Best Secured Credit Cards for Newcomers in Switzerland

Best Secured Credit Cards for Newcomers in Switzerland

Newcomers searching for a secured credit card in Switzerland may be surprised to discover that Swiss banks do not commonly advertise secured cards in the American sense.

A traditional secured credit card requires the applicant to place a refundable cash deposit, which normally becomes the card’s credit limit. In Switzerland, newcomers with limited income or no local credit history are more commonly offered a prepaid card, debit card, or standard credit card with a reduced limit.

Prepaid cards are easier to obtain because users spend their own loaded money rather than borrowing from the card issuer. However, they generally do not establish a traditional credit repayment history.

Are Secured Credit Cards Available in Switzerland?

Major Swiss card providers currently focus on standard credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards rather than deposit-backed secured credit cards.

Therefore, the products in this guide are the closest practical alternatives for newcomers who:

• Have recently moved to Switzerland.
• Have no Swiss credit history.
• Receive a scholarship or irregular income.
• Were rejected for a standard credit card.
• Need a card for online or international payments.
• Want to avoid borrowing and interest charges.

A prepaid card should not be confused with a secured credit card. With a prepaid card, the available balance comes directly from money loaded onto the card. There is no monthly credit balance to repay.

1. PostFinance Mastercard Value: Best for International Students

The PostFinance Mastercard Value is one of the best secured-card alternatives for students and newcomers who already use PostFinance.

It is included without a separate card fee in the SmartStudents banking package. Students can choose either a standard Classic or Standard credit card—subject to approval—or the Mastercard Value prepaid card.

Main features

• No separate card fee with SmartStudents.
• No fixed monthly spending limit beyond the loaded balance.
• Available for online and international purchases.
• Compatible with supported mobile-payment services.
• No borrowing or monthly credit-card debt.
• Shopping insurance and SmartPoints benefits may be included.

Important fees

PostFinance currently charges:

• 1.7% for transactions abroad, including purchases from foreign online retailers.
• 3.5% for cash withdrawals, with a minimum charge of CHF 10.
• A maximum ATM withdrawal of CHF 1,000 per day.

Best for

• International students aged 18 to 30.
• Scholarship recipients.
• Newcomers who cannot pass a credit check.
• Students who want a card included with their bank account.

The SmartStudents package requires eligible student or training status. Applicants living abroad may face additional account charges, so the package is most suitable after establishing Swiss residence.

2. Viseca Prepaid Mastercard or Visa: Best Student Prepaid Card

Viseca offers prepaid Mastercard and Visa cards through participating Swiss banks. These cards can be used for contactless payments, online shopping, mobile payments, and purchases wherever the relevant card network is accepted.

Main features

• Available from age 14, with a legal representative’s signature for minors.
• No credit balance or repayment obligation.
• Access to the Viseca “one” app.
• 3-D Secure protection for online payments.
• Purchase-related insurance benefits.
• Mastercard or Visa options.

Students may qualify for no annual card fee up to age 30 when presenting a valid student or training ID. The issuing bank may apply different conditions. The current application also indicates a maximum monthly amount of CHF 3,000 for eligible students.

Important fees

Loading the card normally costs:

• 1% of the loaded amount.
• A minimum top-up fee of CHF 5 for Swiss-franc cards.
• A fixed EUR or USD fee for cards in those currencies.

Cash withdrawals and foreign-currency transactions may carry additional fees depending on the issuing bank and card currency.

Best for

• Students who want either Visa or Mastercard.
• Newcomers using a bank that issues Viseca cards.
• Applicants seeking a student-fee waiver.
• Users who want detailed card controls through the “one” app.

3. Swiss Bankers Travel Card: Best No-Annual-Fee Option

The Swiss Bankers Travel card is a prepaid card designed mainly for travel and foreign payments. It has no annual card fee, although fees apply when loading or using the card.

Main features

• CHF 0 annual card fee.
• Available in Swiss francs, euros, or US dollars.
• Managed through the Swiss Bankers app.
• Accepted for online and international card payments.
• Spending limited to the loaded balance.
• Replacement protection if the card is lost, subject to applicable conditions.

The card can be attractive to newcomers who do not want to open a premium banking package or pay an annual card fee.

However, “no annual fee” does not mean the card is completely free. Top-up, foreign-currency, ATM, and transaction charges can make it expensive for frequent everyday use.

Best for

• Students traveling outside Switzerland.
• Newcomers who prefer a card without an annual fee.
• Users who want to hold CHF, EUR, or USD.
• People who mainly need a backup travel card.

4. UBS Prepaid Card: Best for Existing UBS Customers

UBS offers a reloadable prepaid card that can be used worldwide. The card can be topped up through UBS E-Banking, the Mobile Banking App, bank transfer, or QR bill.

Main features

• Maximum balance of CHF 10,000.
• Free card top-ups through supported UBS channels.
• Contactless payments.
• 3-D Secure for online purchases.
• Mobile-payment compatibility.
• Transaction notifications.
• Card controls through UBS digital banking.

Main costs

The published standard conditions include:

• CHF 50 annual fee without UBS Banking.
• 1.75% processing surcharge for Swiss-franc transactions made abroad.
• Cash-withdrawal fee of 4%, with a minimum of CHF 10.
• CHF 20 replacement-card charge.

The card may be more attractive when included or discounted through an eligible UBS package. Students should compare the total banking-package cost rather than looking only at the card fee.

Best for

• Existing UBS customers.
• Students who want card management inside UBS E-Banking.
• Users who need a relatively high prepaid balance.
• Applicants not approved for a UBS standard credit card.

Comparison of the Best Alternatives

Choose PostFinance Mastercard Value when:

• You qualify for SmartStudents.
• You want the card included without a separate fee.
• You need a simple card for everyday spending.

Choose Viseca Prepaid when:

• Your Swiss bank works with Viseca.
• You are under 30 and qualify for student pricing.
• You want Visa or Mastercard flexibility.

Choose Swiss Bankers Travel when:

• Your priority is avoiding an annual fee.
• You mainly need the card for travel.
• You are comfortable paying usage and loading fees.

Choose UBS Prepaid when:

• You already bank with UBS.
• You want integrated mobile and online card controls.
• You need a larger loadable balance.

Do These Cards Build Swiss Credit History?

Prepaid cards normally do not create the same repayment record as a standard credit card because no money is borrowed and no monthly credit balance must be repaid.

Using a prepaid card responsibly may help with budgeting, but it is unlikely by itself to improve your eligibility for future loans or credit cards.

To strengthen a future standard credit-card application:

1. Open a Swiss current account.
2. Receive salary, scholarship, or family support regularly.
3. Avoid unpaid bills and debt-enforcement proceedings.
4. Maintain stable Swiss residence documentation.
5. Apply for a modest credit limit.
6. Pay every approved credit-card statement in full.

Can a Prepaid Card Be Used for Hotels and Car Rentals?

Not always. Hotels and rental-car companies may require a standard credit card to reserve a security deposit.

PostFinance specifically notes that prepaid and debit cards may not be accepted for certain accommodation, rental-car, or flight transactions. Students should contact the merchant before relying on a prepaid card for a reservation.

Final Verdict

There are few, if any, widely advertised deposit-backed secured credit cards for individual newcomers in Switzerland. The most realistic alternatives are prepaid cards and student credit cards with reduced limits.

The PostFinance Mastercard Value is the strongest overall option for eligible students because it is included in the free SmartStudents package. The Viseca Prepaid Mastercard or Visa is a good choice for students under 30, while Swiss Bankers Travel works well as a no-annual-fee travel card. Existing UBS customers may prefer the UBS Prepaid Card for its integrated digital controls.

Official Sources

• PostFinance – Mastercard Value prepaid card
• PostFinance – SmartStudents banking package
• Viseca – Prepaid Mastercard and Visa
• Swiss Bankers – Travel prepaid card
• UBS – Prepaid card