Supermarket gift cards in Switzerland: which ones exist and how long are they valid?
Every major Swiss retailer offers a gift card. At Migros, Denner, Aldi Suisse and Lidl the balance only expires after 5 years of non-use, while Coop cards expire just 36 months after purchase or reload. Amounts range from a few francs up to CHF 1'000 and beyond, and almost all cards come in both digital and physical form.
As of June 2026. A supermarket gift card is arguably the most honest present in Switzerland: the recipient buys exactly what they already need. This guide ranks the cards from the big chains neutrally, because Rappn has no commercial agreement with any retailer. Every figure comes from the providers' own gift-card pages (geschenkkarte.migros.ch, coop.ch, denner.ch, aldi-suisse.ch and lidl-giftcards.ch) and was checked in this session. Note that Aligro, a cash-and-carry wholesaler, and Otto's do not offer a comparable general grocery gift card for private customers, so we focus on the five chains that run a real gift-card programme.
Which supermarket gift cards exist in Switzerland and what do they cost?
Most programmes work the same way: you pick a fixed value or a freely chosen amount, the card is activated at purchase, and the balance is spent at the till like cash. The table below summarises the key facts. Where a value differs by channel (online versus in store), that is noted.
| Chain | Amounts | Validity | Digital and physical? | Usable at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Migros | Standard CHF 10 / 20 / 50 / 100 / 200, plus freely selectable | 5 years, automatically extended by each purchase or reload | Yes (digital card as PDF, instant, can be loaded into the Migros app) | Migros, Klubschule, Ex Libris, Migrol, most Migros restaurants |
| Coop | CHF 10 to 1'000 (in 5-centime steps) | Balance expires 36 months after purchase or reload | Yes | Coop Group outlets |
| Denner | CHF 10 / 20 / 50, plus freely selectable | 5 years, no expiry with regular use | Yes | Denner stores only |
| Aldi Suisse | Variable, CHF 10 to 2'500 | 5 years | Card, reloadable online | Aldi Suisse branches only (not the online shop) |
| Lidl Switzerland | Online CHF 20 to 500, in store CHF 5 to 3'000 | 5 years from activation | Yes (PDF or barcode on your phone) | Lidl Switzerland stores |
Sources per row: Migros (geschenkkarte.migros.ch, support.migros.ch), Coop (coop.ch gift-card FAQ and geschenkkarte.coop.ch), Denner (denner.ch), Aldi Suisse (aldi-suisse.ch) and Lidl Switzerland (lidl-giftcards.ch). Exact maximum amounts and step sizes can change, so check the current provider page before a larger purchase.
Do gift cards expire, and what should I watch when reloading?
The biggest difference is validity. Migros, Denner, Aldi Suisse and Lidl give the balance five years, and at Migros that clock resets by a further five years with every purchase or reload. Coop is much shorter at 36 months from purchase or reload, which is where most cards quietly expire. Practical tip: if you receive a Coop card, use it sooner rather than later, or deliberately top it up with a small reload to refresh the deadline.
Reload limits differ too: Coop allows a reload at the till up to CHF 1'000 (online via Coop@home up to CHF 300). Denner allows reloads up to the printed value or a maximum of CHF 3'000. A cash payout of the remaining balance is excluded at most chains, so the credit stays on the card until it is spent. Check the current balance via each chain's online balance-check tool, at any till, or, for Migros, in the app.
Before you load or gift a card, it is worth checking the actual weekly prices. Rappn compares more than 10,000 offers from over 3,000 supermarkets, neutrally and 100 percent free, so you can see which store has your planned basket cheapest this week before you spend the balance.
Digital or physical, and how do I use a gift card smartly?
Almost every chain offers both formats. Digital cards (PDF or barcode) are ideal as a last-minute gift because the credit is available immediately, and at Migros the digital card can be loaded straight into the app. Physical cards often feel more personal as a present. The smart move is to use the card for the chain that best fits your basket anyway: Migros and Coop for the full range including fresh produce, the discounters Aldi Suisse, Lidl and Denner for cheap staples and own brands. Which chain leads in which category changes constantly, and that is exactly what Rappn makes visible.
See it live in Rappn: open Rappn, add your planned products to the comparison list, and see per category which of the seven retailers (Migros, Coop, Aldi, Lidl, Denner, Aligro, Otto's) is cheapest this week before you spend your gift-card balance. Open the price comparison or download the app from the App Store and Google Play.
Sources checked: .
A gift card spends further when you buy where it is cheapest. Rappn shows live offers, loyalty cards and your list in one screen. Tap the tabs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do supermarket gift cards expire in Switzerland?
At Migros, Denner, Aldi Suisse and Lidl the balance only expires five years after the last use, and at Migros that period extends with every purchase or reload. Coop is shorter at 36 months from purchase or reload. As of June 2026, source: each chain's own gift-card pages.
What amounts are available for Migros and Coop gift cards?
Migros offers standard values of CHF 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 plus a freely selectable amount. Coop gift cards range from CHF 10 to 1'000 in 5-centime steps. Source: geschenkkarte.migros.ch and coop.ch.
Can I reload a gift card?
Yes. Coop allows a reload at the till up to CHF 1'000 (online via Coop@home up to CHF 300), Denner up to the printed value or a maximum of CHF 3'000, and Aldi Suisse is also reloadable. Source: coop.ch, denner.ch, aldi-suisse.ch.
Are the gift cards available digitally?
Yes. Migros, Coop, Denner and Lidl offer digital cards as a PDF or barcode that is available immediately. At Migros the card can also be loaded into the Migros app. Aldi Suisse focuses on the physical, reloadable card.
Where can I check my gift-card balance?
Via each chain's online balance-check tool (enter the card number and PIN), at any till, or, for Migros, in the app. A cash payout of the remaining balance is excluded at most chains.
Which chain should I gift?
It depends on the recipient's basket; no chain is cheapest across the board. Migros and Coop cover the full range, while Aldi Suisse, Lidl and Denner stand out for cheap staples. In Rappn you can see neutrally which retailer leads per category this week.