ZKB Mastercard Gold

CHF 250,000 in medical coverage abroad. Most people don't realize how much that matters until they need it.

The ZKB Mastercard Gold represents what a gold card should be: substantial travel insurance, lounge access, and solid rewards for CHF 200 annually. It's the standard against which other cantonal bank gold cards are measured. If you bank with ZKB or live in Zurich, this deserves serious consideration.

Is CHF 200 Worth It?

Let's do the math. CHF 250,000 medical coverage abroad would cost you CHF 150-200 as standalone travel insurance for a year. The CHF 20,000 trip cancellation coverage adds another CHF 50-80 in standalone value. The 20,000 welcome Surprize points are worth roughly CHF 100-150 in redemptions. Add Priority Pass lounge access (EUR 30 per visit), and you're looking at CHF 400+ in tangible benefits.

For CHF 200, the math clearly works if you travel internationally 2-3 times per year. Even one serious trip with the insurance and lounge access pays for itself. The card essentially gives you travel insurance bundled with a credit card, rather than the other way around.

What Actually Stands Out

The CHF 250,000 medical coverage is the headline feature. If you're hiking in the Alps (outside Switzerland), cycling in France, or on a beach vacation in Thailand, this covers emergency medical treatment up to CHF 250,000 per incident. Most Swiss cards cap at CHF 100,000-150,000. The difference matters when helicopter evacuation costs CHF 30,000+.

The Surprize rewards program integration is seamless. You earn 1.5 points per CHF 1 spent, redeemable for travel, merchandise, or event tickets. Not as flexible as pure cashback, but the earning rate is solid. The 1.75% FX fee is average for Switzerland, nothing special.

What Most Reviews Miss

The insurance only covers trips paid with this card. Book your flights with a different card? The coverage doesn't apply. This catches people off guard. Always use this card for travel purchases if you want the protection.

Priority Pass access isn't free. You pay EUR 30 per visit, discounted from walk-in rates but not complimentary. If you're comparing to cards with free lounge visits (like Cornèrcard Miles & More), factor this cost in. Also, the insurance doesn't cover Switzerland. Skiing in Zermatt? You need Swiss accident insurance separately. The card is for international travel protection only.

The Bottom Line

For ZKB customers who travel internationally, this card delivers genuine value. The insurance coverage is substantial, the rewards are competitive, and the lounge access adds convenience. It's exactly what a CHF 200 gold card should be. See how it compares in our best premium credit cards in Switzerland guide.

Verdict: The benchmark cantonal bank gold card. Worth it if you travel 2+ times internationally per year and want real insurance protection.