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Convenient contactless payment with your credit card anywhere in the world. A convenience we wouldn't want to miss. What could happen? Unfortunately, on my last holiday, one of my credit cards was read electronically and subsequently charged several times in the USA.
Fortunately, the security system immediately recognized the unusual payment behavior and blocked the card. No damage had been done. Only the card had to be replaced.
Since then, the mobile phone has mutated into a virtual wallet. All cards are stored and linked to Google, Apple and Samsung Pay. Recently also the new Zak Visa debit card.
Since the Zak Bank Cler review on Schwiizerfranke, it's no secret that the innovative banking app is one of our favourites. All the more reason for us to introduce you to the combination of Visa and debit card: The Zak Visa Debit Card.
A lot has happened since our Zak Bank Cler experience report. For example, the merger of the popular Zak Prepaid Visa with the debit card. Now there is one card for all scenarios - again a place in the wallet has become free :).
Thanks to the clever combination of Debit and Visa, you can enjoy the advantages of both card types. Contactless payments, 3D-Secure Verification, free cash withdrawals at all ATMs (only for Zak Plus customers), mobile payments and online shopping with all the Visa benefits.
We particularly like the online version of the Zak Visa debit card. In less than five minutes we had registered the card in our mobile phone and could use it immediately. The advantage: you can simply leave your physical card at home. If you have your mobile phone with you, you automatically have money with you!
Zak is an innovative banking app from Bank Cler. The focus is on functionality, ease of use, flexible usage options and high security standards. The bank describes Zak as
"The first real Swiss bank on the smartphone. And it's free."
In our testimonial, we went into detail about the Zak Mobile app. We know that our readers' time is precious on Schwiizerfranke. That's why we've compiled all the facts in a short version.
When my card was read on holiday, it was probably in my wallet in my backpack. Even though the NFC (Nier Field Communication) and HCE (Host Card Emulation) systems are considered secure, there are obviously security gaps.
That's why the integration of the Zak Visa debit card with mobile payment services like Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay is a big advantage. It is much more difficult (almost impossible actually) to read card data via the smartphone. This often requires bypassing numerous security checks, such as the face scan on the iPhone or the fingerprint scan, before a transaction can even take place.
At the same time, in our opinion, the risk of loss of physical cards is higher. A card weighs almost nothing and the wallet can be lost quickly. Almost every Swiss has a mobile phone as a daily companion. So why not just leave the wallet at home and pay contactlessly by mobile phone?
For us it is clear: Zak is designed for the future.
Enough beating around the bush. Where are the facts, dear authors? Where are the advantages and are there disadvantages?
With the Zak Visa Debit Card you can pay worldwide for free. Without any fees! By the way, you will receive the card without hidden costs directly after opening the account!
Payments with your smartphone are also 100% free. Simply deposit your new Zak Visa debit card in your wallet. Forgot your mobile phone at home or left it in the car on the way to the supermarket?
Don't get excited! Simply pay with your smartwatch thanks to Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay and SwatchPay - free of charge.
What makes a Visa card special and why are debit cards not always advantageous? The keyword: online shopping. With a Visa card you can confirm online bookings for your next holiday, relax and order your next collection in the online shop or use other services.
You can't do that with a traditional debit card, or not always. The Zak Visa Debit is a combination of debit and Visa. So why not enjoy the benefits of both cards?
You're on the road and have forgotten to withdraw money from your usual ATM. Your trip has already turned into a search for the next suitable ATM. Good thing you can use your Zak Visa Debit Card to withdraw cash at any ATM. Anytime.
The only drawback is that only Zak Plus customers can withdraw cash for free at any ATM. There are fees for users of the free account, but we consider them fair and would be happy to offer you our free cash withdrawal service directly here. Review link.
"Intelligent people learn from the mistakes of others".
We have compiled our top selection for you from all our tests and experience reports:
Here's the scenario: You're traveling in New York. Times Square is crowded and you can barely get through the crowd. A jostle from the side, a tug from behind. It's hard to tell the difference between intentional and unintentional contact. It doesn't take 10 seconds for someone to steal your wallet from your hostess pocket. Inside is your physical Zak Visa debit card.
Regardless of the fact that such a situation is really no fun, you notice the loss quickly and can react: log into the one App or Zak App, block the card, set a new pin and manage the region of use directly. Now you have to request a new card, but transactions with the old card are no longer possible. Money secured!
We think such flexibility, combined with numerous security features, is brilliant. In addition to the aforementioned security features, you can also use the app:
In our Zak review, Bank Cler has already given away CHF 50 starting credit to every new customer. If you missed the offer or are a new reader on Schwiizerfranke, you now have the opportunity to secure another CHF 50 starting credit.
Simply download the Zak app, open your account, complete the Video-Ident and wait for the postal confirmation. Once your account is activated, you need to enter the Zak referral code in the settings menu: CHFRAN
The free Zak Visa debit card will be in your mailbox within a few days!
Mobile payment, seamless security, Visa benefits, cash withdrawals at all ATMs and free payments abroad. These are features that we do not want to miss and belong to a modern online bank.
Added to this are the intuitive mobile app and the numerous functions. For example, retirement planning with pillar 3a. Readers of Schwiizerfranke.com know why pillar 3a is so important and how assets can be built up with it.
Do you have a Visa and debit card? Are you a modern person and use mobile payments on a daily basis? Do you already have a Zak account and want to share your experience or tell us what you think about this post?
Leave us a comment there!
We look forward to the exchange!
Transparency Note: This article was created in collaboration with Zak from Bank Cler. The content and presentation have nevertheless been freely and independently designed by Schwiizerfranke.
5 responses
Nice article Thanks for sharing this informative post, Keep posting!
Why does my ZAK debit card not work abroad (Italy)?
Dear Annemarie
was it perhaps because you wanted to pay in a place where Visa credit cards are not accepted? Personally, I always have a Visa AND a Mastercard in my wallet (+ cash) to pay abroad.
Neon for example, relies on Mastercard as its payment service provider.
Best regards 🙂
Did I actually understand the change in ZAK cards correctly, that from January 2022 all previous cards will become useless? Maestro, Mastercard credit card and virtual VISA credit card?
The new Zak Visa Debit replaces the previous cards as it combines a debit card and a credit card.