BKB Mastercard Silver

Up to 1,000 loyalty points annually on top of spending rewards. Most silver cards don't offer this.

The BKB (Basler Kantonalbank) Mastercard Silver adds something unusual to the standard cantonal bank formula: up to 1,000 loyalty points annually beyond your spending rewards. Most silver cards offer welcome bonuses then baseline earning only. BKB rewards ongoing customers, adding incremental value over years of holding the card.

Is CHF 100 Worth It?

The math is straightforward. 10,000 welcome Surprize points are worth roughly CHF 50-100, discounting year one by half. The ongoing 1 point per CHF 1 spent earns at standard rates. On CHF 20,000 annual spending, you'd earn 20,000 points worth CHF 100-200 at good redemption rates.

The up to 1,000 loyalty points annually adds roughly CHF 5-10 extra each year. Small, but it compounds: over 10 years, you've earned CHF 50-100 in bonus rewards that other cantonal bank silver cards wouldn't provide. For long-term holders, this adds up.

What Actually Stands Out

The loyalty reward structure differentiates BKB from other cantonal banks. You earn standard Surprize points like everywhere else, but the annual bonus acknowledges ongoing customers rather than just acquisition. It's a philosophical difference in how they treat cardholders.

Travel insurance covers CHF 10,000 trip cancellation and CHF 7,500 trip interruption for trips up to 90 days. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work. German-speaking support matters for Basel residents.

What Most Reviews Miss

No medical coverage at the silver tier. If you need protection against medical emergencies abroad, the silver card doesn't provide it. You'd need BKB's gold card (CHF 250,000 coverage) or standalone travel insurance. This is standard across all cantonal bank silver cards.

The loyalty bonus caps at 1,000 points. The exact amount you earn depends on terms that may change. It's a nice perk, but don't overweight it in your decision; the core product (insurance, rewards rate, mobile payments) matters more.

The Bottom Line

A reliable silver card for BKB customers in Basel, with a small loyalty bonus twist. It does what it promises and rewards staying. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: Good choice for BKB customers. The loyalty points are a nice differentiator for long-term holders.