UBS key4 Mastercard Standard

0.84% foreign exchange fee. The lowest of any Swiss credit card. Full stop.

The UBS key4 Mastercard Standard has one standout feature that makes it essential for certain users: the best foreign exchange rate in Switzerland. At just 0.5% markup on Mastercard's wholesale rate (approximately 0.84% effective), it crushes the 1.5-2.5% fees charged by nearly every competitor. If you spend in foreign currencies, this card saves real money.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

Let's be clear about what this card is and isn't. The 0.84% FX fee is the entire value proposition. Most Swiss cards charge 1.75%. On CHF 20,000 in annual foreign currency spending, you save CHF 182. That's meaningful, especially for cross-border workers or frequent travelers.

The CHF 200 annual fee (varies with your UBS banking package) might seem steep for a "standard" card. But if you're spending in EUR, USD, or other currencies regularly, the FX savings cover the fee quickly. Someone spending CHF 15,000 abroad annually saves roughly CHF 136. After one year, you're ahead.

What Actually Stands Out

The UBS key4 program was specifically designed for international spending. The 0.5% markup on Mastercard's exchange rate is genuinely exceptional. Neon, Revolut, and other fintechs compete in this space, but UBS offers it with a traditional Swiss bank's stability and integration.

You still earn 2 KeyClub points per CHF 1,000, same as other UBS cards. Not exciting, but the FX rate is why you'd choose this card. Apple Pay and Google Pay both work, which matters for daily convenience.

What Most Reviews Miss

No travel insurance. This is a card built for FX savings, not travel protection. If you want medical coverage or trip cancellation, you need a separate card or standalone policy. UBS deliberately stripped out insurance to keep the FX rate low.

Also, the value only works if you actually spend in foreign currencies. If 90% of your spending is domestic CHF, the savings are minimal and you'd get better value from a cashback card. This is a specialized tool, not an all-purpose credit card.

The Bottom Line

For cross-border workers, frequent travelers, or anyone who spends significantly in foreign currencies, this card is essential. The FX savings are substantial and compound over years of use. For domestic-only spending, look elsewhere. Check our best credit cards in Switzerland comparison for other options.

Verdict: The best Swiss credit card for foreign currency spending. A must-have for cross-border workers and international travelers.