Category: FAQ

How to declare Lunch-Check in the salary statement correctly?

Contributions of Lunch-Check do not form part of the salary. Up to an amount of 180 francs per month and employee (updated 1.1.2010), any contribution to the cost of meals of this kind does not have to be declared as salary. Contributions of Lunch-Check nevertheless appear on the salary statement. As do contributions of Lunch-Check over 180 francs, with and without the employer’s share.

Depending on how high the employer contribution is, contributions of Lunch-Check are to be declared as follows:

Example 1:
Lunch-Check up to CHF 180 per month issued free of charge.
The amount of CHF 180 is not exceeded. Only field G (canteen meals / Lunch-Checks) must be crossed.

Example 2:
Lunch-Check issued in the amount of CHF 300 per month at half price (i.e. the employee pays CHF 150).
The employer contribution of CHF 180 is not exceeded. Only field G (canteen meals / Lunch-Checks) must be crossed.

Example 3:
Lunch-Check issued in the amount of CHF 240 per month free of charge.
Disclose difference of CHF 60 (CHF 720 p.a.) as taxable amount (item 2.1) and place a cross in field G (canteen meals / Lunch-Checks).

Can additional credit be loaded onto the card?

The “Load private credit” function is available free of charge. This makes it even easier to manage your meal budget with the Lunch-Check prepaid card.

The prepaid card can only be topped up on www.lunch-check.ch/charging, in the Lunch-Check App or in the customer center at mylunchcheck.ch using a credit card or Post Bank card.

  • Private top-ups are not subsidised and must be paid in full by the cardholder.
  • The top-up sum can be paid online by Visa, Mastercard or Post Bank card.
  • Once the amount is loaded onto the card it can no longer be paid out in cash or refunded.

How to top up your card

  • Log on to your account in the Lunch-Check App or in the customer center at mylunchcheck.ch.
  • Select the card you want to top up and click on “Load credit”.
  • Enter the amount to be loaded and confirm with “Pay online” (minimum amount: CHF 10.00, but the maximum limit of CHF 3,000 must not be exceeded).
  • Select your means of payment and follow the payment processing steps. Once the top-up has been successful, a confirmation will be sent to the registered email address.

Can paper Lunch-Checks still be used?

We are required by the Swiss Anti-Money Laundering Act to discontinue the use of paper Lunch-Checks as a form of payment with effect from 31 December 2022.

Up to 31 December 2022
Paper Lunch-Checks can still be accepted.

From 1 January 2023
Paper Lunch-Checks may no longer be accepted.
Guests can exchange the paper Lunch-Checks for a Lunch-Check card.

Up to 31 January 2023
All paper Lunch-Checks accepted in payment must be returned to us.
After this date, guests may still exchange their paper Checks for Lunch-Check cards.

Request a Lunch-Check card:
Anyone with a paper Lunch-Check should contact us directly on 044 202 02 08 or contact Lunch-Check at card@lunch-check.ch.

Can paper Lunch-Checks be loaded onto the card?

Yes. To do this, the paper Lunch-Checks must be sent to the Zurich office by registered mail, stating the card number, name and address.

If you don’t already have a card, we also need your date of birth so that we can issue you a personal card (charges apply).

The paper Lunch-Checks can also be exchanged at the counter during opening hours.

Where can I pay with Lunch-Check?

The Lunch-Check Card is valid in affiliated restaurants – see the Restaurant List. The card can be used via contactless, chip and magnetic strip interfaces on all registered card readers.
The Lunch-Check gift card can be used without restriction in all participating restaurants by means of the magnetic strip.

Does your favourite restaurant not yet accept Lunch-Check? Tell us the details of the restaurant with the contact form.

Corona-Update:
Delivery services can be displayed in the Restaurant List with the filter «Type». Online shops can be displayed with the filter «Pay with».
Due to the current situation, many restaurants offer exceptional take-away or delivery services. Please check directly on their website or call the restaurant to find out whether a corresponding service is offered.

What does the Lunch-Check Card cost?

The first card for each employee is free of charge and incurs no annual fees. To qualify, your company must agree to pay its staff meal subsidies through Swiss Lunch-Check for at least 18 months. For shorter terms of use, the cost of the card and its first-time issue will be invoiced to the company. Fees will only be charged for replacement cards and additional services.

What happens if I lose my card?

In the event of loss, the card can immediately be blocked in the Lunch-Check App, online at mylunchcheck.ch customer center or via the hotline on 0848 202 848.

If the card is found again, it can be unblocked during office hours at the Lunch-Check offices.

In case of loss or defect, a replacement card can be requested online at mylunchcheck.ch, via the hotline or via the Lunch-Check office.

What advantages do I have as an employer?

  • Exempt from all social security contributions up to the statutory ceiling of CHF 180 per employee per month
  • No costs for a catering infrastructure – the ideal alternative to the staff restaurant
  • The best and easiest solution for managing staff credit balances, which can also be customised if required
  • Standardised, fair system for all employees, no matter where or how many hours they work
  • Credit can only be used for its designated purpose of paying for meals
  • Promotes healthy eating by providing everything necessary for staff to take a proper break

What advantages does the cardholder have?

  • Over 9,000 restaurants to choose from throughout Switzerland. All acceptance points can be found in our app for iOS and Android or in the online Restaurant List
  • Income-tax-free up to the statutory ceiling
  • The precise payment amounts are debited from the account with the card
  • The Lunch-Check contributions are a fringe benefit provided by the employer