Simply Card Smart Visa

Most Swiss cards charge 1.75% on foreign purchases. This free card charges 0.5%.

The Simply Card Smart Visa quietly offers one of Switzerland's best foreign exchange rates, and it costs nothing. Zero annual fee, 0.5% FX fee, and actual travel insurance. In a market where "free" usually means "stripped of features," this card is the exception that proves the rule.

Why Is It Free?

Here's the honest answer: Simply Card makes money when you use the card. Interchange fees (what merchants pay) fund the operation. They don't need to charge you an annual fee because transaction volume covers their costs. You're not the product; the payment network is.

The 0.5% foreign exchange fee is genuinely remarkable. Most Swiss cards charge 1.75-2.5%. On CHF 5,000 in annual foreign spending, you'd pay CHF 25 with this card versus CHF 87.50-125 with typical cards. That's CHF 62-100 in real savings, from a card that costs nothing to hold.

What Actually Stands Out

The Liberty points program rewards transportation spending heavily. You earn 2 points per CHF 1 at gas stations, public transport, and car rentals, double the base rate. For commuters, that adds up. Points redeem through the Liberty program for vouchers and rewards.

The MyCountry feature doubles your points on purchases abroad. Combined with the 0.5% FX fee, this makes the card surprisingly strong for international use. CHF 1,000 trip delay coverage isn't comprehensive, but it's more than most free cards offer (which is typically nothing). Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay all work.

What Most Reviews Miss

The Liberty points aren't as flexible as cash back. You're locked into their redemption catalog, which may or may not have what you want. And while the trip delay coverage is nice, there's no medical coverage abroad. If you're traveling to the US and need emergency care, this card won't help.

Also worth noting: the CHF 10,000 monthly spending limit is lower than premium cards. High spenders might hit it. And the card is issued through Bonus Card (part of the Viseca network), so customer service is average, not exceptional. But honestly, for a free card with these features? The tradeoffs are minimal.

The Bottom Line

This is the free card I recommend most often. The 0.5% FX fee alone justifies carrying it for any international purchase or travel. Even if you have a premium card, keep this one for foreign transactions. Compare it against other options in our best cashback credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: A must-have for anyone who spends abroad or values low fees. The best free credit card in Switzerland for international use.