A woman pays for an item with her credit card on her phone
16.11.2021

Debit cards. Mr. Price negotiated a reduction in the cost of use in favor of merchants. Here are the reasons for this agreement.

Launched in response to the impact of the Coronavirus on online shopping, debit cards were quickly criticized for the rates applied to merchants offering this payment solution to their customers. An agreement with the suppliers was recently reached.

 

Let's take a step back. 

One fine day, we realize that a virus called Covid-19 will have a lasting impact on our lives. This was followed by the beginning of a pandemic that led to social distancing measures and lockdowns.

Telecommuting is becoming recommended or even mandatory. We meet at home and our purchasing acts are rapidly evolving towards online purchases.

The only problem for those who don't have a credit card is that it's impossible to make these purchases. At the same time, this has a negative impact on merchants' turnover, both in physical points of sale and on online sales platforms.

The reaction of credit card players? 

Visa and Mastercard react and identify a business opportunity by launching new debit cards.

The difference between the various cards is explained by Worldline:

Debit cardsDebit cards are characterized by the immediate withdrawal of the amount from the bank account (pay now).

Credit cardsThe essential feature of  a credit card is  that the amount is withdrawn from the bank account at a later date. The amount of the purchase is not debited directly from the bank account, it is the bank that pays first. The total amount of all payments made with the credit card is debited monthly (pay later). Credit cards often include travel insurance.
Prepaid cardsA prepaid card is reloaded with a sum of money before it is used and is then used for payment until the amount is used up. The process can of course be repeated as often as you like.

 

Promises.

Increased security for merchants and users. An internationally accepted payment method. A solution for online and on-site purchases. Finally, the fact that you can link these cards to apps such as Google Pay, Samsung Pay or Apple Pay.

Are there also advantages for the retailer?

Yes, but...

Offering an additional payment method offers an undeniable advantage. But at what cost?

When the cards were launched, 10 cents were deducted as well as a rate of the purchase amount. 0.49% for Mastercard and 0.96% for Visa. It doesn't sound like much, but the fees could quickly add up depending on the total spent. 

 

Are they all in the same boat?

Not really. Major retailers such as Coop and Migros are in a position to negotiate the applicable rates.

Of course, this is not the case for small retailers with only one point of sale. However, it is the latter that has the least leeway when it comes to its cash flow.

 

The crank return.

It didn't take long for voices to be raised. First, the small traders and then the politicians. National Councillor Jacqueline de Quattro was the one who called on the Federal Council to consider that the communication of debit card issuers was out of step with reality. In particular, the fact of having misinformed users was criticized.

 

The Federal Council is getting involved.

The Federal Council therefore decided to request the intervention of the Price Supervisory Office. As a veritable institution in this field, previous actions have made it possible to save the Swiss hundreds of millions of francs.

 

Mr. Price negotiates.

Thanks to negotiations with the main players, an  amicable agreement was reached in order to reduce the rates concerned and thus reduce the cost for the merchant, or even for the customer, the latter not being the victim of a proportional price increase.

 

Purchases and projects.

As a key player in the credit sector, the Milenia financing platform is committed to providing information on all subjects that may impact your purchasing power. Credit cards, debit cards, loans, personal loans, banking terms... Everything you need to know to make the best decisions so that your purchases and projects are carried out within your means and budget.

Its team of advisors will also be able to guide you through the process of applying for credit. We invite you to visit our platform so that you can simulate your amount, the duration and the best applicable rate. 

Confidently, simply and quickly.

 

Speaking of credit cards.

A credit card offered at advantageous conditions? 

This is possible thanks to the partnership between Milenia and Bonus Card. The advantages offered are numerous: discounts with the biggest brands in Switzerland, a bonus program redeemable in shops, promotional offers, discounts of up to 25% for your nights in a hotel or when renting a vehicle... In addition, there is legal protection, travel insurance, cancellation of reservations, emergency services, goods delivery insurance, etc. 

Isn't that enough? Thanks to the agreement with Milenia, you get a free credit of CHF 40 and you don't pay anything for your first year of contributions.

Convinced? Contact us to take advantage of this offer. Not a Milenia customer yet? Don't worry, it's a gift all the same!
Shall we try?

 

 

 



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When you want to finance a project, there are various solutions available to you. Credit is a relatively simple financing tool, quick to execute and with a light administrative burden.

For further clarification, a credit is also called consumer credit, personal loan, loan, private loan, etc. This is a loan of a sum of money by a creditor to you, the debtor. The amount in question must be reimbursed within a time limit agreed between the parties. An interest rate is calculated in addition to the principal to be repaid in order to remunerate the services of the creditor, a bank in most cases.

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Financing platforms such as Milenia are used to offer the best rates on the market and to support you in your efforts. You don't pay anything for this service; The remuneration of these platforms is ensured within the framework of the agreements with the partner banks.

 

Before you compare, ask yourself two questions.

Is credit the right solution for my project?

Am I eligible?

The first question has the merit of judging the relevance and usefulness of your approach. As a responsible service provider, we put your interests at the heart of our attention. Over-indebtedness must be avoided at all costs and your loan must bring real added value and not represent a debt that is difficult to overcome.

Can your project be scaled back? Does your cash flow simply allow you to avoid taking out a loan? Is it the right time?

These are all useful questions that allow you to judge whether or not you need to move forward.

The second question is also important.

Your advisor will be able to support you in this reflection, but you can already eliminate some doubts:

Am I domiciled in Switzerland? If not, you will not be eligible.

Am I of legal age? If not, you will not be eligible.

Am I involved in an action filed in the debt collection? If this is the case, you will not be eligible.

 

One egg, one basket.

If you want to continue with a credit application, don't rush!

Above all, do not file multiple applications with different providers or banks.

Each request is logged and will block your access to a favorable response.

Compare, choose your financial partner wisely and, if the conditions are met, draw up your file with them.

To make a fair choice, take advantage of the service offered by a financing platform. It's online and it's easy.

 

Compare what, exactly?

The quality, the network, the accessibility and, of course, the conditions.

By quality, we mean the clarity of the information provided and the transparency of the platform. 

Are there testimonials from satisfied customers? Is there an independent quality body involved, such as Proven Expert? Is the team running the company clearly displayed? Is the company based in Switzerland?

As far as  the network is concerned, the quality and scope of the network will determine the quality of the offers offered to you. Check the partners page or search for published articles or the platform's blog if it exists. 

It is preferable to do business with a major player in the market that has serious, even exclusive, partnerships with recognized banks.

Accessibility. An online solution is often less time-consuming and just as relevant as if you went to an agency. However, it will be necessary to speak with an expert, go through your file in person and have live advice. 

Be sure that you will be able to access this service.

Lately, the conditions. The rates displayed on the various platforms are often similar. There are criteria to be met, however, and these often make the difference.

First of all, the process until you sign the loan agreement must be completely free of charge! Whether you visit a credit comparison platform or a financing platform, run away if you are asked for a single franc for so-called administrative or processing costs.

Secondly, do not sign anything when you are in a comparative or information-seeking process. Your file must first be well completed and analysed and it is only when you make a credit proposal following the acceptance of your application that you will have the opportunity to sign or not.

Finally, a 0.10% lower rate does not necessarily mean a good deal. All of this must be considered. The quality of your relationship with your advisor, the seriousness shown when drawing up your request, the choice of partners... Confidence and peace of mind knowing that you are in good hands is far more important than a tiny spread in the rate offered.

 

Do you have any questions?

We invite you to inquire via Milenia. You will have the opportunity to simulate your credit, learn about our solutions, get to know our team, ask your questions, browse through our customer testimonials and discover our articles on our blog.

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Loan illustration: loan of CHF 10'000. Effective annual interests rates between 4.9% and 10.95% over a 12 month period lead to total interests of between CHF 261.80 and CHF 615.20. Duration: 6-120 months; Maximum annual interest rate (including all loan handling costs) 10.95%. Loans approval are prohibited if they lead to excess debt for the consumer. (Art. 3 LCD)

 

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