Swisscard American Express Platinum Card

This card offers CHF 3,000,000 in medical coverage abroad. Most Swiss cards cap out at CHF 250,000.

The Swisscard American Express Platinum Card ranks #1 among Switzerland's 11 luxury credit cards. It's the heavyweight champion for travelers who want unlimited lounge access, a real concierge service, and insurance coverage that actually means something. But that CHF 900 annual fee demands serious consideration.

Is CHF 900 Worth It?

Let's do the math honestly. The Priority Pass Prestige membership alone costs CHF 400+ if purchased separately. The medical coverage (CHF 3,000,000) would run you CHF 300+ as standalone travel insurance for a year. Add the 75,000 welcome points (worth roughly CHF 750 in redemptions) and you're already ahead in year one.

The concierge service handles restaurant reservations, event tickets, and travel planning. After testing it for six months, I found it genuinely useful for hard-to-book restaurants in Zurich. Whether that's worth paying for depends on how often you'd actually use it.

What Actually Stands Out

The CHF 3,000,000 medical coverage is exceptional. Most Swiss cards offer CHF 250,000 to CHF 500,000. If you're trekking in Nepal or driving through the American Southwest, this is the coverage level that actually protects you from financial disaster.

The Membership Rewards program offers solid flexibility. You can transfer points to Miles & More, transfer to hotel programs, or redeem for statement credits. Not as lucrative as dedicated airline cards, but more versatile.

What Most Reviews Miss

Amex acceptance in Switzerland is still patchy. In my experience, about 30% of smaller restaurants, shops, and mountain huts don't take it. You'll need a backup Visa or Mastercard for those moments. That's frustrating when you want all spending on one card for points.

The 1.75% foreign exchange fee is disappointing for a luxury card. Competitors like Cornèrcard charge 1.2%. On CHF 10,000 in annual foreign spending, that's CHF 55 extra you're paying. The insurance and lounges are great, but they're subsidized partly by this fee.

The Bottom Line

If you travel frequently and want the peace of mind that comes with exceptional insurance coverage and unlimited lounge access, this card delivers. The concierge service adds genuine value for busy professionals. Check our best luxury credit cards in Switzerland comparison to see how it stacks up against alternatives.

Verdict: Worth it for frequent travelers who can use the benefits. Keep a Visa backup for the Amex acceptance gaps.