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Our Take on Swisscard American Express Card
Membership Rewards points at 0.5 per CHF 1. The standard Amex for casual users.
The Swisscard American Express Card is the mid-tier entry to Membership Rewards. At CHF 140 annually, you earn transferable points to airlines and hotels, plus modest insurance. For casual Amex users who want rewards flexibility without premium pricing, it works. But the acceptance limitations and earning rate may disappoint serious optimizers.
Is CHF 140 Worth It?
The math is marginal. 1 Membership Rewards point per CHF 2 spent (0.5 points/CHF) is a modest earning rate. CHF 20,000 annual spending = 10,000 points, worth roughly CHF 50-100 depending on transfer partners. That barely covers the annual fee.
The value proposition improves if you're building toward Amex transfer partners. Miles and points enthusiasts can extract better value from transfers to airlines like Miles & More. But casual users may find cashback cards simpler.
What Actually Stands Out
The Membership Rewards program is the differentiator. Points transfer to airline programs, hotel chains, or redeem for statement credits. If you know how to maximize transfer partners, the flexibility has value.
CHF 150 flight delay coverage and CHF 750 purchase protection are modest but present. Better than Blue tier, not comprehensive. Apple Pay and Google Pay work.
What Most Reviews Miss
American Express acceptance is limited. 70-80% coverage in Switzerland means gaps at smaller merchants, some restaurants, certain services. You need a Visa or Mastercard backup.
The 2.5% FX fee is high. International purchases cost you money. If you travel or shop abroad, this card works against you. Consider pairing with a low-FX card for foreign transactions.
The Bottom Line
A mid-tier Amex for casual Membership Rewards earning. The earning rate and acceptance limitations make it less compelling than Gold for serious users. Consider upgrading to Gold for better benefits if you're committed. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide.
Verdict: Decent for casual Amex users. Gold offers better value for committed Membership Rewards enthusiasts.
PROS
- Travel insurance coverage up to CHF 150
- Apple Pay compatible
- Contactless payments for convenient transactions
- 1 Membership Rewards point for every 2 Swiss francs spent
- Up to 150 CHF coverage for flight delays
- Multiple mobile payment options (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay)
CONS
- High annual fee (CHF 140)
- High foreign exchange fee (2.5%)
- No welcome bonus
- No medical coverage
- No airport lounge access
- No concierge service
Card Details
At a Glance
Annual fee
CHF 140
Rewards rate
0.5 points/CHF
FX Fee
2.5%
Travel insurance coverage
CHF 150
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
First year annual fee
CHF 140
Annual fee (after first year)
CHF 140
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 75/card/year
Rewards Program
Rewards Program
Rewards type
Points
Base rewards rate
0.5 / CHF
Insurance & Protection
Insurance & Protection
Travel insurance coverage
CHF 150
Medical insurance coverage
No medical coverage
Purchase protection
CHF 750
Card Features
Card Features
Card Network
American Express
Card Type
Standard
Currency
CHF
Minimum income requirement
No income requirement
Monthly spending limit
-
Airport lounge access
Concierge service
Key Features
- 1 Membership Rewards point for every 2 Swiss francs spent
- Up to 150 CHF coverage for flight delays
- Multiple mobile payment options (Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Garmin Pay)
- Contactless payments for convenient transactions
- No income requirement
Calculate If This Card Is Worth It for You
= CHF 30’000/year
You Pay
CHF 140
per year
You Get Back
CHF 180
estimated value
Bottom Line
+CHF 40
in your pocket
Annual calculation:
CHF 30’000/yr × 0.5 points/CHF × 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
- What is the annual fee for the Swisscard American Express Card?
- The Swisscard American Express Card has an annual fee of CHF 140.
- What are the foreign transaction fees for the Swisscard American Express Card?
- The Swisscard American Express Card charges a 2.5% foreign exchange fee on international transactions.
- What rewards does the Swisscard American Express Card offer?
- The Swisscard American Express Card offers points rewards at a base rate of 0.5 per CHF spent.
- What insurance coverage does the Swisscard American Express Card include?
- The Swisscard American Express Card includes travel insurance up to CHF 150 and medical coverage up to CHF 0 abroad.
- Is the Swisscard American Express Card compatible with Apple Pay?
- Yes, the Swisscard American Express Card is fully compatible with Apple Pay for contactless mobile payments.
How We Rated This Card
Wondering why Swisscard American Express Card got its score? We rate Shopping 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 Card today and start enjoying its benefits.