Which payment methods do customers in Switzerland expect?
| Payment method | Why it matters | Note |
|---|---|---|
| TWINT | Fast payment on the phone | Widely used in Switzerland, belongs in every store |
| Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) | Standard for everyone, including customers from abroad | With 3-D Secure for added security |
| Apple Pay and Google Pay | Paying with one tap in the mobile checkout | Usually runs through the same provider as the cards |
| PostFinance | Customers with a PostFinance account | Not every provider supports it |
| PayPal | Habit, especially for customers from abroad | Requires a separate account with the provider |
| Purchase on invoice | Larger baskets and B2B customers | Best via a provider that carries the default risk |
How do I add TWINT to my online store?
Through a payment service provider that supports TWINT and offers an extension for your store system. For Shopify and WooCommerce there are solutions from providers such as Datatrans, Payrexx, Wallee, Worldline (Saferpay) or Stripe. Before deciding, check the provider’s current documentation to see which payment methods it offers for your store system, as the offering changes regularly.
How do I choose the right payment provider?
- It supports all the payment methods you need, ideally from a single source
- There is a maintained app or plugin for your store system
- The fee model suits your revenue and your typical basket size
- Payouts are made in CHF and at a frequency that suits you
- Refunds can be triggered directly in the store
- There is support in your language and an export for accounting
Is purchase on invoice worth it?
For many Swiss stores, yes, because the invoice is a familiar payment method in Switzerland, especially for B2B customers and larger amounts. You do not have to carry the risk of non-payment yourself: specialised providers take over credit checks, dunning and default risk for a fee. In Switzerland, invoices are issued with the QR-bill, which fully replaced the old payment slips in October 2022.
What else matters in the checkout?
- Mobile first: the checkout must work smoothly on the phone. For the streetwear store EuroRagers, mobile first was therefore the benchmark from the start
- Offer wallets such as TWINT, Apple Pay and Google Pay prominently
- Show prices including VAT and the shipping costs early, not only in the last step
- Allow guest checkout without a customer account
- Show the accepted payment methods on the product page already
- Ask only for the form fields that are needed
Which fees do payment providers charge?
Usually a transaction fee per payment, consisting of a percentage and, depending on the provider, a fixed amount. The level differs by payment method, and some providers also charge a monthly fee. Compare the offers with your expected revenue and the typical size of an order, because the cheapest model depends heavily on them.
What applies to orders from abroad?
Customers from Germany and other EU countries do not know TWINT and are more likely to expect a credit card, PayPal or Klarna. If you sell abroad, you also need a clear solution for customs, VAT and shipping costs, as well as prices in euros. Clarify these points before launch, as they also affect the choice of payment provider.