Most people have no idea how much cashback they're actually earning. They see "1% cashback" on their card and think "great," but never do the math. Here's a quick reality check: if you spend CHF 3,000 per month on a 1% cashback card, you're earning CHF 360 per year. Bump that to a 2% card and it's CHF 720. That CHF 360 difference over five years? CHF 1,800 left on the table.
This calculator exists to make those numbers concrete and personal. Plug in your actual spending, compare different rates side by side, and see whether that annual fee is actually worth paying.
How to Use This Cashback Calculator
Start with your average monthly credit card spending in CHF. Include everything you put on the card: groceries, dining, transport, subscriptions, online shopping. Most Swiss households spend between CHF 2,000 and CHF 5,000 per month on cards. If you're not sure, check your last three bank statements and take the average.
Use the slider or pick a preset. Swiss cards typically range from 0.33% (basic cards from big banks) to 2% (top-tier cashback cards like the Certo! One). If you're comparing cards, try different rates to see the earning difference.
Enter your card's yearly fee. Some cashback cards are free (CHF 0), while premium cards charge CHF 100 to CHF 200. The calculator shows you the net cashback after subtracting this fee and the break-even spending you'd need to cover it.
How Much Cashback Can You Earn in Switzerland?
Swiss cashback rates are lower than what you'd find in the US or UK, but they're steadily improving. Here's the realistic landscape:
0.33% or less: This is what most traditional Swiss bank credit cards offer. On CHF 3,000/month spending, that's just CHF 120 per year. Honestly, you can do better.
0.5% to 1%: The sweet spot for fee-free Swiss cashback cards. Cards like the Migros Cumulus Mastercard or Coop Supercard Visa fall here. You're looking at CHF 180 to CHF 360 per year on typical spending.
1% to 2%: Premium territory. The Swisscard Cashback Cards and neon cards can hit these rates, sometimes with specific spending categories earning more. Annual earnings of CHF 360 to CHF 720.
Above 2%: Rare in Switzerland. Some cards offer elevated rates in specific categories (groceries, fuel) but the base rate stays below 2% for most purchases.
Common Cashback Rates by Card Type
Free Cards
Cards with no annual fee typically offer 0.33% to 1% cashback. The trade-off is simple: lower rewards, zero risk. If you spend under CHF 2,000/month, a free card almost always wins because there's no fee to offset.
Examples: Migros Cumulus Mastercard (variable), neon Mastercard (up to 1% in categories).
Mid-Range Cards
These cards push cashback rates to 1% to 1.5% with annual fees between CHF 50 and CHF 100. Worth it if you're a consistent spender. At CHF 3,000/month and 1.5% cashback, you'd earn CHF 540 minus the CHF 80 fee = CHF 460 net.
Examples: Swisscard Cashback Cards, Certo! series.
Premium Cards
Premium cashback cards charge CHF 100 or more but offer 1.5% to 2% back plus insurance, lounge access, or category bonuses. The cashback alone needs to exceed the fee, and any extra perks are a bonus.
Break-even at CHF 200/yr fee and 2% cashback: You need to spend at least CHF 833/month just to cover the fee. Above that, every CHF spent earns real money.
Cards with no annual fee typically offer 0.33% to 1% cashback. The trade-off is simple: lower rewards, zero risk. If you spend under CHF 2,000/month, a free card almost always wins because there's no fee to offset.
Examples: Migros Cumulus Mastercard (variable), neon Mastercard (up to 1% in categories).
These cards push cashback rates to 1% to 1.5% with annual fees between CHF 50 and CHF 100. Worth it if you're a consistent spender. At CHF 3,000/month and 1.5% cashback, you'd earn CHF 540 minus the CHF 80 fee = CHF 460 net.
Examples: Swisscard Cashback Cards, Certo! series.
Premium cashback cards charge CHF 100 or more but offer 1.5% to 2% back plus insurance, lounge access, or category bonuses. The cashback alone needs to exceed the fee, and any extra perks are a bonus.
Break-even at CHF 200/yr fee and 2% cashback: You need to spend at least CHF 833/month just to cover the fee. Above that, every CHF spent earns real money.
After analyzing every cashback card available in Switzerland, here's my honest take: most people overthink this. If you're spending CHF 2,000 to 4,000 per month on your card, a free or low-fee card with 0.5% to 1% cashback is the rational choice. The difference between a 1% and 2% card on CHF 3,000/month is CHF 360/year, but you'll likely pay CHF 100+ extra in annual fees to get there. Focus on the net number, not the headline rate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A 2% cashback card with a CHF 200 annual fee needs CHF 833/month in spending just to break even. On CHF 2,000/month spending, the net cashback is only CHF 280, while a free 1% card earns CHF 240 with zero risk. Always calculate the net.
Some cards advertise high cashback rates (3% or more) on specific categories but cap the bonus at a certain monthly amount. Read the fine print. Your effective rate across all spending might be much lower than the headline number.
Splitting spending across three or four cards dilutes your cashback on each. Pick one primary card for everyday spending and use it consistently. The compounding effect of higher volume on a single card usually beats spreading thin across multiple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cashback can I earn with a Swiss credit card?
Most Swiss cashback credit cards offer between 0.33% and 2% back on purchases. On average spending of CHF 3,000/month, that's CHF 120 to CHF 720 per year before annual fees. The best net returns come from cards that balance a decent rate with a low or zero annual fee.
Is a cashback credit card worth it in Switzerland?
Yes, if you use a credit card regularly. Even at 0.5% cashback on CHF 2,500/month, you earn CHF 150/year for free. The key is choosing a card where the cashback exceeds any annual fee. Our calculator shows you the exact break-even point.
What's the highest cashback rate in Switzerland?
The highest base cashback rates in Switzerland currently reach around 2% on general spending. Some cards offer up to 3% to 5% in specific bonus categories (groceries, fuel), but these are usually capped at a monthly limit. Check the best cashback cards comparison for current rates.
How is cashback paid out on Swiss credit cards?
Swiss cashback cards typically credit rewards as a statement credit, reducing your monthly bill. Some cards pay annually, others quarterly or monthly. A few cards like Cumulus convert cashback into store points instead of direct CHF credits. Always check the redemption method before choosing a card.
Should I pick a higher cashback rate or a lower annual fee?
Use the break-even calculation: divide the annual fee by the cashback rate difference. For example, a CHF 100 fee for an extra 0.5% cashback only pays off if you spend more than CHF 20,000 per year (CHF 1,667/month) on the card. Below that threshold, the cheaper card wins.