In German-speaking Switzerland, cash is declining while mobile payments for purchases in stores are increasing

The comparison portal bonus.ch once again conducted its annual survey among credit card users. More than 2,000 people participated in the survey and shared their opinions about their credit card provider. The responses received were converted into grades from 1 to 6, with 6 being the best grade.

Payment method: The smartphone is booming, but the credit card remains queen.

In 2026, the payment habits of the Swiss population continue to evolve. While physical credit cards (52%) are still the preferred payment method in Switzerland for purchases in stores, their use has declined in recent years (58% in 2022).

In contrast, mobile payments are booming, rising from 8% in 2022 to 19% in 2025, approaching cash (20%). This trend highlights a profound shift in purchasing behavior, where practicality and speed become the new key criteria.

Mobile payments are most popular in Italian-speaking Switzerland: Almost 30% of the inhabitants now prefer to use their smartphone for their store purchases, compared to 23% in the previous year. The use of cash continues to decline, from 17% in 2025 to 14% this year.

In contrast, German-speaking Swiss remain most loyal to cash, but the gap with mobile payments has narrowed considerably compared to the previous year: 23% pay in cash (compared to 26% in 2025) and 17% use their smartphone (compared to 12% in 2025).

In Western Switzerland, too, the rise of mobile payments is remarkable: Interest in payments via smartphone reaches 19% in 2026, compared to 17% in 2025 and 13% in 2024, and is now on par with the use of cash.

Cash remains strongly anchored among seniors: Almost a quarter of those over 60 (24%) still prefer cash for their purchases. In contrast, the 40- to 49-year-olds, at only 9%, are the group that uses cash the least.

Focusing solely on mobile payments and credit card payments, 42% of those under 50 now prefer their smartphone to pay for their purchases, compared to only 21% of those over 50.

From 48% to 60%: The credit card has become established in the daily lives of the Swiss.

Since 2014, the use of credit cards has increased almost continuously: While less than half of the Swiss population (48%) used them at least once a week, this share is now 60% in 2026. The share of daily use rose from 9% in 2014 to 19% in 2026.

This development was accelerated by the coronavirus pandemic, which changed consumer habits and reinforced the preference for contactless payments. Thus, the credit card has established itself as an indispensable tool in everyday life.

In Switzerland, men use their credit cards more frequently than women: 20% compared to 16% of women use them daily, 42% compared to 41% at least once a week.

Regarding language regions, Italian-speaking Swiss use their credit card daily at a rate of 35%, compared to 18% in German-speaking Switzerland and only 17% in Western Switzerland.

Simplicity becomes more important, but supported by security.

Ease of use is now the main reason for using credit cards: 46% of the Swiss population emphasize the practical side, while 23% justify their choice by not wanting to carry too much cash.

91% of the Swiss population trust in the security of their credit card.

More than 9 out of 10 people say they trust the security measures of their credit card (notifications, 3D Secure, virtual cards, etc.), with 27% expressing 'absolute' trust and 64% 'quite a bit'. Only a minority (9%) express doubts.

Trust in credit cards varies by region. It is strongest in German-speaking Switzerland (29%) and Western Switzerland (26%). Italian Switzerland only reaches 19%, but compensates with a majority of 72% who say they have 'quite a bit' of trust.

Credit card fraud: Almost 4 out of 10 people affected.

Fraud affects a significant portion of the Swiss population directly: 18% of respondents have already been victims of credit card fraud, and 19% have been targets of attempted fraud. While a majority of 63% have never faced this issue, it is important to note that fraud attempts remain frequent, requiring heightened vigilance.

In Switzerland, experiences with credit card fraud vary by region: 15% of German-speaking Swiss, 20% of Western Swiss, and 14% of Italian-speaking Swiss have been victims of credit card fraud, while 23%, 17%, and 19% respectively in these regions have been affected by fraud attempts.

Annual costs, the most important criterion when choosing a card.

For 40% of respondents, annual costs are the most important criterion when choosing a card. This result confirms that cost control remains a high priority for consumers. Far behind are the simplicity of the app's operation (18%) and the quality of customer service (15%) in second and third places, highlighting the growing importance of user experience and customer support.

In contrast, factors often highlighted by card providers, such as interest rate (11%), cashback (8%), or insurance (8%), seem secondary in users' eyes.

Preferences regarding criteria for choosing a credit card vary according to language region. Annual costs play an even more important role on the German- speaking side: 45% state this as a decisive criterion, compared to 38% in Western Switzerland and only 32% in Italian Switzerland.

Overall satisfaction and ranking of credit card providers.

Credit cards meet the expectations of the Swiss population well. In 2026, providers receive an average grade of 5.1 out of 6 points, which corresponds to a 'good' rating and confirms high overall satisfaction.

The Cumulus card (Migros) once again asserts itself as the big winner this year, occupying one of the top spots in bonus.ch satisfaction surveys, just as in previous years. With a satisfaction score of 5.5, it takes first place overall and is awarded a 'very good' rating.

The Migros Bank credit card, which also usually ranks at the top, alone occupies second place on the podium with an overall score of 5.4 and a 'good' rating. Bank Cler and Coop Supercard complete the 2026 podium with a score of 5.3 and a 'good' rating.

Direct access to the report: https://www.bonus.ch/Pdf/2026/Creditcards.pdf

Credit Card - Customer Satisfaction Survey: https://www.bonus.ch/zrC5R2T.aspx

Credit Card Comparison:
https://www.bonus.ch/zrWSLYQ.aspx

Press contact:
bonus.ch SA
Patrick Ducret
CEO
Place Chauderon 20B
1003 Lausanne
021 312 55 91
ducret(a)bonus.ch

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