CHFSwiss FrancSwiss Franc (CHF)
The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Swiss National Bank issues banknotes, while the Swiss Confederation is responsible for coins. CHF is the ISO code used in banking, payments and exchange-rate data, avoiding ambiguity between the abbreviations and language-specific names used in Switzerland. One franc is divided into 100 centimes, rappen, centesimi or raps depending on the language region.
- ISO code
- CHF
- Symbol
- CHF
- Region
- Europe
- Currency type
- Fiat currency
- Exchange system
- The Swiss National Bank conducts monetary policy and has the banknote-issue role, while the Confederation is responsible for coins.
- Last reviewed
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Quick facts
CHF at a glance
Currency profile
How CHF works
The Swiss franc is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The Swiss National Bank issues banknotes, while the Swiss Confederation is responsible for coins. CHF is the ISO code used in banking, payments and exchange-rate data, avoiding ambiguity between the abbreviations and language-specific names used in Switzerland. One franc is divided into 100 centimes, rappen, centesimi or raps depending on the language region.
CHF conversions support travel, cross-border employment, invoices and account comparisons involving Switzerland. CurrencyHub uses a dated reference rate for the calculation and identifies the direction clearly, because CHF to EUR is the inverse of EUR to CHF. A retail provider can use a different processing date or customer rate. The reference result is therefore best used as a transparent comparison point rather than a transaction promise.
- The national Swiss franc was introduced in 1850 to replace a fragmented system of local currencies.
- CHF is used across Switzerland's language regions, where minor-unit names vary.
Context
Why this currency matters
CHF is widely held and traded outside its home market and is often monitored during periods of financial uncertainty. It is a significant European currency despite Switzerland remaining outside the euro area. That distinction makes CHF/EUR and EUR/CHF useful but directionally different comparisons for commuters, travelers and companies near Switzerland's borders. The franc's multilingual minor-unit names also make ISO labeling more dependable than relying on a local abbreviation alone.
Monetary framework
Exchange arrangement
The Swiss National Bank conducts monetary policy and has the banknote-issue role, while the Confederation is responsible for coins.
CurrencyHub shows daily reference rates. Banks, card networks, ATMs and transfer providers may apply different exchange rates, fees or spreads.
History timeline
Key dates for CHF
Swiss franc introduced
Federal coinage legislation established the Swiss franc as the national currency.
Swiss National Bank - monetary chronicleFederal note-issue authority
The Confederation received the exclusive constitutional authority to issue banknotes.
Swiss National Bank - institutional and currency historySwiss National Bank began operations
The SNB began operating as Switzerland's central bank.
Swiss National Bank - institutional and currency history
Usage and economy
How CHF is used
- Payments and accounts in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- European cross-border payroll, trade and reserve comparisons.
Country currency guides
Banknotes and coins
CHF currency units
The Swiss National Bank documents the banknotes issued for the Swiss franc system.
Swiss official currency history records the Confederation's responsibility for franc coins.
One Swiss Franc unit is recorded with 2 decimal places and uses Rappen as its minor unit.
Related currencies
Currency relationships
Explore currencies connected through regional use, trade comparisons or monetary relationships.
Currency topics
FAQ
CHF questions
Where is the Swiss franc used?
CHF is the official currency of Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
When was the Swiss franc introduced?
The national Swiss franc was introduced in 1850 under federal coinage legislation.
Is Switzerland part of the euro area?
No. Switzerland uses CHF and operates its own monetary system through the Swiss National Bank.
Sources
Data and editorial review
Rate source: Frankfurter
Last reviewed:
Currency identity and cash information is checked against central-bank, government, ISO and official international sources.