Benefits of credit cards: why they’re worth it
Some cards aren’t just means of payment – they also offer attractive everyday and travel benefits.
Everything you need to know at a glance
Credit cards are a convenient, secure, and globally accepted means of payment for everyday use and travel. They enable cashless payments and mobile payment, and, depending on the card type, offer a short-term payment deferral. Fees may apply when using the card.
In addition, a credit card is usually required to book hotel rooms or rent a car. Some cards include attractive additional benefits such as bonus programs, travel insurance, access to airport lounges, car rental perks, and special rates with partner companies.
The right credit card for you
With your credit card, you can easily make cashless payments while on vacation, on business trips, and in your everyday life. Since credit cards offer a short-term payment deferral, you can also use your card to pay for larger amounts without hesitation. With so-called charge cards, the amount is typically deducted from the linked account at the end of the month.
There are other types of credit cards, such as those with an installment facility or prepaid cards. Which one suits you best depends entirely on your personal preferences.
Credit cards are indispensable, especially when traveling. Unlike debit cards, they are accepted worldwide. This means you can conveniently pay with credit cards even when you’re abroad. And if you do happen to need cash, you can use your credit card to withdraw money from an ATM.
Credit cards also serve as a form of security, for example, when you want to book a hotel or reserve a rental car. Your credit card information acts as a deposit and guarantees the reservation. In addition, credit cards offer many other benefits that make your daily life and travel more convenient.
A secure means of payment
You can use your credit card to pay for both small and large amounts. You can rely on security measures that protect you and your card information. These include the 3-D Secure security standard, which was developed by leading credit card companies.
American Express implements this standard with American Express SafeKey®: During transactions, the authentication tool performs an identity check and verifies that you are the one initiating the transaction. This ensures that your online payments are secure.
Credit cards: useful companions at any time
Credit cards aren’t just a means of payment – they can also offer their holders valuable additional benefits. These benefits vary depending on the provider and card type. High-end metal cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card, offer particularly attractive perks.
The card can be especially beneficial for frequent travelers: When traveling, you can rely on valuable insurance benefits, enjoy a more relaxed flight experience thanks to complimentary access to airport lounges, and take advantage of car rental perks, among other benefits.
If you travel only occasionally, the Gold Card may be the right card for you: It gives you free lounge access twice a year. With both the Gold Card and the Platinum Card, you’ll participate in the Membership Rewards bonus program. There, you’ll collect bonus points for every card transaction, which you can later redeem for rewards.
Common credit card benefits at a glance
Things to know about using credit cards
Credit cards offer many practical benefits, but it’s also important to use them responsibly. Here are a few helpful tips:
- If you use your credit card to make payments abroad, foreign currency fees will apply, typically as a percentage of the total amount. Fees may also apply for cash withdrawals.
- Your monthly credit card statement provides an overview of your spending. With American Express, you can also view your transactions at any time using the Swisscard app.
- If you discover card transactions that you did not authorize yourself, or if your credit card has been stolen or lost, you should have the card blocked immediately.
Gold Card or Platinum Card: Which card fits your lifestyle?
Benefits of credit cards: your companions in everyday life and while traveling
Credit cards offer convenience, security, and flexibility. They can make many situations in everyday life and while traveling easier and more enjoyable. Some cards offer attractive extras, such as bonus programs, free access to airport lounges, and travel insurance. The credit card that fits your lifestyle becomes a reliable companion wherever you go.
When you choose the Gold Card or Platinum Card from American Express, you’re not the only one who benefits from the cards’ many additional perks. Thanks to supplementary cards, your loved ones can also enjoy these benefits.
Frequently asked questions and answers
A credit card is a convenient, secure, and globally accepted means of payment. It’s especially useful when traveling – for example, for making payments abroad or for booking hotels and rental cars. Depending on the card type, you’ll also benefit from attractive additional services.
Credit cards are accepted worldwide and offer flexible payment options such as mobile payment. Depending on the card, you can also enjoy attractive benefits such as participation in bonus programs, included insurance, free access to airport lounges, and special rates with hotel and car rental partners.
Credit cards typically offer a short-term payment deferral: With so-called charge cards, the amount is usually deducted from the linked account at the end of the month, rather than immediately as with debit cards. Unlike debit cards, credit cards are accepted worldwide. Credit cards are therefore particularly well-suited for travel – for example, because of their included travel insurance, for making payments abroad, and for hotel and rental car reservations.
