Most people will be familiar with the pre-pay system from mobile phones or store gift cards (for example, Migros's gift card). There’s a huge range of pre-pay options. Only a few, however, are used widely, such as Swiss Bankers' Travel Cash card. The number of places where you can use prepaid cards varies according to what type you have – you should always find out exactly where you can use yours.

How it works

With this method of payment, you load credit onto a central card account either by cash payment, payment slip or via online banking. With every purchase or cash withdrawal from an ATM, the money is debited directly from your card account until you use up your credit.

Fees, Expiry and Additional Services

The fees for prepaid cards vary widely - you should always find out exactly what fees apply to yours.

With some offers, your credit expires after a certain period and your money is not refunded (for example Migros’s gift card).

Some prepaid cards offer additional services similar to credit cards, for example travel insurance or a 24-hour emergency call service.

Further Information

Prepaid cards from Thurgauer Kantonalbank

Prepaid cards from Cornèrcard

Half-Fare travelcard with Visa prepaid card

Migros gift card