The honest Swiss verdict first
Switzerland is one of the rare markets where Amex gives you a permanently free card — which makes the CHF 900 Platinum a tougher sell than the prestige suggests. So before you commit: if you won’t use the lounges and credits, the free Cashback Card or the CHF 350 Gold serves you better. Here’s the full Swiss lineup, honestly ranked.
The Swiss Amex lineup compared
| Card | Annual fee (CH) | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platinum | CHF 900 (often ½ year one) | Membership Rewards | Frequent flyers (lounges, status) |
| Gold | CHF 350 (~CHF 175 year one) | Membership Rewards | Everyday & dining spend |
| Cashback Card | CHF 0 | Cash back | Free, everyday spend |
Fees change — confirm current terms on the application page.
Platinum — for frequent flyers
The American Express Global Lounge Collection, Hilton and Marriott Gold status, plus Swiss-specific dining and Flaschenpost credits and Priority Pass visits. At CHF 900/year (often halved year one) it only pays if you’ll use it. See the Amex Platinum review .
Gold — the value sweet spot
CHF 350/year, about CHF 175 the first year. Strong Membership Rewards on everyday and dining spend, a welcome bonus and travel perks — but no lounge access. The smarter buy for most. See the Amex Gold review .
Cashback Card — the free one
A genuinely free Amex that earns cash back rather than Membership Rewards. No lounges or hotel status, but no fee — the risk-free way into the Amex ecosystem in Switzerland.
The one-question test
Count last year’s airport visits. Double digits → Platinum. A handful, with everyday/dining spend → Gold (half-price first year). You want zero fee → the Cashback Card. Torn between the top two? Amex Platinum vs Gold .
Don’t forget the acceptance gap
Amex acceptance in Switzerland is decent but still trails Visa/Mastercard at smaller merchants and abroad. Pair any Amex with a free Revolut card for fee-free spending where Amex isn’t taken — see Amex vs Revolut .
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Amex card is best in Switzerland?
Platinum for frequent flyers, Gold (half-price first year) for everyday points, and the free Cashback Card if you’d rather pay nothing.
Is there a free Amex card in Switzerland?
Yes — the American Express Cashback Card, free and earning cash back (not Membership Rewards).
How much does the Amex Platinum cost in Switzerland?
CHF 900 a year, often halved the first year (~CHF 450). The Gold is CHF 350 (~CHF 175 year one).
Verdict
In Switzerland: frequent flyer → Platinum; everyday spender → Gold; fee-averse → the free Cashback Card. Compare the current offers below.