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The American Express welcome bonus

You receive numerous attractive advantages when you start with your American Express credit card.

Zwei Hände umfassen eine weisse Cappuccino-Tasse und eine silberne Platinum Kreditkarte von American Express auf einem Tisch, daneben liegt ein Smartphone.

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 29.10.2025

Publisher: Alex Becher

Rights: Alex Becher for American Express Switzerland for editorial use

Written by Redaktion AMEXperience 29.10.2025

Welcome to American Express

The credit cards from American Express enable you to pay conveniently and securely – and much more: Depending on the card, extensive additional benefits are also included.

These include wide-ranging insurance coverage, such as for luggage delays or trip cancellations. You also enjoy welcome upgrades for your travel and attractive benefits at hotels. You also benefit from exclusive American Express Selects offers with all cards. 

For details of the scope of services, please refer to the respective General Terms and Conditions of Insurance. 

Ein lächelndes Paar sitzt an einem Tisch auf einer Dachterrasse, er hält eine silberne Kreditkarte von American Express in der Hand.

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 29.10.2025

Publisher: Alex Becher

Rights: Alex Becher for American Express Switzerland for editorial use

The welcome bonus you receive with American Express in Switzerland makes the credit cards even more interesting. It may consist of points for the Membership Rewards bonus program. Or, depending on the card, the waiving of the annual fee in full or in part in the first year. This is based on the standard offer – which can also be supplemented with additional offers in selected periods.  

Platinum Card: Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus

With the Membership Rewards bonus program from American Express, you collect bonus points when you make payments with your credit card. You can exchange these for attractive rewards or use them to pay at selected acceptance partners. 

Your Amex Platinum Card welcome bonus boosts your points account with 45,000 Membership Rewards points straight away. This means that a wide range of rewards are available to you immediately.

But the Platinum Card also offers a lot more: the most comprehensive insurance package of all American Express Cards, exclusive travel advantages and upgrades as well as a Dining Credit and many other lifestyle benefits. This credit card is therefore particularly suitable for frequent travelers who value indulgence and exclusive experiences. 

For details of the scope of services, please refer to the respective General Terms and Conditions of Insurance.

Gold Card: many benefits as a gift at the start

With the Gold Card from American Express, the welcome bonus is split into two parts: You receive 15,000 Membership Rewards points to start with, which you can use to secure interesting rewards. In addition, you only pay half the annual fee in the first year – but enjoy all the advantages.

The American Express Gold Card is particularly worthwhile for people who like traveling, indulgence and shopping. For an attractive annual fee, the Gold Card offers you a number of advantages when traveling, a Dining Credit as well as a range of insurance benefits. 

For details of the scope of services, please refer to the respective General Terms and Conditions of Insurance. 

Nahaufnahme einer goldenen Kreditkarte von American Express auf einem runden Holztisch neben einer Zeitschrift

Swisscard Media Info

Officially issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH 29.10.2025

Publisher: Alex Becher

Rights: Alex Becher for American Express Switzerland for editorial use

An additional advantage when applying for a Gold Card

In addition to the welcome bonuses already mentioned, soccer fans in particular can look forward to a further advantage with the Gold Card: You enjoy a blue Sport subscription at a special price. This allows you to stream all UEFA Champions League matches and many other fixtures in the top international leagues free of charge for six months.  

Gold Card or Platinum Card? Which card suits you and your lifestyle better?

Other cards with the welcome bonus

The American Express Card and the American Express BLUE credit card are cards with a lower annual fee which nevertheless offer various interesting advantages, such as several insurance packages and the American Express Selects program. They also come with a welcome bonus:

  • With the American Express Card, the annual fee is completely waived in the first year.
  • With the BLUE credit card, the annual fee is halved in the first year.

These two cards are suitable for newcomers who want to secure attractive benefits with their credit card for no or a low annual fee. 

For details of the scope of services, please refer to the respective General Terms and Conditions of Insurance. 

Get a welcome bonus with American Express

Regardless of which American Express credit card you choose: You can look forward to enjoying special welcome benefits. This might be a credit in the form of Membership Rewards points, as with the Platinum Card or Gold Card. Or a reduced or waived annual fee in the first year, as offered by the Gold Card, the American Express Card and the BLUE credit card. 

Frequently asked questions and answers

Yes, American Express credit cards offer a welcome bonus. This can either consist of a credit in the form of Membership Rewards points. Or the first annual fee being reduced or waived in full.

Amex Platinum Card customers in Switzerland receive 45,000 Membership Rewards points as a welcome bonus. This allows you to discover wonderful rewards and possibly fulfill several wishes at once.

The Gold Card from American Express offers a double welcome bonus: You receive 15,000 Membership Rewards points and only pay half the annual fee in the first year.

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Gold Card and Platinum Card in comparison

Which American Express credit is for you – the Gold Card or the Platinum Card?  
The credit card comparison shows which card is best suited to you.

Shopping insurance: your protection when shopping

With shopping insurance for Amex credit cards, you are fully covered when shopping. 

Travel advantages with American Express

Relax at the airport lounge before your trip and benefit from hotel advantages and other privileges at your vacation destination. Your constant companion: the Platinum Card from American Express, which makes these attractive travel benefits possible.

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Get the right credit card now

Get the right credit card now