What is a gift card?

Gift cards are prepaid electronic cards that can be used in the same way as vouchers to make purchases at SBB ticket offices, SBB ticket machines and participating transport companies.

How much is a gift card worth?

You decide how much you would like your gift to be worth. The minimum amount is 10 francs and the maximum is 3000 francs.

Where can I get a gift card?

Gift cards are available from all SBB ticket offices.

How can I pay for a gift card?

In cash, with credit card, with Twint or with a postcard or Maestro Card.

Where can I use my gift card in payment?

You can pay with your gift card at any SBB ticket office or SBB ticket machine and at the ticket offices and ticket machines of the participating transport companies.

What can I pay for using my gift card?

You can use your gift card at any SBB station or SBB ticket machine and at the ticket offices and ticket machines of the participating transport companies to pay for anything except cash withdrawals, foreign currency, Western Union, TravelCash, InternetCash or travellers’ cheques.

Can I use my gift card to buy tickets online?

No. Unfortunately that is not possible.

Can I use my gift card to buy tickets at a ticket machine?

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

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

Yes. You can do so at all SBB ticket offices and at the ticket offices of the participating transport companies, but not at ticket machines.

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

Yes. You can use your gift card to pay at all the participating transport companies, regardless of where the card was purchased.

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

You have two options:
1. Go to sbb.ch/geschenkkarte and enter the gift card's balance enquiry code, or
2. Text "Balance" and your balance enquiry code to 959 (CHF 0.20 per text). You will find the balance enquiry code on the back of your gift card.

Can I find out my balance at a ticket machine, too?

No. Balances are not available at ticket machines.

How can I find out when my gift card expires?

Go to www.sbb.ch/geschenkkarte. You can launch your balance enquiry from the relevant field on that website. Your gift card's expiry date will be shown along with the balance.

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

The balance is adjusted automatically. If you’d like to have the balance reviewed, go to your nearest SBB ticket counter. The staff will be glad to listen to your concerns and pass it along for further review.

I can't pay with my gift card, even though it should still have a remaining balance on it.

Your gift card may be damaged. Go to your nearest SBB ticket counter for assistance.

I have lost my 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 gift cards.

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

Gift cards cannot be returned.

How long is my gift card valid for?

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

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

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