How to Pay in Switzerland – Best Payment Methods in 🇨🇭

What is the cheapest way to pay in Switzerland? The choice of the best payment method depends on the situation. Ultimately, Switzerland offers a variety of practical and inexpensive payment methods for every situation. Our top picks are summarized here.

1. Credit cards are ideal for everyday payments, larger purchases and online shopping due to the possibility of collecting points or cashback.
2. For minors or those at risk of debt, a debit card is the best alternative to a credit card.
3. Mobile apps such as Twint are perfect for quick transactions between friends and for splitting bills.
4. Direct debit is recommended for regular payments, as you never have to worry about it again once you’ve set it up.
5. Cash remains relevant for tips, fairs and small expenses.

What is the cheapest way to pay in everyday life and online?

In everyday life, for large purchases and online shopping, there’s nothing better than credit cards! The main advantage is that, depending on the credit card, you can collect a good amount of points or cashback. You can also use the installment option on your credit card for expensive items, although we advise against this due to the fees. As far as online payments are concerned, the credit card is great because you are automatically protected against fraud with most providers.

Credit card providers earn money with small fees, which they charge the merchants, not you. This means that it is free for you to use (with the exception of foreign currency fees, for example).

What is the cheapest way to pay as a minor?

For minors and people who know that they are not too good at handling the responsibility that credit cards entail, the debit card is the best alternative for the payment methods mentioned above. Here, you can avoid getting into debt and see the deductions immediately in e-banking. Fees for this payment method are extremely uncommon, apart from payments in foreign currencies.

What’s the cheapest way to pay among friends and family?

There is hardly anything easier than Twint among friends in Switzerland. As long as the other person also has Twint, you can send money back and forth to each other free of charge for as long and as often as you like. The transfer happens instantly and is extremely simple. An alternative is, of course, good old cash, but this option is only suitable if you are exchanging round amounts. Splitting the bill is a lot more tedious than with Twint.

What is the best way to make regular payments?

As far as regular payments are concerned, direct debit is definitely the way to go! It can be a bit of a pain to set one up, but then you never run the risk of missing reminders and never have to deal with it again.

When do you still need cash?

Cash is and will always be king, even if it’s not used as often as it used to be. Tipping, paying for drinks, placing bets with friends, and so on. Of course, some people also use cash to buy things that they would rather not have on their card statements.