UBS Basic Mastercard

Free with 24 purchases annually. UBS's most accessible card, but no rewards.

The UBS Basic Mastercard offers a conditional fee waiver: free if you make 24 purchases yearly (2 per month). Otherwise CHF 0 first year, CHF 20 after. It's UBS's entry-level option for banking customers who want simple credit card functionality without rewards or insurance complexity. Also available on the other network: UBS Basic Card Visa.

Is It Worth Getting?

For UBS customers who'll use it regularly, it's effectively free. CHF 20 annual fee waived with 24 purchases means 2 transactions monthly keeps the cost at zero. First year is free regardless. The barrier is low.

However, no rewards and no insurance means you're getting pure payment functionality. Free cards with 1% cashback exist elsewhere. The value proposition is narrow: UBS integration for active users, nothing more.

What Actually Stands Out

The accessibility is the feature. No income requirement. CHF 4,000 spending limit. For students, young adults, or those building credit, this provides a low-barrier entry to the UBS ecosystem.

Apple Pay and Google Pay work. Integrates with UBS digital banking for unified account management.

What Most Reviews Miss

No contactless NFC on the physical card. Mobile payments work via Apple/Google Pay, but the physical card lacks tap-to-pay. This is unusual in 2024 and can be inconvenient.

The 2% FX fee is average. Free cards with better rewards exist. The only advantage is UBS banking integration. If you're not a UBS customer, there's no reason to consider this.

The Bottom Line

A basic card for UBS customers who'll use it enough to waive the fee. Free cards with rewards exist elsewhere. Only consider if UBS banking integration matters. Compare alternatives in our best credit cards in Switzerland guide. This card is also available on Visa with identical conditions.

Verdict: Fine for UBS customers who'll make 24+ purchases yearly. No compelling reason otherwise.