What does the Maestro function offer?

What is the difference between the Maestro and MasterCard functions?

Is there a withdrawal limit for Maestro cards?

If I want to accept Maestro, must I also accept MasterCard?

How does CASH on the Maestro card function?

How safe is the Maestro card?

Can a Maestro card be misused after it has been blocked?

What does ATM mean?

What do POS, POP and EFT mean?

Where can I find information about the use of Maestro for payment on my online shop?

What does the Maestro function offer?
The function Maestro on your Maestro card enables cashless payments at electronic terminals and cash withdrawals at ATMs in Switzerland and worldwide.


What is the difference between the Maestro and MasterCard functions?
Maestro is a debit function, i.e. the purchase amount is debited directly to the cardholder’s account. Maestro transactions must be confirmed by means of the Maestro PIN and can only be processed through electronic terminals.
MasterCard is a credit function, i.e. the purchase amount is debited to the cardholder at the end of the month or invoiced to him or her (possibly in installments). MasterCard transactions are confirmed by means of a signature. Processing occurs either manually through a card imprinter or electronically through a terminal.

Is there a withdrawal limit for Maestro cards?
Yes. Each Maestro card has its own monthly purchasing limit that is set by the card-issuing bank. In this regard there is a maximum Maestro purchasing limit that is agreed upon jointly by the banks. There is also a maximum amount defined for cash withdrawals at ATMs, which is set at CHF 1,000 per month.

If I want to accept Maestro, must I also accept MasterCard?
No, you need not accept MasterCard if you do not wish to. However, since you already have a terminal for the acceptance of Maestro, you can have the MasterCard function activated at any time.

How does CASH on the Maestro card function?
Every Swiss Maestro card contains the CASH (chip) function. Before cardholders can use CASH, they must load the CASH chip. This can be done at any Swiss Bancomat or Postomat. More about CASH.

Can a Maestro card be misused after it has been blocked?
Blocked cards can no longer be used in Switzerland, since all transactions are authorized after the entering of the Maestro PIN.
However, the security of the Maestro card is not guaranteed by the Maestro PIN in all countries. In exceptional cases, payments can be made with the Maestro card despite it having been blocked. The account charges will be credited back to the cardholders by their bank as long as they have blocked the card immediately upon determination of the loss.

What does ATM mean?
ATM stands for "Automated Teller Machine", which is a cash dispenser.

What do POS, POP and EFT mean?
POS stands for “Point of Sale” (from the salesperson's point of view).
POP stands for "Point of Purchase" (from the purchaser’s point of view).
EFT is an abbreviation for “Electronic Funds Transfer”, the electronic transmission of funds.

Where can I find information about the use of Maestro for payments in my online shop?
You can find further information about the acceptance of payments with Maestro here.