Bitcoin Savings Plan with Relai: Get Started in 10 Minutes

No trading. No speculation. A small, regular Bitcoin savings plan as a complement to a solid ETF portfolio – for people who think long-term. In this guide we show you how to get started in 10 minutes, which risks you need to know, and how Bitcoin is taxed in Switzerland.

Why Bitcoin at all?

Over the past ten years, Bitcoin has delivered exceptional returns despite heavy swings. Those who were in early and consistent were rewarded. For us, Bitcoin isn't a bet on quick money but a small, deliberate allocation – a piece of "digital gold" with a limited supply.

To be clear: Bitcoin does not replace your ETF portfolio. Bitcoin is a complement, not the foundation. The foundation remains a broadly diversified global ETF.

The risk – looked at honestly

Before you invest, you need to understand this:

High volatility: Bitcoin can lose 50% or more within weeks. That's not the exception but part of the game.
Total loss is possible: No one guarantees that Bitcoin will still exist or be worth anything in 20 years. Only invest what you could afford to lose entirely.
No cash flow: Bitcoin pays no dividends and no interest. The return comes solely from the price.

Our rule: no more than 5–10% of your total portfolio in Bitcoin, and only money you can do without for several years. Those who take this to heart can sit out the swings instead of panic-selling at the wrong moment.

Why a savings plan instead of a one-off purchase?

A savings plan (also called "dollar-cost averaging" or DCA) means: you buy regularly for a fixed amount – regardless of whether the price is currently high or low. This has two big advantages:

You take the emotion out: No guesswork, no timing, no sleepless nights.
You smooth your entry price: Over time you buy sometimes more expensively, sometimes more cheaply – on average at a solid mean price.

For a volatile asset like Bitcoin in particular, the savings plan is by far the most relaxed strategy.

Why Relai?

For us, Relai is the simplest way to buy Bitcoin in Switzerland:

Swiss company with regulated operations
Self-custody of your Bitcoin: "your keys, your coins" – you control your coins yourself
Simple savings plan – once set up, everything runs automatically
Reduced fees with our code REL57770 (10% off)

Self-custody – your keys, your coins

Unlike at many exchanges, with Relai your Bitcoin isn't held in someone else's account but in your own wallet. That means more responsibility – and more security, if you do it right:

Secure your seed phrase: The 12 or 24 words are your master key. Write them down on paper, store them safely – never as a photo or in the cloud.
For larger amounts: A hardware or cold wallet (offline) is the gold standard. As long as your holdings are small, the app is enough – as the value grows, the switch becomes worthwhile.

How to set up your Bitcoin savings plan

Download the Relai app from the App Store or Play Store
Register with code REL57770 (10% reduced fees)
Set up an automatic standing order (e.g. CHF 50–200 per month)
The app automatically buys Bitcoin every month – without you having to do anything
Secure your seed phrase and simply let the savings plan run

Bitcoin and taxes in Switzerland

The good news for Swiss investors:

Wealth tax: Bitcoin counts as an asset. You declare your holdings at the year-end rate in the securities register – the ESTV publishes an official tax value for this purpose.
Capital gains are tax-free: If you sell at a profit as a private investor, you pay no capital gains tax on it. This is one of the great advantages of the Swiss tax system.
But: Anyone who trades on a commercial basis (frequent trades, borrowed capital, short-term) can be classified as a professional trader – then gains are taxable. For a calm, long-term savings plan you are clearly a private investor.

When in doubt, a quick check with your cantonal tax administration is worthwhile. This is not tax advice but orientation.

Frequently asked questions about Bitcoin

How much Bitcoin should I hold?

As an allocation, we recommend a maximum of 5–10% of your total portfolio – and only money you can do without for several years. The foundation remains a broadly diversified ETF portfolio.

Do I have to declare Bitcoin in my tax return?

Yes. You declare your holdings at the year-end rate in the securities register (wealth tax). Capital gains from a sale are tax-free for private investors.

Is a savings plan better than a one-off purchase?

For most people, yes. A savings plan smooths your entry price and takes the emotion out of the equation – especially for an asset as volatile as Bitcoin.

What does self-custody mean?

Your Bitcoin is held in your own wallet, not at an exchange. You control the keys yourself ("your keys, your coins"). Important: keep your seed phrase safe and offline.

Conclusion

Bitcoin can be an exciting allocation – if you know the risks, keep the dose small, and think long-term. Set up a savings plan, secure your seed phrase, and let time work for you. The rest of your portfolio is best built with an ETF savings plan.