ACS Visa Card Gold

Lounge access for CHF 100 annually. Most gold cards with Priority Pass charge double that.

The ACS Visa Card Gold offers something unusual: Priority Pass lounge access at budget pricing. At CHF 100 per year, it costs half what competing gold cards charge for similar lounge benefits. For ACS members who fly occasionally but don't want premium card pricing, this fills a specific niche.

Is CHF 100 Worth It?

Let's calculate. The Standard Priority Pass membership provides discounted lounge access at EUR 30 per visit. Walk-in rates typically run EUR 50-70. If you use three lounges annually, you save roughly CHF 60-120. Add that to the value of 4 KeyClub points per CHF 1,000 spent (double the Classic card), and the CHF 100 fee becomes reasonable.

Here's the catch: this only works if you actually use lounges. Many people get gold cards, never use the lounge access, and effectively overpay for a card they don't fully utilize. Be honest with yourself about whether you'll use this benefit before paying for it.

What Actually Stands Out

The CHF 100 annual fee is genuinely low for a gold card with lounge access. Most Swiss gold cards with Priority Pass charge CHF 150-200. ZKB, SGKB, and most cantonal banks charge CHF 200 for equivalent positioning. You're saving CHF 50-100 annually if lounge access is your primary requirement.

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work. The 1.75% FX fee is standard for Switzerland. Nothing exciting, but nothing to complain about either. The card functions well for everyday use.

What Most Reviews Miss

No travel insurance at all. This is a significant gap for a gold card. Most CHF 100+ cards include at least CHF 10,000 trip cancellation coverage and some medical protection. The ACS Gold has none. If you need insurance, you'll pay separately (CHF 50-100 for basic coverage) or choose a different card entirely.

Also, the lounge access costs EUR 30 per visit. It's not unlimited or free. Cards costing CHF 200+ often include free visits. You're paying less upfront but more per use. For 2-3 annual visits, the ACS card wins. For 6+ visits, premium cards become more economical.

The Bottom Line

A well-priced option for ACS members who want occasional lounge comfort without gold card pricing. The complete lack of insurance is notable and unusual for this tier. If insurance matters, look elsewhere. Compare alternatives in our best premium credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: Good value for occasional travelers already in ACS. Budget for separate travel insurance if you need coverage.