How to Use the Comparison Tool
You've narrowed it down to two or three cards. Now you want to know which one actually wins. That's what this tool does: compare credit cards side by side, row by row, without the marketing copy.
Search by card or issuer, or start from a popular comparison like Cumulus vs Supercard.
In every numeric row, the best value is green: lowest fee, highest reward rate, biggest coverage.
Identical rows disappear, so you only see what separates the cards.
The URL keeps your selection. Send it to your partner or bookmark it.
Read our verdict at the top of each column first. If a card's "Best for" line doesn't describe you, skip the rest of that column.
What to Compare Head-to-Head
The table has 30+ rows. Most won't decide anything. These five will.
Real yearly cost for your spending
Compare annual fee minus rewards earned on what you actually spend, not the fee alone. A card with a CHF 150 fee and 1% cashback only breaks even at CHF 15,000 of yearly spending. Below that, a free card with a lower rate wins. And always compare the fee from year two: some cards discount the first year.
Foreign currency (FX) fee
If you shop online in euros or dollars or travel a few times a year, this row can outweigh everything else. Swiss cards typically charge 1.5% to 2.5% on non-CHF purchases. On CHF 5,000 of foreign spending, a 1% gap is CHF 50 a year. Our best card for abroad guide goes deeper.
Rewards type and effective rate
Cashback, points and miles aren't directly comparable. Convert everything to "francs back per CHF 100 spent" using a realistic redemption value, not the issuer's best case.
Insurance you would actually use
Travel medical and trip cancellation cover only matter if you travel and book with the card. Purchase protection matters if you buy electronics on it. Ignore the rest. Our credit card insurance guide explains the exclusions.
Income requirement
Winning the comparison with a card you can't get is pointless. Check this row before falling for a premium card.
Cashback vs Miles vs Points Side by Side
Cashback wins for most people: guaranteed value, zero effort, no expiry. Miles win for frequent SWISS and Star Alliance flyers who spend heavily on the card and redeem for long-haul or business class. Points win if you already shop at the partner (Migros, Coop) and will redeem there anyway.
The side-by-side trap: a miles card often looks like it earns more per franc. It only wins if you value miles realistically and redeem them before they expire. Read cashback vs points and our Miles & More guide for the full reasoning.
Typical Head-to-Head Comparisons
Two cashback cards
The most common matchup, like Swisscard Cashback against a retailer card such as Cumulus or Supercard. The winner depends on where you spend: a flat rate everywhere vs a higher rate at one retailer. Also check caps, how cashback is paid out (statement credit vs vouchers or points) and the FX fee.
A free card vs a premium card
The premium card wins most green cells on insurance, lounges and concierge. The free card wins the row that matters most: cost. Add up the premium benefits you'd genuinely use in the next 12 months. If that's less than the fee difference, go free. See our free credit cards.
Amex vs Visa or Mastercard in Switzerland
Amex cards often earn more on paper, but many smaller Swiss merchants don't accept Amex because of its higher fees, while Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. That's why Swiss issuers often sell Amex in a duo with a Visa or Mastercard. When comparing an Amex-only card, discount its rewards for purchases you'll have to put on another card. Visa vs Mastercard is marginal: see our Visa vs Mastercard comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credit cards can I compare at once?
Up to 3. Beyond three columns, the table gets hard to read on a phone and the differences get lost.
Where does the data come from and how often is it updated?
From the issuers' published conditions: fee schedules, product pages and insurance terms. We check them monthly and update the table when anything changes.
Can I share a comparison?
Yes. The link keeps your selected cards, so whoever opens it sees the same comparison.
Does comparing cards affect my credit score?
No. Nothing is sent to issuers or to ZEK. Only an actual application can trigger a credit check.
Next Step: The Full Ranking
Not sure which cards to put side by side? Start with our full ranking of the best credit cards in Switzerland, filter for your profile, then come back here to settle it. For a deep dive on a single card, read our credit card reviews.