Swisscard American Express BLUE
Swisscard
Overall Rating
Annual fee
CHF 80
1st year: CHF 40
Network
American Express
Rewards Type
Points
Also good for
Our Take on Swisscard American Express BLUE
Entry-level Amex at CHF 80 with CHF 25,000 minimum income. Most accessible American Express in Switzerland.
The Swisscard American Express Blue is the most accessible entry into the Amex world. At CHF 80 annually (first year CHF 40) with a CHF 25,000 minimum income requirement, it's designed for younger professionals who want the American Express brand without premium pricing or income barriers.
Is CHF 80 Worth It?
Only if you specifically want American Express. CHF 25,000 minimum income is among the lowest for Amex cards. CHF 80 annually (first year CHF 40) is affordable. Optional Pointup rewards program available for additional fee.
However, the card doesn't include travel insurance, offers no special benefits beyond Amex brand access, and acceptance is limited. If you just want a credit card, better free options exist. Our credit card eligibility guide explains what Swiss banks actually check during applications.
What Actually Stands Out
The accessibility is the feature. Lower income requirement, affordable fee, entry to Amex ecosystem. Some people value the brand, the customer service reputation, or want to build toward premium Amex cards.
Apple Pay and Google Pay work. 24-hour service. Additional cards cost CHF 40 each.
What Most Reviews Miss
American Express acceptance is limited in Switzerland. Expect 70-80% coverage. Many smaller merchants, some restaurants, and certain services won't accept it. You need a Visa or Mastercard backup for gaps.
The 2.5% FX fee is high. For international purchases, this costs you money. Cornèrcard offers 1.2%. If you travel or shop internationally, this card works against you.
The Bottom Line
An accessible Amex for brand loyalists, not a general-purpose recommendation. Limited acceptance and high FX fees mean practical disadvantages versus Visa/Mastercard alternatives. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Consider only if you specifically want Amex at a lower price point. Keep a backup card for acceptance gaps.
PROS
- Apple Pay compatible
- Contactless payments for convenient transactions
- Optional membership in Pointup rewards program for additional benefits
- Minimum annual income requirement of CHF 25000
- Multiple mobile payment options (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay)
CONS
- High foreign exchange fee (2.5%)
- No welcome bonus
- No travel insurance
- No medical coverage
- No airport lounge access
- No concierge service
Card Details
At a Glance
Annual fee
CHF 80
1st Year
CHF 40
Rewards rate
-
FX Fee
2.5%
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
First year annual fee
CHF 40
Annual fee (after first year)
CHF 80
Foreign exchange fee
2.5%
Cash Withdrawal (Domestic)
4% (min CHF 10)
Cash Withdrawal (International)
6.5% (min CHF 10)
Late Payment Fee
CHF 30
Additional Cards
CHF 40/card/year
Rewards Program
Rewards Program
Rewards type
Points
Base rewards rate
-
Insurance & Protection
Insurance & Protection
Travel insurance coverage
No travel insurance
Medical insurance coverage
No medical coverage
Purchase protection
No purchase protection
Card Features
Card Features
Card Network
American Express
Card Type
Standard
Currency
CHF
Minimum income requirement
CHF 25'000
Monthly spending limit
CHF 25'000
Airport lounge access
Concierge service
Key Features
- Optional membership in Pointup rewards program for additional benefits
- Minimum annual income requirement of CHF 25000
- Multiple mobile payment options (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay)
- 24-hour customer service support
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance coverage included
Calculate If This Card Is Worth It for You
= CHF 30'000/year
You Pay
CHF 80
per year
You Get Back
CHF 0
estimated value
Bottom Line
CHF -80
extra cost for perks
Annual calculation:
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
- Why does the BLUE card need a CHF 25,000 minimum income?
- Because Swisscard issues every Amex on a shared underwriting policy, not because BLUE is a premium card. CHF 25,000 gross is the floor; you'll also need a Swiss residence permit and a clean ZEK record. Below that, the application gets routed elsewhere.
- Does the BLUE card earn rewards by default?
- No, Pointup costs extra. The base card is rewards-free; you only earn points if you opt in to Pointup for an additional annual fee. Most cardholders skip it because the math rarely beats a free cashback card.
- What does it cost to use BLUE at a foreign ATM?
- 6.50% with a CHF 10 minimum, well above the shopping-segment average of 5.46%. A CHF 200 withdrawal in Paris costs you CHF 13 plus FX. Use a debit card for cash, the Amex for purchases.
How We Rated This Card
Wondering why Swisscard American Express BLUE got its score? We rate Premium 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 Swisscard American Express BLUE today and start enjoying its benefits.