Credit Card
A credit card is a method of payment that grants the cardholder a credit limit. Purchases are accumulated and billed at the end of the month or in instalments.
Credit Card
A credit card is a means of payment issued by an issuer (card-issuing bank) that grants the holder a credit limit for purchases. The cardholder can make payments online, in-store and abroad. Billing typically occurs monthly — either as a total amount or in instalments.
The best-known card networks are Visa, Mastercard, American Express (AMEX) and Diners Club. In Switzerland, credit cards are issued by banks such as UBS, ZKB, Raiffeisen and specialised issuers such as Swisscard or Cembra.
For merchants, credit cards are one of the most important payment methods in e-commerce. Transaction fees consist of the interchange fee (to the issuer), the scheme fee (to the card network) and the acquirer margin. In Switzerland, the total costs are typically between 1.35% and 2.50% plus a fixed fee per transaction.
Credit card examples
A customer pays for their online purchase with their Visa credit card. The amount is debited from their account at the end of the month.
A Swiss online shop accepts Visa, Mastercard and AMEX via its payment service provider — transaction fees vary depending on the card.
A cardholder uses their credit card abroad. The card is charged in the local currency, and the bank converts it into CHF at the current exchange rate.
Credit card FAQ
What is a credit card?
A credit card is a method of payment with a credit limit. Purchases are accumulated and billed at the end of the month. In contrast to a debit card, the amount is not debited immediately from your account.
How much does credit card acceptance cost for merchants in Switzerland?
Credit card transaction fees in Switzerland typically range between 1.35% and 2.50% plus a fixed fee of CHF 0.18–0.30 per transaction, depending on the PSP and plan.
What is the difference between credit card and debit card?
With the credit card, the amount is accumulated and billed at the end of the month — the cardholder receives a credit. With the debit card, the amount is debited from the bank account immediately.
Which credit cards should Swiss shops accept?
Visa and Mastercard are a must — they cover the majority of all card payments. AMEX is particularly relevant for business customers and international guests. Diners Club and Discover have low volume in Switzerland.
