What is
a welcome bonus?
A welcome bonus is a one-time miles or points credit you get when you receive a new credit card — independent of your ongoing spending. For most mile collectors, it's by far the most efficient route to a large batch of miles: a single card application often earns more than a full year of everyday spending.
- Welcome bonuses swing between a standard value and limited-time promotions — the figures below are reference points, always check the issuer's current site before applying
- This guide is for information only — not financial advice
Best welcome bonuses
in Switzerland
Four issuers are relevant for Swiss mile collectors: Cornèrcard, Swisscard, American Express (Swiss Platinum, usually applied for via Alpian), and Viseca (the only one that credits Flying Blue miles directly). They're independent of each other — you can apply for all four in parallel.
| Card | Standard welcome bonus | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Viseca Flying Blue World Mastercard | 5,000 Flying Blue miles | Credited directly to Flying Blue, no transfer step — requires an active Flying Blue account. Annual fee CHF 230. |
| Cornèrcard Gold (M&M) | 10,000 miles | Currently elevated to 40,000 miles guaranteed (up to 65,000 with a prize draw) + half-price first-year fee through 29 Nov 2026, then reverts to standard. Platinum combo: 60,000 guaranteed, up to 85,000. |
| Swisscard SWISS M&M Platinum | 10,000 miles | Currently elevated to 40,000 miles + 3 ZRH Comfort Vouchers through 24 Sep 2026, then reverts to standard |
| Amex Platinum Switzerland | 45,000 MR points | No elevated promo currently running — standard 45,000 points applies, verify before applying |
The standard figures above are the reliable floor. The real question is never "which card has the highest standard bonus" but "which issuer has a promotion running right now" — and that changes every few months.
For the detailed card-by-card comparison — earn rates, annual fees, perks — see the full credit card comparison or the Miles & More-only card comparison (Cornèrcard vs. Swisscard).
How to
maximise the bonus
- Timing: Promotional bonuses typically run several times a year — if you're not under time pressure, waiting for an active promo beats applying at the standard rate
- Sequencing: Plan cards with a minimum-spend requirement first — clear the spending commitment before the next application, so both bonuses land cleanly
- Stacking: Cornèrcard, Swisscard, Amex and Viseca are independent — in a good promo year, all four welcome bonuses are realistically combinable
- Referral codes: Some issuers offer extra miles through personal referral codes — our current codes are here
Frequently asked
questions
What is a welcome bonus on a credit card? +
A one-time credit of miles or points when you receive a new card, usually with no or minimal spending requirement — the fastest way to earn a large batch of miles at once.
Are the advertised welcome bonuses always available? +
No. Issuers alternate between a standard bonus and limited-time promotions. Always check the issuer's current site before applying.
Can I earn multiple welcome bonuses at once? +
Yes — Cornèrcard, Swisscard, Amex and Viseca are independent issuers, so applying for multiple cards in parallel is possible.
Do I need to pay tax on a welcome bonus? +
Miles from welcome bonuses are currently not treated as taxable income in Switzerland. Consult a tax advisor for a binding assessment.
Further
resources
For deeper research beyond your own issuer:
Let's plan your sequence.
In 30 minutes we'll go through your spending profile and which promotions are currently active — and work out which card to apply for, and in what order.
Book a session — CHF 79 →