Raiffeisen Visa Silver

1.5% FX fee is better than Swiss average. First year free for Raiffeisen members.

The Raiffeisen Visa Silver charges CHF 96 annually but waives the first year for bank members. The same package is available on Raiffeisen's Mastercard Silver with identical pricing and benefits. Where this card stands out is the 1.5% foreign exchange fee, which undercuts the typical 1.75% Swiss standard and saves real money on international purchases. See also the Raiffeisen Mastercard Silver.

Is CHF 96 Worth It?

The free first year makes it low-risk to try. After that, the value depends on your spending pattern. 1.5% FX fee saves CHF 2.50 per CHF 1,000 compared to standard 1.75% cards. On CHF 5,000 in annual foreign spending, that's CHF 12.50 in savings.

CHF 10,000 trip cancellation and CHF 7,500 trip interruption coverage add another CHF 30-50 in standalone insurance value. For travelers who bank with Raiffeisen, the combined savings and coverage offset the fee.

What Actually Stands Out

The 1.5% FX fee is genuinely competitive at the silver tier. Most cantonal bank silver cards charge 1.75%. For anyone shopping online in euros or traveling in the eurozone, this translates to direct savings on every transaction.

Surprize points (1 point per CHF 1 spent) integrate with the broader rewards ecosystem. Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work. Additional cards cost CHF 24 with the first year free for members.

What Most Reviews Miss

No medical coverage abroad. This is standard for silver cards, but it means international travelers need separate health insurance. The trip insurance handles cancellations and interruptions, not hospital bills.

The CHF 96 fee is also slightly above some competitors. Cards from other cantonal banks sometimes come in at CHF 80-100 with comparable features. But the 1.5% FX rate often makes up that difference if you spend internationally. Check our exchange rates guide for a full comparison.

The Bottom Line

A solid silver card for Raiffeisen members, especially those with international spending. The 1.5% FX fee is better than average, the trip insurance is practical, and the free first year removes upfront risk. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: Worth it for Raiffeisen members who spend abroad. The FX savings and trip coverage justify the CHF 96 fee after the free year ends.