The Maestro card allows you to make cash withdrawals at ATMs, use the CASH function to pay for purchases (both large and small) and to shop without cash. More and more businesses are accepting it abroad too. Occasionally it can also be used as a customer card for checking the details of your account at an ATM.

The Maestro card is linked to a specific bank account. If you open a new personal account, you can normally apply for a Maestro card. Your personal monthly limit will be established by the bank issuing your card up to a monthly maximum of 10,000 Swiss francs. A daily maximum limit of 2,000 Swiss francs will be set, together with a daily maximum cash dispenser withdrawal limit of 1,000 Swiss francs. The amount is debited directly from your account whenever you make a withdrawal. For security reasons, the Maestro card has a chip and a PIN (Personal Identification Number). A transaction can only be processed when you enable it with your secret PIN. If your card is stolen or if you lose it, call the bank as soon as possible to block the card identification number, which will disable all its services.

You need to pay a fee of 20 to 40 francs a year to use the services of the Maestro card but it costs 40 francs to have a card's PIN blocked. If you withdraw cash at another bank, you may have to pay an extra charge. Therefore, there is potential for savings here. An additional charge is applied for making cash withdrawals with the Maestro card abroad.

PostFinance Card

The PostFinance Card is suitable for your everyday needs. Dependent on your account balance, it can be used to withdraw cash over the counter, or at a Post cash dispenser. You can use the PostFinance Card just like cash in many shops. It can also be used abroad. The PostFinance Card is usually linked to a personal account with Swiss Post.

Further Information

Maestro card

Comparison of costs: Maestro card

PostFinance Card