Thanks very much for that bit of extra info — makes the situation look a bit better!

EDIT: It may be too little too late, though, the way things are progressing: Swiss banks turn backs on US clients

An article in todays Swissinfo.

The front page of "Le Temps" this morning:

http://www.letemps.ch/Page/Uuid/6648...anques_suisses

It seems that Swiss in the USA are also having banking problems.

Article on Swissinfo.

As a follow-up to my previous posts here, PostFinance has informed me by letter that they are willing to open an account for me. This, after I responded to a previous letter asking me to explain my connection to Switzerland, my profession, what I intend to do with the account, and where the money for the account is coming from.

I must appear in person at a PostFinance office with my passport (which I plan to do later this year) to make it happen, but otherwise it sounds like at least the folks at PF are willing (so far, at least) ...

More news about banking for Americans here.

We just received from Kantonalbank a W-9 form (Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification) a declaration to sign (no deposited assets are the result of tax fraud or tax evasion... Qualified Intermediary Regulations).

If we don't sign and return them, we will no longer be able to bank with them. We've always complied with the IRS and DOJ regulations, so we're probably fine. But it is really weird to get such paperwork from our bank in Switzerland.

Of course, it's in English, unlike most of the paperwork we receive from the bank.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but I'm still feeling a bit shocked. As long as we sign the papers, there's no problem with our bank. But they really don't seem as friendly as they used to be.

what is the situation for americans who worked in switzerland but did not close their account when they left?

Out of curiosity, which Kantonalbank is it? Luzerner?

An increasing number of Swiss banks are adopting the policy that, while they may maintain accounts held by Americans, they will only accept instructions made by the account holder in person (except maybe an instruction to close the account and forward a check for the balance). Some banks are refusing to open new accounts for Americans, and some are apparently going so far as closing down all American-held accounts.

I tried opening an account with Credit Suisse in Zurich a few days ago. The main branch in Paradeplatz said that they no longer open accounts for US citizens and that neither do most of the other large Swiss banks, UBS, etc. Instead, they suggested I try opening an account with a smaller bank.

I hate politics.

Similar situation - Already have a CS account and attempted to get a maestro card for my son... Was turned down because of being a US citizen, even though I already had an account! Worked out through private banking, but I thought it was all very interesting!

Yes. We also have our mortgage and 3rd pillar with them.