Question 1

Which Pillar 3a providers are there in Switzerland?

Accepted Answer

In Switzerland, numerous banks (e.g. UBS, ZKB, Raiffeisen, Migros Bank), insurers (e.g. Swiss Life, AXA, Helvetia, Zurich) and digital pension providers (e.g. VIAC, Frankly, finpension, Yuh) offer their own 3a solutions . Each category comes with its own fee and benefit structures.

Question 2

What are the differences between bank, insurance and pension app?

Accepted Answer

Banks offer interest accounts and securities solutions with established advisory and branch networks, often combined with further pension services. An Insurance solution combines pension with risk protection (death or disability), offers guarantees and is designed for a long-term contract duration. Specialised Pension apps focus on securities solutions with digital processing and free choice of strategy. Each provider type fits different needs.

Question 3

How high are typical fees at a Pillar 3a provider?

Accepted Answer

The fees vary greatly by provider and investment solution. Digital pension providers are often cheaper than classic bank funds; insurance solutions additionally contain costs for the risk protection and are harder to compare in total costs. With securities solutions, the TER is above all an important cost factor. Anyone who chooses the cheaper option among active funds, passive index funds and ETFs can achieve a considerably higher final capital over the years.

Question 4

What is the TER in Pillar 3a?

Accepted Answer

TER stands for Total Expense Ratio. It is the annual total cost burden as a percentage of the invested assets, including administration, distribution and custody fees. With Pillar 3a, the TER acts over decades: even a difference of a few tenths of a percent per year can strongly influence the final capital over the entire term.

Question 5

How do I switch the Pillar 3a provider?

Accepted Answer

The switch runs via a transfer confirmation at the new provider; this provider contacts the previous one and handles the transfer directly. With bank and securities solutions this is mostly straightforward. With insurance solutions , surrender values can lie below the contribution amount, which is why a check before the switch is important.

Question 6

Does a Pillar 3a with an insurer make sense?

Accepted Answer

An Insurance solution combines pension with risk protection (death or disability) and is suitable above all for persons who want to combine both in one contract. Equally possible is a separate solution with a bank or securities solution and a separate risk life insurance. Disadvantageous are often higher total costs and contract bindings; since part of the premium is used for the insurance protection, this amount is not available for asset building.

Question 7

How can I have an old 3a policy checked?

Accepted Answer

A check of the old 3a policy shows the surrender value, cost structure, guaranteed benefits and possible alternatives. From this it becomes clear whether a switch is advantageous or the existing policy is better kept. Compando offers such a position determination.

Question 8

How secure is Pillar 3a in case of provider insolvency?

Accepted Answer

3a balances are generally held via an independent pension foundation and managed separately from the provider's other assets. These foundations are under the supervision of the responsible BVG and Foundation Supervision as well as the Supervisory Commission for Occupational Pensions (OAK BV). If a provider gets into difficulties, the pension assets remain unaffected and can be transferred to another foundation.

Question 9

Is switching the 3a provider worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

A switch can pay off above all with high fees, a long remaining term or better investment options . With insurance policies , the surrender value should be checked beforehand, as penalty fees are possible.

Question 10

Are multiple 3a accounts with different providers worthwhile?

Accepted Answer

Multiple 3a accounts help to stagger the withdrawals over several tax years and thus reduce the capital benefit tax, which is progressive in most cantons. A Splitting across different providers is not mandatory for this; several accounts already suffice. How much it pays off depends on the balance and tax situation.

Question 11

How often do Swiss banks change the 3a interest rates?

Accepted Answer

3a savings interest rates are set by the providers themselves and can change at any time. They mostly lie somewhat above classic savings accounts but differ significantly from provider to provider. Anyone holding their 3a balance in an interest account best compares the interest regularly.

Question 12

What is the difference between a 3a savings account and a 3a pension fund?

Accepted Answer

A 3a savings account pays interest on the balance without value fluctuations. A 3a pension fund invests in securities and is subject to price fluctuations. Over a long investment horizon, there is in return higher return potential than with a savings account.

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