remuneration required for the management of your file. This is taken care of by the bank. So don't rely on organizations that charge application fees, study fees, or commissions for advice. You don't have to pay anything upfront to your advisor or the financial institution.

In the end, it's not a romantic approach but at least it's better than your first time!

When it comes to your money and a contractual commitment, there's no need to rush. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice.

What exactly are we talking about?

When you want to finance a project, there are various solutions available to you. Credit is a relatively simple financing tool, quick to execute and with a light administrative burden.

For further clarification, a credit is also called consumer credit, personal loan, loan, private loan, etc. This is a loan of a sum of money by a creditor to you, the debtor. The amount in question must be reimbursed within a time limit agreed between the parties. An interest rate is calculated in addition to the principal to be repaid in order to remunerate the services of the creditor, a bank in most cases.

As this is a form of financing that does not require a down payment or guarantee, the rate applied varies according to the amount borrowed, the quality of your file and the repayment period.

Financing platforms such as Milenia are used to offer the best rates on the market and to support you in your efforts. You don't pay anything for this service; The remuneration of these platforms is ensured within the framework of the agreements with the partner banks.

Before you compare, ask yourself two questions.

Is credit the right solution for my project?

Am I eligible?

The first question has the merit of judging the relevance and usefulness of your approach. As a responsible service provider, we put your interests at the heart of our attention. Over-indebtedness must be avoided at all costs and your loan must bring real added value and not represent a debt that is difficult to overcome.

Can your project be scaled back? Does your cash flow simply allow you to avoid taking out a loan? Is it the right time?

These are all useful questions that allow you to judge whether or not you need to move forward.

The second question is also important.

Your advisor will be able to support you in this reflection, but you can already eliminate some doubts:

Am I domiciled in Switzerland? If not, you will not be eligible.

Am I of legal age? If not, you will not be eligible.

Am I involved in an action filed in the debt collection? If this is the case, you will not be eligible.

One egg, one basket.

If you want to continue with a credit application, don't rush!

Above all, do not file multiple applications with different providers or banks.

Each request is logged and will block your access to a favorable response.

Compare, choose your financial partner wisely and, if the conditions are met, draw up your file with them.

To make a fair choice, take advantage of the service offered by a financing platform. It's online and it's easy.

Compare what, exactly?

The quality, the network, the accessibility and, of course, the conditions.

By quality, we mean the clarity of the information provided and the transparency of the platform. 

Are there testimonials from satisfied customers? Is there an independent quality body involved, such as Proven Expert? Is the team running the company clearly displayed? Is the company based in Switzerland?

As far as  the network is concerned, the quality and scope of the network will determine the quality of the offers offered to you. Check the partners page or search for published articles or the platform's blog if it exists. 

It is preferable to do business with a major player in the market that has serious, even exclusive, partnerships with recognized banks.

Accessibility. An online solution is often less time-consuming and just as relevant as if you went to an agency. However, it will be necessary to speak with an expert, go through your file in person and have live advice. 

Be sure that you will be able to access this service.

Lately, the conditions. The rates displayed on the various platforms are often similar. There are criteria to be met, however, and these often make the difference.

First of all, the process until you sign the loan agreement must be completely free of charge! Whether you visit a credit comparison platform or a financing platform, run away if you are asked for a single franc for so-called administrative or processing costs.

Secondly, do not sign anything when you are in a comparative or information-seeking process. Your file must first be well completed and analysed and it is only when you make a credit proposal following the acceptance of your application that you will have the opportunity to sign or not.

Finally, a 0.10% lower rate does not necessarily mean a good deal. All of this must be considered. The quality of your relationship with your advisor, the seriousness shown when drawing up your request, the choice of partners... Confidence and peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands is far more important than a tiny spread in the rate offered.

Do you have any questions?

We invite you to inquire via Milenia. You will have the opportunity to simulate your credit, learn about our solutions, get to know our team, ask your questions, browse through our customer testimonials and discover our articles on our blog.

Take your time, compare and when your choice is made, we will be at your side to carry out your project. Under the right conditions, with confidence and transparency.

These names may not mean much to you. What do these signs represent? What are the consequences of this merger? Let us explain.

Foodvenience… Food what ?

Let's start with a pun that makes you smile. You need a bit of knowledge of English but it's nothing too complicated. 

Think local shops... It's easy, it's accessible... the opposite of inconvenience. Then, think about food, something you can quickly buy and consume to better manage your busy schedule... fast food... Food.

Bingo... The term Foodvenience is born!

Why this term? This is because it reflects the main activities of two major players in local commerce.FEMSA  and Valora , not to mention them.

These two behemoths of the sector have just confirmed their merger. Who are they? Which brands are part of their portfolios? What will be the strategy of this new entity?

Heavyweights

We were talking about behemoths. FEMSA is not a name that resonates with local or food businesses, but this group carries a lot of weight. Especially in Mexico and Latin America.

FEMSA has 320,000 employees, a presence in 13 countries, 3,600 pharmacies, an extensive network of service stations and a turnover of more than CHF 27 billion.

It is also the bottler for Coca-Cola in Latin America and a major shareholder of the brewer Heineken.

Valora has 15,000 employees and a network of sales outlets in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. That's 2,700 businesses under management.

Well-known brands

So, if you're not a fan of Mexican highways and cities in Latin America, the brands of the FEMSA group won't mean much to you. However, they are known to the general public on site.

Closer to home, the brands of the Valora Group are more familiar. 

K Kiosk, the reference press area. 

Brezelkönig, bakeries offering sandwiches, pastries and of course, pretzels. 

Ok.- The energy drink.

And many more... So many brands known in our countries but also throughout Europe.

Why this merger?

We were referring to Europe. FEMSA has identified Valora as their anchor and development point on the continent. Wishing to extend their activities beyond their historical borders, the merger with Valora makes sense. Similar businesses, strong brands, an already well-established European distribution network... Everything is in place to ensure a successful international deployment. It cost a few billion, but this acquisition allows FEMSA to take a radical leap forward in a very short period of time. It's priceless.

And Valora? In addition to an interesting financial transaction for its shareholders, the group will be able to rely on its know-how and formidable economic firepower in a highly competitive market where major players are competing to ensure their growth.

And what about credit?

Good question! A priori, there is no natural link between the main activities of the two aforementioned companies and yet... Valora owns bob finance, a specialist  in online personal loans. 

In a world where digital technology plays a major role in our daily activities, having a fintech that develops and deploys digital solutions makes sense. 

Of course, these are not pretzels or energy drinks, but services that are offered online, on any technological medium. 

When everything went virtual, your purchases, your reservations, your hobbies... Having a team of seasoned developers, connoisseurs of European purchasing habits, mastering analytical and promotional tools, the possible synergies are obvious.

Apart from the collaborative interests between the various entities of a group, today's holding companies are diversifying their activities. This makes it possible to take advantage of the growth of various sectors and to share the risk in the event of a recession or crises as we have experienced in the past and, to a lesser extent, today.

Merging values?

Recently, Credaris and Milenia announced their merger. This alliance has created the leading credit player in Switzerland. The first in terms of the number of loans granted, the first in terms of the number of banking partners... And above all, the first, in our eyes, in terms of quality and personalization of the service.

Here, too, technology acts as the backbone of a strategy dedicated to making the user experience even smoother, faster, more satisfying... 

However, the real key to such a merger lies in the synergy  of values, the coherence of an approach rooted in common behaviors and beliefs that aim at the common good. However, this does not mean copied values. Strength often lies in difference. Each entity in a group can live its own values, keep its autonomy, make its own identity vibrate... As long as all these positive energies lead to a goal that is, for once, common and at the service of the greatest number.

It is therefore at the human level that the difference is made. FEMSA and Valora have certainly understood this, as have Milenia and credaris. This is all the more inspiring as the respective approaches tend to improve the service provided to their customers but also to develop activities, support employment, and maximize common potential.

The hoped-for result? Opportunities for employees who are part of the journey, a better customer experience, more personalized services, and healthy companies that benefit from the investments made and the risks taken.

Towards other mergers?

No one knows... These are often operations that need to be carefully thought out and well executed. It takes time. Above all, it has to make sense.

As far as credit is concerned, also known as personal loans or consumer credit, the sector already has serious players, capable of covering needs throughout the country and partners of sound and recognized financial institutions. All of this is under the aegis  of the regulatory authorities and  governed by a law designed to protect the interests of customers and avoid cases of over-indebtedness.

As long as mergers are at the service of the common good and tend to further professionalize a sector that is sometimes mistreated in the sphere of public opinion, it will be to the advantage of the professionals who work in the sector and, above all, to the advantage of the clients who wish to carry out their projects with transparent, reasonable and personalized financing conditions.

A new law will come into force in 2022. It aims to further protect your sensitive data. We'll explain what's going to change.

When you are denied a credit application, it can be frustrating. It could be that your project is blocked or that you can't get out of debt... Is applying for a loan in France for example or online on a foreign platform a solution? No. First, you need to ask yourself the right questions.

What's it like in Switzerland?

The rules in Switzerland are clear and transparent.

A first set of conditions is the need to be of legal age and to reside in Switzerland. Your nationality doesn't matter. If you are over the age of 18 and have the appropriate licence, you are eligible for a loan.

There are rules around your financial capacity. Measures taken by financial institutions leading to over-indebtedness are prohibited in Switzerland. It is therefore essential to study your budget situation and make sure that you have the necessary resources to meet the repayment of your loan.

In addition to these conditions, databases accessible by the lending institutions contain your personal history. Bankruptcies, late payments, outstanding loans, legal troubles, lawsuits...

If your file is well put together and the databases do not prevent the completion of your credit application, you still have to choose the most appropriate solution for your needs. Term, rate, monthly payments, financial partner are all key elements to consider.

El Dorado abroad?

If you don't meet the minimum requirements in Switzerland to take out a personal loan, you may be tempted to try to get a loan abroad.

It should be noted that similar rules apply. In France, for example, you will have to present your residence permit or even prove that income is generated locally and collected on accounts established in the country.

Established organizations are generally reputable and will be able to tell you the reasons for refusal. They are also required to comply with standards in place in the field of consumer credit and must comply with national and European rules.

Also beware of exchange rate fluctuations. This can certainly work in your favour, but the opposite is also possible and any risk factor should be avoided when you go into debt.

Application fees are also often applied. The amounts vary, but be aware that any responsible and professional financing platform in Switzerland will not apply any charge related to the processing of your file.

Recently, regulatory authorities such as FINMA have only been supervising Swiss companies. One of FINMA's tasks is to ensure compliance with sector-specific and ethical rules to protect industry players and their users. Working  with a foreign platform, with no recognized affiliation and which promises you mountains and wonders is a risk not to be taken!

The real question!

Why couldn't I get a loan agreement? 

Often, it is a case of  actual or potential over-indebtedness.

You may not have enough financial room to cover your day-to-day expenses and the repayment of an additional loan.

In itself, this is not a big deal if the result is the simple time lag of your project. Maybe it's just a matter of thinking smaller and adjusting the amount involved? Be careful, however, not to carry out multiple tests with various organizations because the history of your applications and the resulting refusals are recorded and do not serve your interests.

More complicated, your financial situation is such that you are already in a situation of over-indebtedness. The key is not to take out extra credit to get by. You need to negotiate with your creditors to establish a repayment plan that avoids litigation and takes into account your personal means. There are organizations that can help you with this type of approach.

At worst, you're on a bank list, already facing prosecution... Nothing is insurmountable, but it is clearly a question of cleaning up your accounts, reviewing your charges downwards and doing your best with the authorities, your creditors, your banking partner or even your employer to put in place a plan that will allow you to get your head above water. Credit is not a solution in this case and even less so via foreign organisations which may not have the right reflexes when they 'advise' you.

How do you do it?

As you can see. If the conditions are right, the safest, most fairly regulated and most transparent way is to draw up your credit file with a partner based in Switzerland; a partner who knows the legislation and has local experience.

If you're denied, the right question is why. Moreover, a serious financing platform will quickly inform you of the viability of your file. All you have to do is provide the right information in complete transparency. How much does this service cost? Nothing. You are therefore not taking any risks and you will be informed of the reason for a possible refusal.

What to do next? As previously advised, take the bull by the horns. Don't wait. Make sure you are supported in your over-indebtedness efforts and do not increase your deficit.

Milenia

As a financing platform based in Switzerland and with an excellent reputation, we will be able to guide you, free of charge, in the preparation of your credit report. Responsibly, ethically and transparently.

All you have to do is simulate your application and meet the conditions for obtaining a favourable opinion. If your financial situation is healthy, your personal advisor will be able to offer you the best conditions on the market thanks to our extensive network of banking partners, all of whom are recognised and approved by FINMA. 

Your trust deserves serious care, free of charge, without commitment and dedicated to making your life better.