ETF Savings Plan with Standing Order: Set Up findependent in 10 Minutes

I still remember the day I set up my first automated ETF savings plan. Not because it was a big deal – but because it was so simple that I thought afterwards: "I should have done this much sooner."

That was with findependent. A Swiss app I've recommended to many people since – people who want to start investing but don't want to deal with complicated account-opening processes, hours of ETF research, or confusing order screens.

In this post I'll walk you through setting up findependent step by step – and how to use a simple standing order to create a savings plan that runs itself.

What is findependent?

findependent is a Swiss robo-advisor that automatically invests your money in ETFs. You only decide two things: how much risk you want to take, and how much you want to invest. The app handles the rest.

Since February 2026, findependent has had a FINMA licence as a securities firm – an important mark of trust. As of early 2026, the platform manages over CHF 400 million for more than 20'000 customers.

What convinced me from the start: it's a genuinely Swiss solution built for beginners. No trading, no individual stocks, no unnecessary complexity. Just broadly diversified ETF portfolios, invested automatically.

What does findependent cost?

This is one of the most common questions – and the answer is refreshingly straightforward.

The first CHF 2'000 are free. If you sign up with the code KUU7NG, this free threshold increases to CHF 3'000 – an extra CHF 1'000 invested with no fees. Above that, tiered fees apply depending on how much you have invested:

For comparison: a classic investment fund at a Swiss bank often costs 1.5% to 2% per year – for worse diversification.

The 5 investment strategies

findependent offers five predefined portfolios, ranging from conservative to growth-oriented:

Cautious – high bond allocation, some gold, low equity risk. For anyone who wants to protect their savings.

Considered – balanced between equities, bonds, and real estate. A classic starting point.

Balanced – more equities, still cushioned by bonds.

Growth – clear focus on global equities. For long-term wealth building.

Equities – 100% equity ETFs. Maximum growth potential, but also more volatility.

All portfolios except the pure equities option include a 10% real estate allocation. The more defensive strategies have also included gold since 2024. All strategies invest exclusively in sustainable ESG ETFs.

My recommendation for beginners with a long investment horizon (10+ years): Growth or Equities.

How to set up findependent – step by step

The entire account opening takes around 10 minutes and is fully digital. No post, no branch visit.

Step 1: Download the app findependent is available in the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Just search "findependent" and install.

Step 2: Open an account When you first open the app, it guides you through the process. You'll need a valid Swiss ID or passport, a Swiss residential address, and your AHV number (Swiss social security number) for identity verification. Identification is done via video ident or online ident directly in the app – no need to go anywhere.

Step 3: Choose an investment strategy findependent shows you a short questionnaire: investment horizon, risk tolerance, goal. Based on your answers, the app recommends a strategy – but you can also select one manually.

Step 4: First deposit (minimum CHF 500) The minimum initial investment is CHF 500. You transfer via TWINT or bank transfer. The first CHF 2'000 are fee-free – so it's worth depositing a bit more right away.

Step 5: Set up a standing order This is the key step for your automatic savings plan. In the app you'll find your personal IBAN for deposits. Enter this as a recipient in your e-banking and set up a standing order – for example CHF 200 on the first of each month.

From that point on, your savings plan runs by itself: every month the money transfers automatically and findependent immediately invests it into your ETF portfolio.

My practical tip: link the standing order to your payday

I set my standing order for the second of the month – one day after my salary arrives. That way the money is gone before I'm tempted to spend it elsewhere. Sounds strict, but it's the most effective trick for consistent saving.

Since I started doing this, I haven't missed a single month on my savings plan. Not during market downturns, not when the month was tight. The amount is small enough that it doesn't hurt – and large enough to make a real difference over time.

Your next step

Download findependent, complete the questionnaire, and set up your first standing order – even if it's just CHF 100 a month. Enter the code KUU7NG when signing up and your first CHF 3'000 will be fee-free instead of CHF 2'000.

The savings plan you set up today starts working for you tomorrow. And in ten years, you'll wish you'd started sooner.

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