Most people overcomplicate getting a credit card in Switzerland. The requirements are actually straightforward, but banks don't exactly make them easy to find. Here's what they're really checking, what you actually need, and how to avoid getting rejected.
What Are the Requirements for a Credit Card in Switzerland?
You need five things: be 18+, live in Switzerland, have income, pass a credit check, and show valid ID. That's the core of it. Every Swiss card issuer, from UBS to Cembra to Swisscard, checks the same basics before approving your application.
Here's the full list of what banks require:
- Age: Minimum 18 years old for a standard credit card. Some issuers like PostFinance and Baloise offer prepaid cards from age 12-16 with parental consent.
- Residence: A registered address in Switzerland or Liechtenstein. No exceptions.
- Income: Regular income, typically proven with your last 3 salary slips. The required amount varies by card tier.
- Credit check: Clean record with ZEK (Zentralstelle für Kreditinformationen). No open debt collection proceedings (Betreibungen).
- Valid ID: Swiss passport or ID card. For foreigners, a valid residence permit (B or C, sometimes L).
The process sounds intimidating, but most employed Swiss residents with a clean financial record get approved without any issues. The real question is which card tier you qualify for.
How Does the Swiss Credit Check Work?
This is where Switzerland differs from most countries. Switzerland doesn't use credit scores like the US or UK. Instead, banks check your record with two organizations: ZEK and IKO.
ZEK (Zentralstelle für Kreditinformationen) tracks all credit-related information in Switzerland. Every credit card you have, every loan, every leasing contract. When you apply for a new card, the issuer checks your ZEK record for red flags.
IKO (Informationsstelle für Konsumkredit) is the legally mandated consumer credit database. It's required by the Swiss Consumer Credit Act. The Consumer Credit Act (Konsumkreditgesetz) requires all card issuers to verify your debt capacity before granting credit.
What gets you flagged in ZEK:
- Open debt collection proceedings (Betreibungen) are the biggest deal-breaker
- Unpaid credit card bills from previous cards
- Defaulted loans or leasing contracts
- Bankruptcy proceedings
Here's what most people don't realize: ZEK also stores positive data. Your existing credit cards, timely payments, and credit history are all recorded. If you've had a card for years and always paid on time, that actually helps your next application.
Pro tip: You can request your own ZEK data for free once per year. Do this before applying for a new card, especially if you're unsure about your record.
What Income Do You Need for a Swiss Credit Card?
This varies dramatically by card tier, and banks are frustratingly vague about it. After researching the major Swiss issuers, here's what I've found in practice:
Free/Basic Cards
Minimum income: CHF 20,000 - 30,000 gross per year. Cards like the Swisscard Cashback Amex, Migros Cumulus Visa, or Certo! One Mastercard fall here. Some free cards like those from Neon don't require income proof at all since they function more like debit cards with credit card numbers.
Classic/Standard Cards
Minimum income: CHF 40,000 - 50,000 gross per year. This covers most standard Visa and Mastercard offerings from UBS, PostFinance, Raiffeisen, and cantonal banks. The credit limit typically starts at CHF 3,000 - 5,000.
Gold/Premium Cards
Minimum income: CHF 60,000 - 80,000 gross per year. Gold and premium cards from major issuers come with travel insurance, lounge access, and higher limits. Credit limits usually start at CHF 10,000.
Platinum/Luxury Cards
Minimum income: CHF 100,000+ gross per year. These cards are invitation-only at some banks or require a minimum relationship (existing account with significant assets). Expect credit limits of CHF 20,000 and above.
Minimum income: CHF 20,000 - 30,000 gross per year. Cards like the Swisscard Cashback Amex, Migros Cumulus Visa, or Certo! One Mastercard fall here. Some free cards like those from Neon don't require income proof at all since they function more like debit cards with credit card numbers.
Minimum income: CHF 40,000 - 50,000 gross per year. This covers most standard Visa and Mastercard offerings from UBS, PostFinance, Raiffeisen, and cantonal banks. The credit limit typically starts at CHF 3,000 - 5,000.
Minimum income: CHF 60,000 - 80,000 gross per year. Gold and premium cards from major issuers come with travel insurance, lounge access, and higher limits. Credit limits usually start at CHF 10,000.
Minimum income: CHF 100,000+ gross per year. These cards are invitation-only at some banks or require a minimum relationship (existing account with significant assets). Expect credit limits of CHF 20,000 and above.
Income isn't the only factor. Banks also consider your total debt obligations, rent payments, and existing credit card limits. The Swiss Consumer Credit Act requires banks to verify that your total credit card limits plus any loans don't exceed one-third of your disposable income. That's the law, not just a guideline.
If you're self-employed, you'll typically need to show your last two tax returns instead of salary slips. Some banks accept bank statements showing regular income deposits.
Can Foreigners Get a Credit Card in Switzerland?
Yes. But the process has a few extra steps depending on your residence permit.
C permit holders (permanent residence) have it easiest. The process is essentially identical to Swiss citizens. No additional documentation, no waiting periods. Apply and get approved like anyone else.
B permit holders (temporary residence) can also apply, but some issuers add conditions:
- Certain banks require you've held your B permit for at least 6 months
- Some want proof of an employment contract (ideally permanent, not temporary)
- Your credit limit may be lower initially
- A few issuers (like Bonuscard and Cornèrcard) specifically ask how long you've been living in Switzerland
L permit holders (short-term residence) have the hardest time. Only a handful of issuers accept L permits, including PostFinance, Migros Bank, Bonuscard, and Cornèrcard. Prepaid cards are always an option regardless of permit type.
G permit holders (cross-border commuters) living in neighboring countries can apply at select issuers. Viseca, for example, accepts G permits.
If you're navigating the Swiss system as a newcomer, our dedicated guide to credit cards for expats covers the best options for each permit type. For a broader comparison, our guide to best credit cards in Switzerland covers options across all permit types.
What Documents Do You Need to Apply?
The exact list varies by issuer, but here's what you should have ready before starting any application:
Swiss passport or ID card. For foreigners: your passport plus your residence permit (B, C, or L). Some issuers require a certified copy, which you can get at any Swiss post office or your Einwohnermeldeamt.
Last 3 monthly salary slips for employed applicants. Self-employed: last 2 tax returns. Students: enrollment certificate (some cards don't require income proof). Some issuers like Swisscard may ask for a bank statement if your income is below CHF 25,000 gross per year.
Your current Swiss address. Some issuers verify this automatically through the Einwohnerkontrolle, others may ask for a utility bill or rental contract.
An IBAN for a Swiss bank account. Some issuers (like UBS) require you to already be a customer. Others (like Swisscard or Cembra) will issue cards to anyone with a Swiss bank account at any institution.
The application itself takes about 10 minutes online. Most issuers now support video identification, so you can complete the entire process from home. Expect to receive your card within 1-2 weeks after approval.
What Happens If Your Application Is Rejected?
Getting rejected feels frustrating, but it happens more often than you'd think. Here's what to do.
First, understand why. Banks are legally required to tell you the reason for rejection if you ask. Common reasons include: negative ZEK entries, insufficient income for the requested card tier, too many existing credit obligations, or being new to Switzerland with no credit history.
Your options after rejection:
- Request your ZEK data at zek.ch to check for errors. Mistakes happen, and incorrect negative entries can be disputed.
- Apply for a lower card tier. You asked for Gold and got rejected? Try the Classic version from the same issuer.
- Try a different issuer. Each bank has slightly different criteria. Rejection at UBS doesn't mean rejection at Cembra.
- Get a prepaid credit card. Swiss Bankers, PostFinance, and other issuers offer prepaid cards with no credit check. You load money onto the card and spend only what you've deposited. They work everywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.
- Wait and rebuild. If you have negative entries, most disappear from ZEK after 5 years. In the meantime, keep all other payments current.
If you're a student or young adult with no credit history, check our best student credit cards guide, as many student cards have relaxed requirements specifically designed for first-time applicants.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a Credit Card
After years of helping people navigate Swiss financial products, these are the mistakes I see constantly.
Every application creates a ZEK inquiry. Multiple inquiries in a short period signal financial distress to banks. Apply for one card at a time, and wait for a decision before trying elsewhere.
You might have a forgotten unpaid bill from years ago sitting on your record. Check your ZEK data before applying. It's free once per year and takes about two weeks to arrive.
Applying for a Platinum card when your income supports a Classic card wastes everyone's time and creates an unnecessary ZEK inquiry. Be realistic about where you fall in the income tiers.
Swiss law caps your total credit at roughly one-third of your disposable income. If you already have cards with CHF 10,000 in combined limits, a bank may reject a new application even if your income is high enough for that card tier individually.
New B-permit holders who apply immediately after arriving in Switzerland often get rejected. Wait at least 3-6 months, establish a Swiss bank account, and receive a few salary payments before applying.
My Recommendation
Here's what I tell everyone who asks me about credit card eligibility: start simple, then upgrade. Get a free card first, use it responsibly for 6-12 months, and then you'll have a track record that makes premium cards much easier to get. The difference between a free Cashback card and a CHF 150 Gold card is marginal for most people's spending patterns. Build your credit history, understand the fees, and only upgrade when the math genuinely works. If you're not sure which card fits your profile, our credit card comparison matches you with the right options based on your actual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a credit card in Switzerland?
Anyone aged 18 or older with a registered address in Switzerland, regular income, and a clean ZEK credit record. Swiss citizens and foreigners with B, C, or L residence permits can apply. Prepaid credit cards are available to anyone aged 12+ regardless of income or credit history.
What is the minimum income for a credit card in Switzerland?
For free and basic cards, you typically need CHF 20,000-30,000 gross annual income. Standard cards require around CHF 40,000-50,000. Gold and premium cards start at CHF 60,000-80,000. Some digital banks and prepaid cards have no income requirement at all.
Can I get a credit card with a B permit in Switzerland?
Yes. Most Swiss card issuers accept B-permit holders. Some require you to have held the permit for at least 6 months and may set a lower initial credit limit. C-permit holders face no additional restrictions compared to Swiss citizens.
What is ZEK and how does it affect my credit card application?
ZEK (Zentralstelle für Kreditinformationen) is Switzerland's central credit information bureau. It records all credit cards, loans, and leasing contracts, plus any payment defaults. Banks check your ZEK record during every credit card application. Unlike the US, Switzerland doesn't use credit scores, but negative ZEK entries (unpaid bills, debt collection proceedings) will likely result in rejection. You can request your ZEK data for free once per year at zek.ch.
How long does it take to get a credit card in Switzerland?
The online application takes about 10 minutes. The credit check and processing typically take 3-5 business days. You'll receive your card by mail within 1-2 weeks, with the PIN code arriving separately a few days later. Some digital banks offer instant virtual cards that you can use immediately after approval.
