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Our Take on SGKB Visa Silver
First year CHF 50, then CHF 100. St. Gallen's standard cantonal bank silver card.
The SGKB Visa Silver offers standard silver-tier benefits from St. Galler Kantonalbank: trip insurance, Surprize points, and mobile payments. SGKB also offers these same benefits on their Mastercard Silver at identical pricing. At CHF 100 annually (CHF 50 in year one), the 10,000 welcome points help offset the initial cost while the trip insurance adds practical value for travelers. See also the SGKB Mastercard Silver.
Is CHF 100 Worth It?
The discounted first year helps. 10,000 welcome points (worth roughly CHF 50) effectively make year one free when combined with the CHF 50 introductory fee. 1 Surprize point per CHF 1 spent continues building value after that.
From year two at full price, the math depends on usage. CHF 10,000 trip cancellation and CHF 7,500 trip interruption coverage carry CHF 30-50 in standalone value. Regular travelers who bank with SGKB get reasonable value from the combined package.
What Actually Stands Out
The SGKB banking integration appeals to St. Gallen residents. Unified statements, local customer service, and consolidated account management create convenience that goes beyond the card itself.
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and Garmin Pay all work. Additional cards cost CHF 25. The Surprize points ecosystem offers redemption across various partners and rewards, giving you flexibility in how you use your earnings.
What Most Reviews Miss
The 1.75% FX fee is just average. Cards like Raiffeisen Silver (1.5%) offer better rates for foreign spending. If you shop online in euros or travel frequently, that 0.25% gap adds up to real money over a year.
There is also no medical coverage abroad, which is typical for silver cards but worth remembering for international trips. You will still need separate health insurance when traveling. Our credit card insurance guide breaks down what each Swiss card actually covers.
The Bottom Line
A dependable silver card for SGKB customers who value cantonal banking integration with basic travel protection. The welcome bonus sweetens year one, and the trip insurance adds genuine utility. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Solid for SGKB customers. The banking integration and trip insurance justify the cost if you already bank in St. Gallen.
PROS
- 10000 welcome bonus points
- Travel insurance coverage up to CHF 10,000
- Apple Pay compatible
- Contactless payments for convenient transactions
- 1% cashback
- Travel insurance coverage up to CHF 10000
- No income requirement
CONS
- No medical coverage
- No airport lounge access
- No concierge service
Card Details
At a Glance
Annual fee
CHF 100
1st Year
CHF 50
Rewards rate
1 points/CHF
FX Fee
1.75%
Welcome bonus
10,000 points
Travel insurance coverage
CHF 10'000
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
First year annual fee
CHF 50
Annual fee (after first year)
CHF 100
Foreign exchange fee
1.75%
Cash Withdrawal (Domestic)
4% (min CHF 10)
Cash Withdrawal (International)
5.75% (min CHF 10)
Late Payment Fee
CHF 20
Additional Cards
CHF 25/card/year • Up to 2 cards
Rewards Program
Rewards Program
Rewards type
Points
Base rewards rate
1 / CHF
Welcome bonus
10,000 points
Insurance & Protection
Insurance & Protection
Travel insurance coverage
CHF 10'000
Medical insurance coverage
No medical coverage
Purchase protection
CHF 1'000
Card Features
Card Features
Card Network
Visa
Card Type
Standard
Currency
CHF
Minimum income requirement
No income requirement
Monthly spending limit
CHF 10'000
Airport lounge access
Concierge service
Key Features
- 1% cashback
- Travel insurance coverage up to CHF 10000
- No income requirement
- Multiple mobile payment options
- Comprehensive insurance package with coverage across 11 types of events
Calculate If This Card Is Worth It for You
= CHF 30'000/year
You Pay
CHF 100
per year
You Get Back
CHF 480
estimated value
Bottom Line
+CHF 380
in your pocket
Annual calculation:
CHF 30'000/yr × 1 points/CHF × 1 ct
10'000 points × 1 ct
Move the slider to see how your spending affects the card's value. Miles: 1.5 ct, points: 1 ct.
Rating by Category
Compare to Other Cards
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there a monthly spending limit on the SGKB Visa Silver?
- Yes, you're capped at CHF 10,000 per month. That's tight if you put rent, daycare, and a holiday on the card in the same cycle, so check your statement before big-ticket weekends.
- How does billing work if I add a partner card?
- All charges land on one combined statement (joint billing). You see your spouse's grocery runs at Coop, you settle one invoice. Useful for shared budgets, awkward if you split household finances.
- What happens if I pay my SGKB bill late?
- You owe CHF 20 on top of interest, friendlier than the CHF 30 most issuers charge. Set up direct debit and forget it.
How We Rated This Card
Wondering why SGKB Visa Silver got its score? We rate Cashback cards using a weighted formula. Here's what counts:
Same formula for every card in this category. No exceptions.
See our full rating methodologyReady to Apply?
Apply for the SGKB Visa Silver today and start enjoying its benefits.