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.