BEKB Visa Silver

Identical to BEKB's Mastercard Silver. Pick whichever network complements your existing cards.

The BEKB Visa Silver is functionally identical to its Mastercard sibling: same CHF 100 fee, same 10,000 welcome points, same Surprize program, same travel insurance. For Bern residents banking with BEKB, your network choice is purely about personal preference or portfolio diversity.

Does Network Choice Actually Matter?

In Switzerland and across Europe, Visa and Mastercard acceptance is virtually identical. You'll occasionally encounter a merchant that prefers one network, but it's rare. Both work at essentially every retailer, restaurant, and online store. The technical differences don't affect your cardholder experience.

The practical reason to choose one over the other: portfolio diversity. If you already have Mastercards, adding a Visa provides backup if one network experiences temporary issues. Some travelers like carrying both logos. Otherwise, pick based on aesthetics or flip a coin.

What Actually Stands Out

Everything matches the Mastercard version. CHF 100 annual fee. 10,000 welcome Surprize points worth CHF 50-100. 1 point per CHF 1 spent ongoing. Travel insurance covering CHF 10,000 cancellations and CHF 7,500 interruptions for trips up to 90 days.

Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work. The 1.75% FX fee is standard. Additional cards cost CHF 25 each. The product is reliable and predictable, which is exactly what you want from a cantonal bank card.

What Most Reviews Miss

If you're spending more than five minutes deciding between BEKB's Visa and Mastercard silver cards, you're overthinking it. The products are identical in every meaningful way. Pick based on what logo you prefer, which network you don't already have, or flip a coin.

The more important decision is whether a silver card meets your needs. If you travel internationally and want medical coverage, consider BEKB's gold cards. If you want better rewards, look at cashback-focused alternatives.

The Bottom Line

A reliable silver card for BEKB customers, interchangeable with the Mastercard version. Network choice has no impact on your day-to-day experience. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: Same solid value as the Mastercard. Choose Visa if you want network diversity or already have Mastercards.