Switzerland’s payment landscape is characterized by a strong preference for debit cards and contactless payments. Cash is still prevalent, particularly for smaller transactions and in-store purchases. Switzerland has a highly developed and efficient payment system. Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted, with contactless payments becoming increasingly common. Online banking is widespread, and bank transfers are frequently used. While cash usage is declining, it retains a role, especially in smaller businesses and among older generations. Mobile payment solutions are expanding, reflecting the country’s advanced technological infrastructure.
Estimated Population
8.7 million
Currency
Swiss franc (CHF)
All supported payment methods for Switzerland:
Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, UnionPay International, Discover, Diners Club, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, TWINT, PostFinance, Postfinance Card, SEPA Direct Debit with Payment Guarantee, Instalment by SEPA Direct Debit, Instalment by Invoice, Invoice Payment, SEPA Direct Debit, SEPA Credit, Prepayment, Invoice with Payment Guarantee, MaestroFrequently Asked Questions
Swiss customers commonly use credit and debit cards (especially Visa and Mastercard), invoice payments, SEPA direct debit, PayPal, Apple Pay, and TWINT. Invoice (Rechnung) remains a top choice for local consumers.
Yes. Novalnet supports both invoice and instalment payments in Switzerland, with optional payment guarantees to reduce risk and enable flexible purchasing experiences.
Yes. As a BaFin-regulated EU payment institute, Novalnet complies with PSD2, GDPR, AML, and ensures data protection standards that align with Swiss cross-border financial service requirements.
Absolutely. Novalnet supports multi-currency processing and enables Swiss businesses to accept international payments from global customers across a wide range of methods.
Yes. Novalnet supports SEPA Direct Debit and SEPA Credit Transfer in Switzerland, including mandate management and payment guarantees for recurring billing or one-time purchases.
Yes. Novalnet provides multilingual support including German, French, Italian, and English—making the checkout process accessible and localized for Swiss users.
Novalnet supports currency conversion and multi-currency settlement options. Dynamic currency conversion may be available on request, depending on your business setup and POS needs.
Popular payment methods
Mastercard
Credit/Debit Cards
Unlock a world of payment possibilities with Mastercard, a trusted global leader in secure and convenient transactions
American Express
Credit/Debit Cards
Elevate your business with American Express, a premium payment network that attracts discerning customers and drives higher-value transactions.
JCB
Credit/Debit Cards
JCB is a leading international payment network, offering a unique opportunity for businesses to reach a growing customer base, especially in Asia-Pacific.
UnionPay International
Credit/Debit Cards
UnionPay is the world’s largest payment network, offering businesses the opportunity to tap into the vast Chinese market and beyond.
Discover
Credit/Debit Cards
Discover is a leading payment network that offers a unique combination of security, rewards, and customer service, making it an attractive option for businesses.
Diners Club
Credit/Debit Cards
Diners Club is a global payment network renowned for its premium services and exclusive benefits, offering businesses access to a discerning clientele.
Apple Pay
Wallets
Apple Pay offers businesses a convenient and secure way to accept payments from iPhone, Apple Watch, and Mac users, enhancing the customer experience and boosting sales.
Google Pay
Wallets
Google Pay empowers businesses to offer a fast, secure, and convenient mobile payment experience, attracting a wide range of customers.
PayPal
Wallets
PayPal is a global leader in online payments, offering businesses a secure and convenient way to accept payments from millions of customers worldwide.
TWINT
Wallets
Twint is Switzerland’s leading mobile payment solution, offering businesses a fast, secure, and convenient way to accept payments from a wide range of customers.
PostFinance
Online Bank Transfers
PostFinance is a leading provider of financial services in Switzerland, offering businesses secure and convenient payment solutions, including online and mobile payments.
Postfinance Card
PostFinance Card is a versatile payment card offering Swiss businesses and their customers a secure, convenient, and widely accepted way to make payments both in-store and online.
SEPA Direct Debit with Payment Guarantee
Guaranteed Payments, Direct Debit
A payment method allowing buyers to make payments from their bank accounts with a guarantee that the merchant will receive the payment.
Instalment by SEPA Direct Debit
Instalment Payments, Direct Debit
A payment method allowing buyers to spread the cost of their purchase over several installments with payments automatically deducted from their bank accounts.
Instalment by Invoice
Instalment Payments, Invoice
A payment method allowing buyers to split the cost of a purchase into several installments, with each installment paid on a set schedule.
Invoice Payment
Invoice
A document outlining the details of a purchase, including the goods or services provided, the amount due, and payment terms.
SEPA Direct Debit
Direct Debit
SEPA Direct Debit is a secure and convenient payment method for businesses operating within the European Union, allowing for automated payments from customers’ bank accounts.
SEPA Credit
SEPA Credit
SEPA Credit Transfer is a secure and efficient way for businesses to make payments within the European Union, streamlining cross-border transactions and simplifying international payments.
Prepayment
Prepayment
A payment method requiring buyers to pay for goods or services upfront before receiving them.
