Station gift card FAQs.

You can find answers to your questions on the station gift card in the FAQs below.

Why can I no longer redeem the station gift card at participating shops?

As of 1 July 2021, the station gift card can no longer be redeemed in shops at the station. The station gift card can be used to pay at SBB Travel Centres, SBB ticket machines and participating transport companies. It is no longer redeemable in all other partner shops. If you do not wish to use your credit to buy an SBB product, you can have the remaining value paid out at an SBB Travel Centre provided the station gift card is still valid.

What is a station gift card?

The station gift card is a prepaid card that can be used at the SBB counter, the SBB Travel Agency or SBB ticket machines. It can also be used with participating transport companies as a voucher when making a purchase.

How much is a station gift card worth?

There are four fixed values available: CHF 20, CHF 50, CHF 100 and CHF 200.

Where can I use my station gift card as payment?

You can use the station gift card to pay at any SBB counter, SBB Travel Agency or SBB ticket machines, as well as with participating transport companies.

What can I pay for using my station gift card?

You can use your station gift card to pay for any purchase at an SBB station or an SBB ticket machine, as well as at the counters and ticket machines of participating transport companies. The following exceptions apply: cash withdrawals, foreign currency, Western Union, TravelCash, InternetCash or travellers’ cheques.

Can I use my station gift card to buy online or mobile tickets?

No, that is not possible.

Can I use my station gift card at ticket machines?

Yes, but you must have at least enough remaining credit on your card to pay the amount stated.

I have several station gift cards with small amounts on them. Can I use them all at the same time?

Yes. This is possible at all SBB counters and the counters of participating transport companies. However, it is not possible at ticket machines.

Can I use my station gift card to buy tickets from a different transport company?

Yes. You can use your station gift card to pay at all participating transport companies. Click here for an overview of the participating transport companies.

Where can I find out the remaining balance on my station gift card?

You have two options: 1. Go to sbb.ch/en/station-gift-card and enter the balance enquiry code for your station gift card or 2. Send an SMS message with the word ‘Saldo’ and your balance enquiry code to the number 959 (CHF 0.20 per SMS). You will find the balance enquiry code on the back of your station gift card.

Can I also check the balance at a ticket machine?

No. The balance cannot be checked at the ticket machine. However, the starting balance will briefly be shown at the terminal before each purchase transaction.

The remaining balance on my station gift card is less than I thought!

The balance is adjusted automatically. If you would like to have the balance checked, please go to an SBB counter. The staff there will be glad to listen to your concerns and pass them along for further review.

I can’t pay with my station gift card, even though it should still have credit remaining on it.

Your station gift card may be damaged. Please go to the nearest SBB point of sale that redeems the station gift card. The staff there will be happy to help you.

I have lost my station gift card or it has been stolen. Can I get a replacement?

Unfortunately it is not possible to replace, block or reimburse lost or stolen station gift cards.

I don’t need my station gift card any more. Can I return it?

Station gift cards cannot be returned.

How long is the station gift card valid for?

Station gift cards are valid for two years from the last financial transaction. Each time you use your station gift card to pay for something, the two-year period starts again.

How can I find out when my station gift card expires?

Please visit sbb.ch/en/station-gift-card. You can launch your balance enquiry from the relevant field on that website. Your station gift card’s expiry date will be shown along with the balance.

If I buy a station gift card, will my personal details be used for commercial purposes?

No. Station gift cards are not personalised and are transferable. You do not need to provide any personal details when purchasing a station gift card.

Further content

Replacements for Internet Explorer 11.

Microsoft is gradually discontinuing its support for Internet Explorer 11 (more info on microsoft.comLink opens in new window.). If you continue to use Internet Explorer to access SBB.ch, you may experience functional limitations and display problems in the future. For this reason, we recommend using a more modern browser (e.g. Mozilla FirefoxLink opens in new window., Google ChromeLink opens in new window., Microsoft EdgeLink opens in new window.).

We are aware that switching to a new browser may take some getting used to and cause some uncertainties. A more modern browser will allow you to benefit from faster and more secure internet access in future. We are committed to continuing our work with the utmost enthusiasm in the future to guarantee you accessible and inclusive access to SBB.ch.