All I want for Christmas is … a 13th salary?
It's barely November, and we're already talking about December. Sounds early? It is. But what we're announcing is well worth a bit of anticipation. This year, neon is giving away a 13th month salary of up to 7'000 CHF, paid directly into one lucky person's neon account. Here you'll find out everything: what a 13th month salary actually is, how the campaign works, and how you can enter the draw.
What is a 13th month salary?
The 13th month salary exists in several European countries, including Switzerland. Most Swiss employment contracts split the annual salary over 13 months instead of 12. That means: on top of your regular salary, you receive an extra monthly paycheque. Usually, it arrives in December. However, some contracts split it between June and December or spread it out across the entire year.
It's not a bonus and doesn't depend on your performance. Under Swiss employment law, the 13th month salary is a contractual salary component. It cannot be tied to performance, and if your employment ends before the due date, you're entitled to it pro rata. According to the Federal Statistical Office, 75.9% of employees in Switzerland receive a 13th month salary.
This year, one lucky person will get an extra one.
How the campaign works
The campaign runs from 2 November to 24 December 2026. To take part, you only need two things:
Fill out the salary switch form: You'll find it in the neon app on the «Home» screen under «Add money» and then «Add salary». Fill in the short form and tap «Create PDF». The document is ready to send to your employer’s HR team.
Receive your salary on neon: Your monthly salary of at least 500 CHF arrives at least once in your main neon account by 24 December 2026.
Once you've done both, you're in the draw! For most people, that means two paydays during the campaign period – namely your November and December salary. Once your salary hits your neon account, you're in! You can find all the details in our terms and conditions.
Already receiving your salary into your neon account?
Then you're all set. As long as your salary of at least 500 CHF is paid into your main neon account once between November and December 2026, you're automatically entered into the draw.
Why switching your salary to neon is worth it
In the SIQT «Customer Vote 2026», neon ranked 1st in the Online Banking and Customer Service categories, and 2nd overall for the best personal account in Switzerland. The ranking is based on 2'597 verified customer reviews across 25 Swiss banking providers.
In the 2026 satisfaction survey by moneyland.ch, respondents rated their overall satisfaction with neon as «very good».
And in the study «Digital Advantage» by Information Factory AG (February 2026), neon leads the pack in app usage – thanks to radical simplicity and full transparency for everyday money management.
But a great app is only part of the story. When your salary goes to neon, you have payments, saving, investing, and your Pillar 3a all in one place. That way, you're not constantly switching back and forth between apps or accounts. And if you travel regularly or pay abroad, you'll also benefit from great rates outside Switzerland. Your money is held with Hypothekarbank Lenzburg, neon's partner bank, and is protected up to 100'000 CHF by the Swiss deposit insurance scheme. And there's even more to come in 2027 – stay tuned.
How to switch your salary to neon
Open the neon app and tap «Add money» on the «Home» screen, then «Add salary». Once you’ve filled in the short form, tap «Create PDF». All that’s left is to send it to your employer’s HR team. If your salary doesn't go to neon yet, completing this form is one of the entry conditions. So be sure to send it off well before your next payday. If your salary already arrives on neon, you can skip this step.
The draw: How it works
On 7 January 2027, we'll randomly draw one winner from everyone who meets the eligibility criteria above.
On 8 January 2027, we'll reach out to the lucky winner. The prize equals their monthly net salary, up to a maximum of 7'000 CHF. If multiple salary payments arrived in your main neon account during the campaign period – for example in November and December – and the amounts differ, we'll take the higher one. Good to know: the prize is usually subject to tax. Where required by law, neon deducts Swiss withholding tax directly from the prize, so the amount paid out may be lower. You’ll find all the details in our Terms and Conditions. We'll transfer the prize money directly to the main neon account within 3 business days. And so you know for sure that you're in the running, we'll display a confirmation banner in your neon app on 30.12.2026.
Get off to a flying start in 2027
The 13th month salary has long been a staple of working life in Switzerland. This year, there's an extra one up for grabs, and we're drawing the winner at the beginning of January. Not a bad way to kick off 2027! Merry Christmas – er, happy November.
FAQ
Does it matter which neon plan I have?
No. The campaign is open to anyone with neon, whether you're using neon free, neon plus, neon global, or neon metal.
What counts as a salary payment?
Any regular salary payment from your employer of at least 500 CHF. Invoices from freelance or self-employed work, transfers between your own accounts, and private transfers do not count.
I already get my salary on neon. Do I need to fill out the form?
No. You're automatically entered into the draw as long as your salary of at least 500 CHF arrives in your main neon account during the campaign period.
Can I take part if I have multiple income streams?
Yes, as long as at least one salary payment from an employer of at least 500 CHF arrives in your main neon account during the campaign period.
What happens if I win? Do I need to claim the prize?
No. We'll contact you directly on 8 January 2027 and transfer the prize to your main neon account within 3 business days. There's nothing else you need to do.
When does the campaign end?
The campaign runs until 24 December 2026. Any salary payment that arrives in your main neon account by then counts.
