How to pay with your smartphone in Switzerland?

Paying by phone in Switzerland has become part of everyday life. Whether you’re in a supermarket, shopping online, or paying for services, technologies like NFC, QR codes, and mobile wallets make contactless payments quick and simple.

This guide explains what mobile payment is, how it works, which providers in Switzerland are available, how secure it is, and what to keep in mind when setting it up and using it every day.

21.10.2025 | Reading time: 3 minutes

What is mobile payment?

Mobile payment covers all transactions made with mobile devices such as a smartphone or smartwatch. It includes:

• Contactless payments via NFC, by holding your device near the payment terminal.
• QR code payments, for example with TWINT or features built into small merchants’ apps.
• Wallets and digital wallets, where you securely store cards and balances.
  
  

In Switzerland, mobile payment is growing fast. Many people prefer a phone or wearable over cash or a plastic card. Providers like TWINT, Apple Pay, and Google Pay offer a range of options for paying both in store and online.

How does mobile payment work technically?

NFC and tokenization

Your device needs an NFC chip to transmit data at very short range.
During payment, tokenization is often used: instead of your real card number, a temporary token is sent. This enhances your security.

QR code payments

With QR payments, you open an app, scan a code or display your own code.
The transaction is then authorized via your bank account, card, or a prepaid balance.

Security and authentication

The app or wallet asks for a PIN, fingerprint, or face recognition.
Keep your device and apps up to date, since software vulnerabilities are a risk.
The very short NFC range makes eavesdropping more difficult.

Where can you pay by phone? Everyday situations

• Supermarkets, cafés and retail
  When shopping or grabbing a coffee, most stores have NFC terminals. The contactless symbol shows that paying with your smartphone is supported. Alternatively, a QR code may appear on the receipt to pay with TWINT or your bank app.
  
  

• Public transport and parking
  In many cantons, you can buy tickets directly in a transport app. Parking is often managed digitally, and paying with TWINT is common in many municipalities.
  
  

• Online shops and apps
  A growing number of e-commerce sites offer wallet payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal. Delivery apps and streaming services also let you pay by phone quickly and securely.
  
  

• Between friends and P2P
  Want to split a bill or send money? A QR code or peer-to-peer transfer via apps like TWINT makes it instant, cash-free, and secure.
  
  

Mobile payment security: what you need to know

• Tokenization ensures your real card details are never read by the terminal.
• Biometrics or a PIN protect your device and your wallet.
• The short NFC distance means your phone must be close to the terminal, reducing long-range abuse.
• Software updates fix vulnerabilities in apps and the OS.
• Review permissions: what data does your wallet app store and who can access it.
  
  

Pros and cons compared with cash and cards

Advantages

• Greater convenience and speed. No wallet, and often no PIN for small amounts.
• Clear overview of transactions, all inside the app.
• Versatility for shopping, online orders and sending money.
  
  

Disadvantages

• Uneven acceptance: some merchants still lack NFC or QR support.
• Device dependency: battery, hardware faults, loss or theft can block usage.
• Privacy considerations: know what data is stored and how it is processed.
• Possible fees or limits depending on the app, card or stored balance.
  
  

Tips for getting started safely

Before using mobile payment in Switzerland, it’s smart to take a few steps to protect your data and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Our tips will help you get started with confidence:

• Start with small amounts to get comfortable.
• Before paying, confirm with the merchant that the terminal accepts contactless.
• During setup, use only official apps and review app permissions.
• Keep your device, apps and system up to date.
• If your phone is lost or stolen: lock the wallet and disable your cards via the app or your bank if possible.