The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is taking a forward-thinking approach to the future of cash, publishing a dozen possible designs for a new banknote series and inviting public feedback. This move signals a strong commitment to maintaining cash as a relevant and secure form of payment for decades to come.

A New Theme: “Switzerland and its Altitudes” 🏞️

The new, tenth banknote series will feature a unique theme: “Switzerland and its altitudes.” This concept moves away from the previous series’ focus on abstract ideas and instead pays homage to the country’s diverse topography, from its lowest valleys to its highest peaks. Each of the six denominations will represent a different altitude zone, including:

10-franc note: The lowlands

20-franc note: The Central Plateau

50-franc note: The Jura

100-franc note: The Pre-Alps

200-franc note: The mountains

1,000-franc note: The High Alps

This thematic approach allows designers to incorporate elements of nature, culture, and daily life at these various elevations, reflecting the rich diversity of the Swiss landscape and its people.

Public Feedback and the Selection Process

The SNB has launched an online survey for the public to evaluate the 12 designs submitted by a group of selected designers. This survey, which runs until September 7, 2025, is a key part of a multi-stage process. The public’s opinions, along with an evaluation by an advisory board of experts, will determine the six best designs that will move on to the next phase of the competition.

This modern approach of a central bank, showing that they consider banknotes not just as a financial tool but also as a public symbol. They’re trying to create a series that is not only secure but also has a strong connection to Swiss identity and is appreciated by the people who use it.

The final decision on the winning design rests with the SNB and is expected to be announced at the beginning of 2026. However, it’s important to note that the new banknotes won’t be introduced until the early 2030s at the earliest.

Take a survey to evaluate the 12 designs

https://www.newbanknoteseries.ch

A Strong Stance on Cash

Despite the rise of digital payments, the SNB remains a staunch advocate for the continued use of physical cash. According to the SNB, cash remains a popular payment method in Switzerland, with approximately one in three payments settled with cash.

The SNB emphasizes the unique advantages of banknotes and coins, such as their simplicity, universal availability, and reliability, especially during power outages or other disruptions. They also highlight the role of cash in protecting privacy and helping individuals control their spending.

This new series is part of the SNB’s ongoing effort to ensure Swiss banknotes are always modern and secure, staying ahead of counterfeiters through continuous development of security technology. By involving the public in the design process, the SNB is not only creating new currency but also reinforcing the cultural and practical importance of cash in Switzerland.