Taler – a digital payment system as private as cash.
The Taler Wallet app functions as a digital wallet. Once installed, the “Withdraw” feature allows you to transfer digital cash from your bank account to your wallet. However, please note the standard processing times for bank transfers in Switzerland. With the Taler Wallet app, you can pay as usual via QR code or NFC.
Important legal notice: Taler Operations AG operates the Taler payment system in Switzerland. Taler Operations is not supervised by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA). Escrowed customer assets are not subject to deposit insurance but held in a segregated bank account.
Prerequisites
Here is what you need to get started paying with Taler:
- Swiss bank account with an IBAN beginning with "CH"
- Mobile phone number with "+41" to receive P2P payments
3 steps to get started with Taler:
1. Install the wallet
Download Taler wallet for Android 2. Withdraw digital cash
Tap on "Withdraw CHF", enter an amount and confirm
3. Pay
Scan a QR code or use NFC and confirm the payment
1. Install the wallet
Download Taler wallet for iOS 2. Withdraw digital cash
Tap on "Withdraw CHF", enter an amount and confirm
3. Pay
Scan a QR code or use NFC and confirm the payment
Here you can pay in person with eCHF using Taler:
Please contact us to be added to the map! Frequently Asked Questions
A regular wallet and your Taler Wallet app have a lot in common. For example, you can only spend money that you’ve previously withdrawn from your account. You can find more answers to your questions here in our FAQs:
What happens if I uninstall the Taler Wallet app?
It's like throwing away your wallet. If you still have money in your Taler Wallet app, it will be lost if you don't have a backup.
Can I also back up the money in my Taler Wallet?
Yes, by backing up your Taler Wallet app, you’ll keep your money even if you lose your smartphone. Any funds that have already been spent cannot be used again, even after restoring an older backup.
Why do I need to add funds to the Taler Wallet app?
You are not linking the Taler Wallet app to your bank account. Just like with a real wallet, you can only spend the digital money you have in your Taler Wallet. When adding funds, please keep in mind that transfers may take up to 2 business days to process.
Who is behind Taler?
The Taler payment system is being developed as a project at the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) in Biel by staff and numerous students working under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Christian Grothoff. The "Next Generation Internet" (NGI) TALER pilot project, established for this purpose, includes eleven European companies, universities, values-driven banks, and civil society organizations. Their goal: to improve digital payments. Taler is currently being rolled out in Switzerland, and negotiations are underway with the first EU countries, such as Germany and Hungary.
What sets Taler apart from other payment systems?
Fees and privacy. Many payment service providers sell their customers' data. Where do you go on vacation? How much do you spend on a meal or concert tickets? With the Taler Wallet app, this information stays private.
Some payment systems charge high fees—but what about Taler?
Many payment systems charge high fees to process transactions. Individuals usually don’t notice this. However, businesses, restaurants, and online stores must factor these costs into their pricing. The Taler Wallet and all its features will remain free in Switzerland through the end of 2027, and even after that, it will be significantly cheaper than current alternatives. Should a fee ever be charged, it will be displayed to you before you make the payment.
Is Taler safe?
Yes, Taler is as secure as cash. Once a transaction has been completed, it cannot be reversed. If you lose your smartphone with a full wallet, your funds will be gone—just like with a physical wallet. If you have created a backup, you can restore your balance using it.
Why another payment system?
The Taler payment system opens up a wide range of possibilities. In theory, you’ll soon be able to use your Taler Wallet app to pay in local currency in any country around the world. At festivals, the plastic tokens commonly used there could also be conveniently replaced with digital payments via Taler Wallets (like at the "Datenspuren", see https://datenspuren.de/2025/taler/index.html 🔗).
Do I need to be online to pay with Taler Wallet?
Yes, your smartphone must be connected to a Wi-Fi network or mobile data.
Who should I contact if I have any problems?
Are you having problems with your Taler Wallet app? If so, please send us an email describing as precisely as possible what isn’t working as expected. Please also include your smartphone’s operating system and the version number of your Taler Wallet app (found under Settings). Our email address is support@taler.net.
Where can I pay using the Taler Wallet app?
The number of locations that already accept payments via Taler Wallet is growing steadily. Currently, the focus is on Biel/Bienne. You can view the current locations that accept Taler Wallet on our map.
Can I also pay online using the Taler Wallet app?
Yes, there are already some online stores where you can pay for your purchases or tickets using the Taler Wallet app.
Can I secure access to my Taler Wallet app?
Yes, go to Settings and choose Protect access to wallet. If you enable this option, your device’s security measures—such as your fingerprint or password—will also be used to protect the app.
How does the return process work if I paid for the item using the Taler Wallet app?
When you pay using Taler Wallet, you will automatically receive a receipt in your app. This receipt serves as proof that you purchased the item. The purchase amount will be refunded by the respective company.
Can I make a payment if there is no money or not enough money in the Taler Wallet app?
No, just like with your regular wallet, you can only spend as much money as you have in your Taler Wallet app. This way, you can always keep track of your spending.
Will I be charged fees if I pay with the Taler Wallet?
No, the Taler payment system will remain free for all users through the end of 2027. If fees are ever charged for a payment after that, you’ll see the cost listed alongside the purchase amount in the app. You’ll always have the option to choose not to pay via Taler Wallet.