Twint: In der Schweiz nicht mehr wegzudenken.Bild: keystone
Switzerland’s leading payment app, Twint, announced on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, that it has surpassed six million active users, a milestone that underscores its growing dominance in the Swiss financial technology landscape.
17.02.2026, 06:5217.02.2026, 08:41
What began a decade ago as a venture facing skepticism has become a critical component of Switzerland’s digital infrastructure. The company reported that users completed 901 million transactions in the past year alone. This growth highlights the increasing shift towards digital payments in a country traditionally reliant on cash.
With a population of approximately nine million, Twint’s user base now represents over two-thirds of the Swiss population. “This strengthens Switzerland’s digital sovereignty and creates independence from global tech giants,” the company stated.
Slowing Growth Prompts Innovation
While user numbers continue to climb, the rate of growth is beginning to sluggish as the app reaches saturation within the Swiss market. The company is responding by focusing on new services to maintain momentum. Transaction volume also saw a slight deceleration in growth last year, despite reaching a new high.
2017 startete Twint mit 4 Millionen Transaktionen, 2025 waren es 901 Millionen.
Twint is now accepted as a payment method by 81% of brick-and-mortar stores and 86% of online shops in Switzerland. Usage has increased significantly since its launch; in 2017, the average user completed around ten transactions annually, a figure that rose to approximately 150 transactions per user in 2025.
The shift in transaction types is also notable. Commercial payments now account for 77% of all transactions, up from a previously larger proportion of free peer-to-peer transfers, indicating that more users are utilizing Twint for purchases in stores and online.
Competition Intensifies
Despite its success, Twint faces increasing competition from global players such as Apple, Google, Visa, and financial apps like Revolut. The company is also contending with the emergence of instant payment systems offered by traditional banks.
Future Innovations
To remain competitive, Twint is planning to expand its service offerings. The company intends to launch “Twint Direktlastschrift,” a paperless direct debit solution, in 2028 to replace the existing LSV+ system. We see also working to simplify QR code invoice payments, aiming for a “completely digital solution.”
“Especially in times of international turbulence, it is all the more important that Switzerland’s payment infrastructure remains independent,” said Twint CEO Markus Kilb. “Twint offers users and merchants in Switzerland a piece of digital sovereignty.”
The company is also advocating for greater access to technical interfaces for Swiss payment providers, referencing Apple’s continued reluctance to offer NFC functionality in Switzerland without fees. While the EU has mandated Apple to provide access to NFC technology, Twint believes it is currently at a disadvantage in Switzerland. The Swiss Competition Commission is currently investigating Apple’s practices in the country, and is also examining potential anti-competitive behavior by Swiss banks regarding Apple Pay and Samsung Pay. (oli)
