AKB Visa Silver

Identical to AKB's Mastercard Silver in every way. Pick whichever network you prefer.

The AKB Visa Silver is functionally identical to its Mastercard sibling: same CHF 72 annual fee, same 10,000 welcome points, same Surprize program, same travel insurance. AKB offers both so customers can choose their preferred network. In Switzerland, that choice rarely matters practically.

Does Visa vs Mastercard Actually Matter?

In Switzerland and Europe, Visa and Mastercard have nearly identical acceptance. You'll occasionally find a merchant that prefers one over the other, but it's rare. Both work at virtually every retailer, restaurant, and online store. The technical differences in processing networks don't affect your experience as a cardholder.

The only practical reason to choose one over the other: portfolio diversity. If you already have a Mastercard, getting a Visa provides backup if one network has temporary issues. Some travelers like carrying both logos for international trips where acceptance patterns vary. Otherwise, flip a coin.

What Actually Stands Out

Everything matches the Mastercard version. CHF 72 annual fee (lower than most cantonal bank silver cards at CHF 100). 10,000 welcome points worth CHF 50-100 in redemptions. 1 Surprize point per CHF 1 spent. Travel insurance covering CHF 10,000 cancellations and CHF 7,500 interruptions.

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay all work. The 1.75% FX fee is standard. You can add up to 2 additional cards at CHF 24 each. It's the same solid value proposition, just with a different logo.

What Most Reviews Miss

Having both Visa and Mastercard versions isn't redundant product development. It's practical. Some subscription services or merchants have network preferences. Certain airline programs track spending by card type. Some people want their travel card on one network and daily spending on another for organization.

If you're starting fresh with no existing cards, pick randomly. If you already have cards, consider which network you're missing. There's no wrong answer here since the underlying product is identical.

The Bottom Line

A well-priced silver card for AKB customers. Choose Visa if you want network diversity or already have Mastercards. Otherwise, the decision doesn't meaningfully impact your experience. See our best credit cards in Switzerland comparison for broader options.

Verdict: Same excellent value as the Mastercard version. Pick based on your existing card portfolio or personal preference.