Apple Pay in Switzerland - what you need to know
Paying by smartphone has become established in Switzerland. Apple’s solution is one of the most successful mobile payment systems. Learn more about the pros and cons of Apple Pay.
23.09.2022
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1. What is Apple Pay?
Apple Pay allows mobile payments via mobile phone or smartwatch. To use Apple Pay, you need a credit card, debit card or a prepaid card. Your credit card issuer must allow the usage Apple Pay.
Apple Pay works via the Apple Wallet app. Therefore, you need an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or a Mac computer. The transaction appears like any other on your credit card bill.
Technical requirements
To be able to pay with your iPhone, your device must meet the following requirements:
Alternatively, pay with Apple Watch. However, it must be linked to an iPhone 5 or newer. Apple Pay also works on many Mac computers.
2. How do I set up Apple Pay?
To pay with your device, turn on Apple Pay. You need to activate your debit-, credit- or prepaid card to do this. For iPhone or iPad, this is done in the Wallet app. When using Apple Watch, you need to open the Apple Watch app. You can find detailed installation instructions on the Apple website.
You don’t need any additional app. The Wallet app is installed on your device right from the start. If you have removed the app, you can find it again in the app library. It will not have been completely deleted.
3. Where can I pay with Apple Pay?
In Switzerland, you can pay with Apple Pay at most major distributors and shops, as well as on many online shops. In shops, the logo is usually displayed on the front door. Unlike Twint, you can also use Apple Pay abroad and on many international online shops.
The payment itself is made at the checkout. You have to keep your phone as close to the reader as possible. You will then be asked to identify yourself by camera or fingerprint.
Tip: NFC technology doesn’t always work perfectly. If it doesn’t work out the first time, try again with a different angle.
4. How secure are payments with Apple Pay?
You authorize the payment process with Face ID or Touch ID. The transaction at the payment terminal or in the online shop is encrypted. Apple protects your credit card information and does not store it on a server or on your device. Merchants also do not see the full card number.
The biggest risk is if the credit card is stolen: other people can then create their own Apple Pay account and pay with it. So Apple Pay is at least as safe as using a conventional credit card.
5. Apple Pay vs. Twint: which payment method is better?
Twint is the most popular mobile payment method in Switzerland. It runs on all major smartphones, including Android devices. You don’t need a credit card to use Twint. The amount used can also be deducted directly from your bank account. You can also use Twint to transfer money to other people.
The biggest disadvantage of Twint is that it is not available abroad.
Android devices: If you don’t have an iPhone but instead have an Android (e.g. Samsung), you can use Google Pay or Samsung Pay with your Android device. Most Swiss banks also offer this option.
Watches: certain manufacturers of watches, such as Swatch, Fitbit or Garmin, have their own payment solutions. Most of them have to be connected to a credit card.
Other devices: more and more innovative products are coming on the market that enable mobile payment. For example, the payment ring from Pagopace.
6. Apple Pay: do I have to pay a fee?
Apple does not charge any additional fees for the mobile transactions. You will be charged the same as a standard credit card. These are defined by the issuers.
7. Which banks support Apple Pay?
Apple provides an overview of all the banks that support Apple Pay. The vast majority of Swiss banks are supported. The largest Swiss banks offer detailed information on the subject of mobile payments:
Bonus points and cashback with Apple Pay
Many prepaid and credit card providers reward their customers with bonus points and cashback. Do you have a card like that? You can get the same benefits with Apple Pay as with the conventional plastic card.
8. Conclusion: pros and cons of Apple Pay in Switzerland
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This article was first published on 07.07.2016