ACS Visa Card Classic

A genuinely free credit card that still earns UBS KeyClub points. Zero fees, forever.

The ACS Visa Card Classic is one of Switzerland's few truly free credit cards that also earns rewards. For Automobile Club of Switzerland members, it provides basic credit card functionality without the CHF 50-100 annual fees most Swiss banks charge. It's not exciting, but free and functional has its place.

Why Does Free Even Exist?

Free credit cards are rare in Switzerland because banks make money from annual fees. The ACS card works differently: UBS handles the banking side and earns interchange fees when you use the card. The ACS gets members who may buy insurance, breakdown coverage, or other services. Everyone wins except you don't pay anything.

You earn 2 KeyClub points per CHF 1,000 spent through UBS's rewards program. That's modest (premium cards offer 4-6 points), but it's something for literally no cost. Spend CHF 20,000 annually? That's 40 KeyClub points worth roughly CHF 20-40 in redemptions. Not life-changing, but it's free money on a free card.

What Actually Stands Out

For a free card, the mobile payment support is complete: Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work. You can leave the physical card at home for most situations. The 1.75% foreign exchange fee is standard for Switzerland. Nothing special, but you're not being penalized either.

No income requirement means students, part-time workers, or anyone building credit history can apply. The card works everywhere Visa is accepted, which in Switzerland covers virtually every merchant. If you need a backup card for travel redundancy, this costs nothing to hold.

What Most Reviews Miss

No travel insurance, no purchase protection, no lounges, no concierge. This is a bare-bones credit card, which is exactly what you'd expect for CHF 0. If you want perks, you need to pay for them elsewhere.

The ACS membership itself costs money (CHF 80-150 depending on package). You're not getting this card for "free" if you're joining ACS solely for the credit card. It only makes sense if you're already an ACS member for their roadside assistance or other benefits. Don't join ACS just for this card.

The Bottom Line

For existing ACS members who want a simple, free credit card with mobile payments and modest rewards, this delivers exactly what it promises. It's the right choice for backup cards, light spenders, or anyone philosophically opposed to annual fees. See alternatives in our best student credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: Perfect as a backup card or for light spenders. Don't join ACS solely for this; the membership fee would negate the "free" benefit.