Offline card payments: launch August 2026 (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Offline card payments introduced in Switzerland: launch 24 August 2026 in Bern
• They also work without a network; terminal records, transmits to recovery
• Banks, shops and suppliers undertake by joint declaration
• Applicable to essential goods: food, medicines, fuels

Key facts

• What: Offline payments with physical debit/credit cards and PINs
• When: Launch 24 August 2026; dissemination by the end of 2027
• Where: Bern (event); spread throughout the country
• Who: SNB, Country economic supply, banks, suppliers, shops
• Representatives: President Parmelin, President BNS Schlegel, delegate Pfister
• Technology: Terminal records offline transaction, transmits to the network recovery
• Requirements: Physical card + PIN + power supply (current or battery)

The Swiss National Bank (SNB) and the country's Economic Supply (AEP), together with banks, payment service providers and shops, announced on 24 August 2026 in Bern an innovative solution to ensure the continuity of payments in the event of technical problems: the introduction of offline payments with debit and credit cards. This is an initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience of national supply, responding to a reality that is now recognized: an interruption of the payment network quickly creates a supply problem for the entire population.

The operation is simple. The terminal of

Operational details

What concretely changes for those living in Switzerland

The solution of offline payments substantially changes the scenario of continuity of supply. So far, a disruption to the payment network — caused by technical malfunctions, cyberattacks or infrastructure problems — would have completely blocked the ability to pay by card, forcing customers to resort only to cash. With offline payments, the supply chain maintains a second digital payment option even in critical situations, ensuring that the system does not collapse for purely technical reasons.

This change directly affects those who buy in grocery stores, pharmacies and fuel distributors throughout the Swiss national territory. It is not a global novelty: Sweden has already adopted this solution, and other Northern European countries — Finland, Norway, Estonia — are introducing similar measures. Switzerland is positioned as the first Central European country to implement a solution widely shared among market players, demonstrating a rare capacity for public-private coordination in this context.

The role of the mission statement

The joint declaration of intent (joint commitment) is the central instrument of this transition. This is not a legislative provision but a voluntary commitment signed by banks, payment service providers and shops.

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Key points

How to prepare as a customer and merchant

For customers, the transition is almost invisible. No immediate action is required: current debit and credit cards remain fully valid. The only new element will be the availability of offline payment mode in stores that have implemented it, available as an automatic option when the terminal has no connection. No app to download, no new authentication procedures, no change in habits. The customer continues to use their physical card as always, and the system works even when the network is absent.

For merchants, the preparation phase is more intense. Card reading devices will need to be reconfigured to support offline mode. This does not require the purchase of new hardware — current devices can be updated — but rather a software update and a technical procedure coordinated with the payment service provider. The reconfiguration timing will be managed by the actors who signed the letter of intent, with the objective of completing the large-scale implementation by the end of 2027.

Infrastructure and operational continuity

A crucial element of the solution concerns the power supply to terminals. Even during an offline payment, the device must remain powered. Stores will need to evaluate:

1. Power continuity: Verify that electrical lines are stable and that there are no frequent interruptions that would compromise operation. 2. Energy backup: Prepare external batteries or portable generators as contingency in case of blackouts, ensuring that payments can continue even with loss of main power. 3. Coordination with provider: Agree on the timing and methods of terminal reconfiguration with your payment service provider.

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