The Big Vested Benefits Account Comparison: Interest Rates and Custody Accounts 2026

A vested benefits account is a pension solution where you can temporarily park your pension fund assets while you are between jobs, becoming self-employed or leaving Switzerland. Which provider is right for you depends mainly on your investment horizon, interest rates and fees. In this vested benefits account comparison for Switzerland 2026, you’ll find the best vested benefits accounts and custody accounts in our test.

An overview of the best vested benefits accounts in 2026

Criteria	Finpension	Viac	Frankly	Descartes

💰 Account interest rate	0.00%	0.05%	0.01%	No account
💼 Custody account fees	0.49% flat rate	0,0-0,43%	0,43%	0.2–0.41 TP3T plus product costs
Opening fee	Free of charge	Free of charge	Free of charge	Free of charge
🏛️ Foundation Location	Schwyz (tax advantageous)	Basel	Zurich	Schwyz (tax advantageous)
⭐ Key strength	Up to 100% shares & 2 trusts	Best integration	Best app	Equilibrium approach
🔍 Special feature	Flexible investment strategies (20 to 100% shares)	Seamless integration with pillar 3a	User-friendly app	Depot solution only
🔗 To the provider	Read review	Read review	Read review	Read review

If you take a break between two jobs, you must transfer your pension fund assets to a vested benefits account. You can choose which one you want. When you leave your pension fund, you may also split your pension savings in the second pillar between up to two vested benefits accounts. This is particularly useful if you have more than CHF 100,000 in your pension savings and are unsure when the new pension fund will take over your capital.

To help you find the provider that suits you best, we have put together a vested benefits account comparison. Here you will find the best providers, as well as a comparison of accounts and custody accounts.

💡 Tip for balances over CHF 100,000

Vested benefits account	Up to CHF 100,000 per person is protected in the event of insolvency (2nd class of claims); no deposit guarantee
Vested benefits deposit	✅ Securities held in a custody account, such as shares and fund units, are excluded from the bankruptcy estate in the event of bankruptcy, regardless of their value
Suitable for	A balance of more than CHF 100,000 in an account

💡 Schwiizerfranke assessment: If your vested benefits balance exceeds CHF 100,000 in a single account, it may be worth splitting it between two providers. This spreads the risk and gives you greater flexibility when it comes to future withdrawals or transfers. Please note: splitting your balance is only possible when you leave the pension fund; an existing vested benefits balance cannot be split retrospectively.

What is a vested benefits account?

A vesting account is an account held with a vesting foundation where you can temporarily hold your pension fund assets whilst you are between jobs. Many vested benefits foundations also offer a custody account; the key factor is which type of vested benefits solution is suitable for you.

The reasons for this can vary, for example

A World trip
Registration of self-employment
Long-term unemployment
A move abroad

If you leave your pension fund and do not transfer directly to a new one, your balance must be transferred to a vested benefits scheme. If you do not provide your current pension fund with any payment instructions, it will transfer the money after 6 months at the earliest and 2 years at the latest to the BVG Substitute Pension Fund.

The Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung BVG acts as a safety net to ensure that no capital is lost. You can transfer your balance to a provider of your choice at any time, but you’ll need to sort this out yourself.

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Advantages of a vested benefits account vs. a vested benefits custody account?

There are three ways to hold your vested benefits: vested benefits account, vested benefits deposit and vested benefits policy.

The main difference lies in the type of provider and the return. A vested benefits account is offered by a vested benefits foundation, which is often set up by a bank. A vested benefits policy is an insurance solution, usually a premium-free life insurance policy with life cover. It is therefore offered by an insurance company. A vested benefits custody account is, in principle, the same as an account, but your balance is invested in securities.

What is suitable for whom? Account vs. custody account at a glance

If you have a short investment horizon or a foreseeable purpose for which you will need to withdraw the funds – such as buying a home, moving abroad or retirement – planning certainty is the main priority with a vested benefits account. If your balance is likely to remain untouched for many years, a vested benefits deposit account may be a more attractive option. The key factors are your investment horizon and the level of price volatility you can tolerate. You’ll find details on both in the next two sections.

Who is a vested benefits custody account suitable for?

Securities are generally a good option if you have a long-term investment horizon and won’t need the money over the next few years. This allows you to benefit from capital growth and means you’re under no pressure to sell in the event of short-term market fluctuations. This could be a good option, for example, if you’re taking early retirement and still have other sources of income.

Advantages of the vested benefits custody account:

Higher potential returns with a long-term investment horizon
Wide diversification of your investment portfolio
Flexible investment strategies with an equity allocation of 20 to 100%
However, price fluctuations are possible

Who is a vested benefits account suitable for?

If, on the other hand, you’re planning a year-long trip around the world or already know that you’ll be taking an early withdrawal to buy a home in the near future, then you’re generally better off with a savings account. Although you’ll earn hardly any interest on it, your capital will remain stable and won’t be exposed to market fluctuations.

Advantages of the vested benefits account:

Capital preservation excluding fluctuations in value (nominal, not adjusted for inflation)
No exchange rate risk when making a purchase; the full balance is available
Planning certainty for medium-term objectives
With banks, this is usually free of charge, whilst some apps charge a management fee (e.g. finpension 0.49%)

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How do you compare vested benefits accounts in Switzerland?

If you need a vested benefits account in Switzerland, you should pay attention to a few points when making your decision.

Important criteria when comparing vested benefits accounts

With an FZ account, you don’t receive a return as you would with a securities account, but you do receive interest. Whilst this is generally low, even 0.1% can make a difference if you have a large balance.

Another important point is the fees. Ideally, account management and closure should be free of charge. Check this with the apps too: finpension charges 0.49% on the account, whilst VIAC and frankly do not. The fees for an early withdrawal for home ownership can also vary considerably, but are almost always between CHF 200 and 500. You should also check for any costs associated with transfers or withdrawals to avoid unexpected charges later on.

If you’re looking for a vested benefits account, you should also check the <strongcosts associated with your investments. It’s worth comparing the interest rates and fees charged on vested benefits accounts before you close your vested benefits account and switch to a securities account.

Emigration plans? That's why the location of your vested benefits foundation is so important!

If you wish to have your vested benefits paid out only after you have moved abroad, the so-called withholding tax is not payable in your former canton of residence, but at the registered office of the vested benefits foundation. And there are significant differences here: some cantons, such as Schwyz or Zug, are known for their lower tax rates. So if you know that you will be moving abroad in the future and wish to have your balance paid out only then, you should specifically look for providers based in a canton with favourable tax rates. However, as long as you are registered as resident in Switzerland, your canton of residence will continue to determine your tax liability. So think early on about how long you’ll be staying in Switzerland and when you want to withdraw your capital; that way, you might be able to <strongsave a lot on tax.

🌍 The foundation’s location: important when emigrating

finpension	✅ Schwyz, favourable tax regime
Descartes	✅ Schwyz, favourable tax regime
VIAC	Basel
frankly	Zurich
Relevant to	Emigrants who only withdraw their savings after leaving the country

💡 Schwiizerfranke assessment: If you withdraw your vested benefits after moving abroad, withholding tax is levied at the foundation’s registered office, not in your former canton of residence. Schwyz and Zug have significantly lower rates than, for example, Zurich or Basel-Stadt. Depending on the amount withdrawn, this can amount to several thousand francs. As long as you live in Switzerland, it is your canton of residence that counts.

The best providers of vested benefits accounts and vested benefits custody accounts

Now that you know what you should look out for when choosing a vested benefits account or vested benefits custody account, you are ready for the vested benefits account comparison.

Here are our favourites:

finpension: finpension offers both an account and a custody account for your vested benefits. The management fee of 0.49% applies to both, including the current account. In return, you can invest up to 100% in shares and, upon leaving the pension fund, split your vested benefits between two finpension foundations.
VIAC: As well as a custody account for Pillar 3a, VIAC also offers a vested benefits account and custody account. The account is free of charge and bears interest at 0.05%; for the custody account, you pay between 0 and 0.43%.
frankly: With frankly, too, you can choose between an account and a securities account. The current account is free of charge and earns interest at 0.01%, whilst the investment account costs 0.43% as an all-in fee.
Descartes: Descartes does not offer a flexible savings account, but only a custody account. The management fee varies depending on the investment model 0.2 to 0.4%. Added to this are the product costs of the funds used, meaning that the total costs are higher than those of the other three providers.

What is the interest on vested benefits accounts?

You can combine a vested benefits account with a regular Savings account Compare them – simply for your pension savings, rather than your personal funds. You’ll earn interest on these savings. Our overview of the Current interest rates on vested benefits accounts.

Current interest rates for vested benefits accounts

Since the SNB cut its key interest rate to 0% in June 2025, interest rates on many vested benefits accounts have also been very low. According to our overview, most major banks pay between 0.00% and 0.05%, the best offers are available until 0.5%. Among digital providers, VIAC currently stands at 0.05%, frankly at 0.01% and finpension at 0.00%; in the case of finpension, a management fee of 0.49% is also deducted.

If you have a longer investment horizon and won’t need your vested benefits for a while, you’ll usually achieve a significantly higher return by holding them in a custody account. All the providers mentioned above offer low flat-rate fees for this. Particularly if you have a longer investment horizon, it is therefore worth looking at vested benefits custody accounts as well as comparing interest rates.

How does interest affect my vested benefits balance?

The interest earns you a small return on your vested benefits balance. For example, if your balance is CHF 100,000 and you receive 0.05% interest, you will have CHF 50 more after one year. At 0.5%, it would be CHF 500.

What looks like a return at first glance is, in reality, often a negative return. Between 2022 and 2024, inflation in Switzerland was well above the interest rates on savings accounts, and even when inflation is low, fees often mean there is nothing left. As a result, the purchasing power of your balance in the account gradually diminishes.

Calculation example: Account vs. custody account over 10 years

Let’s say you have CHF 100,000 in vested benefits and leave them untouched for 10 years. In an account with an interest rate of 0.05%, this would amount to around CHF 100,500 after 10 years. In a portfolio with 60% shares and a net return of 3% after fees, it would be around CHF 134,000, and with 100% shares and a net return of 5%, it would be around CHF 163,000. However, the value of the investment portfolio fluctuates over time; in a bad year, it could fall by 20% or more. This example is a model calculation based on assumed returns; it is not a forecast.

Tips for maximising the return on my vested benefits account

If you want to achieve the best possible return on your vested benefits, a custody account solution is your best option in the long term.

With all of the providers listed above, you can choose a strategy that suits your risk profile. For example, if you only want to invest for the medium term and might need the money back in 3 to 5 years’ time, you can opt for a strategy with a low equity allocation.

finpension, for example, offers an equity allocation of between 20 and 100%. The rule is: the higher the equity allocation, the higher the potential return, but also the greater the potential for price fluctuations. So if you want as much security as possible, you should opt for a low equity allocation.

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We have compiled our top selection for you from all our tests and experience reports:

How do you open a vested benefits account?

If you want to open a vested benefits account or portfolio, it’s really easy with the providers featured here. Perhaps you already have your Pillar 3a set up with one of these apps; if so, you can usually add the vested benefits account in just a few clicks.

If not, you can simply download the relevant app and create an account. The process is quick and straightforward. You’ll definitely need your ID or passport and your AHV number, so please have these to hand.

This is how you go about opening an account with finpension, VIAC or frankly:

Choose an account or investment account: In the app, you can choose between a cash account or an investment strategy that includes shares. You can change this at any time later on.
Get started: Register using your mobile number, ID or passport, and your AHV number. It takes just a few minutes; no need to visit a bank.
Fill in the transfer form: Download the form from the app and send it to your current pension fund or your previous vested benefits provider.
Wait for the transfer: The pension fund will transfer the funds directly to the new vested benefits foundation. You will be notified as soon as the money has been received.

When and how can I have my vested benefits paid out?

Are you joining another one? Pension Fund In this case, you must transfer your existing vested benefits to the new pension scheme. This applies to the entire amount, even if it is held in several vested benefits accounts. As an employee, you are required to join a pension fund if your annual salary exceeds the BVG entry threshold of CHF 22,680 (As at 2026).

You can normally withdraw your vested benefits no earlier than 5 years before and no later than 5 years after the reference age of 65. From 2030 onwards, you will only be able to defer withdrawal beyond the age of 65 if you remain in employment. A transitional period applies until the end of 2029. Early withdrawal is possible if you use your balance for the Purchase of residential property use, yourself independent do or emigrated. If you move to an EU or EFTA country where you remain compulsorily insured, you can only receive the supplementary pension.

Please note that such an early withdrawal often incurs fees of between CHF 200 and 500. In addition, your balance is taxed separately at a reduced rate when withdrawn; the exact rates depend on your canton of residence or, if you withdraw from abroad, on the foundation’s registered office. In the event of disability or death, the capital also becomes due. Find out in good time to avoid unpleasant surprises when transferring or withdrawing.

Conclusion on the vested benefits account comparison

With a vested benefits account, you have the freedom to decide how your capital from the 2nd pillar should be held or invested in the meantime. If you keep your funds in an account, you’ll receive a very low rate of interest, but in return you’ll have the certainty that your balance won’t fall into the red due to market fluctuations.

Another option is a vested benefits custody account, where your funds are invested in securities. Particularly if you do not need the money for several years or decades, you may be able to earn several thousand francs more in returns than if you left it in an account.

In any case, when choosing a provider, you should ensure that the account is, where possible, free of charge and that the fees for the custody account are low and transparent. This will help you find the best vested benefits account for your needs and enable you to benefit from the best possible terms in the long term.

After all, you only need to close your vested benefits account once you wish to transfer your balance into your next pension scheme or withdraw it permanently. During the term of the account, you pay neither wealth tax nor income tax on the balance. Make sure you are aware of how your withdrawal will be taxed and how your vested benefits will be treated when you leave Switzerland, so that you can retain as much of your pension capital as possible.

FAQ

Can I have several vested benefits accounts?

Yes, but no more than two. When you leave the pension fund, you may split your vested benefits between two different vested benefits foundations, but not between two accounts with the same foundation. It is not possible to split an existing balance retrospectively. Having two accounts is particularly worthwhile for balances over CHF 100,000: the bankruptcy privilege applies up to CHF 100,000 per person and per fund, and you can then withdraw the funds in two separate years, thereby avoiding the tax progression.

When do I have to open a vested benefits account?

As soon as you leave your pension fund and do not join a new one straight away – for example, if you are taking a break from work, are unemployed, become self-employed, move abroad, or if your salary falls below the BVG entry threshold of CHF 22,680. Without your payment instructions, your old pension fund will transfer the money to the BVG Substitute Pension Fund at the earliest after 6 months and at the latest after 2 years.

Can I pay money into my vested benefits account?

No. Only capital from the 2nd pillar – that is, from a pension fund or another vested benefits foundation – is transferred into a vested benefits account. Voluntary contributions are not permitted; this is how it differs from the 3a pillar.

What tax advantages does a vested benefits account offer?

During the term of the account, you pay neither income tax nor capital gains tax on the balance or the interest, nor do you need to declare the account on your tax return. Tax is only payable when you withdraw funds, separately from your other income and at a reduced rate. If you make a withdrawal after moving abroad, the location of the foundation’s registered office applies, not your former canton of residence.

Can I convert a vested benefits account into a vested benefits custody account?

Yes, with finpension, VIAC and, frankly, at any time via the app, without having to switch providers. With banks, you usually have to buy the bank’s pension funds or switch to another pension fund. It also works the other way round: if you’re planning to make a withdrawal, you can transfer funds back from your investment account to your current account.

UBS Vested Benefits Account: What are people’s experiences? Interest rates and fees?

Interest rate 0.01% (as at June 2026), account maintenance fee CHF 3 per month, i.e. CHF 36 per year, early withdrawal for home ownership CHF 300. Investment account with UBS pension funds available. With an interest rate of 0.01% and a fee of CHF 36, the account is a money-losing proposition from the very first franc. You can find the current terms and conditions of all providers in our overview of Interest on vested benefits accounts.

Raiffeisen vested benefits account - a good choice?

Interest rate 0.05%, free account management, early withdrawal for home ownership CHF 250. Withdrawals are subject to a 31-day notice period. A custody account is available with Raiffeisen pension funds, though subject to an issue commission of 0.75% on the first CHF 100,000. It’s a solid option for short-term parking; for investments, the apps mentioned above offer better value.

PostFinance vested benefits account - how does it perform?

Interest rate 0.00%, account maintenance fee CHF 9 per quarter, i.e. CHF 36 per year, early withdrawal for home ownership CHF 400. Pension fund with no issue or custody fees. With no interest and an account maintenance fee, this account is one of the more expensive options for keeping money idle. You can find the current terms and conditions of all providers in the comparison table above.

Swiss Life Vested Benefits Account: what does Swiss Life offer?

Swiss Life offers a vested benefits account and a vested benefits custody account. The interest rate on the account is 0.0%; there are no account management fees. The portfolio costs 0.2% per quarter, i.e. 0.8% per year, plus an issue commission of 1.2 to 1.8% when purchasing BVG Mix investment funds. In addition, there are vested benefits policies offering risk cover. The foundation is based in Zurich.

ZKB Vested Benefits Account: Interest and charges?

Interest rate 0.01%; no fees for opening, maintaining or closing an account; early withdrawal for home ownership: CHF 200. For a securities account, ZKB refers users to its ‘frankly’ app, which we have included in the comparison above. The foundation is based in Zurich.

The Big Vested Benefits Account Comparison: Interest Rates and Custody Accounts 2026

Table of contents

An overview of the best vested benefits accounts in 2026

What is a vested benefits account?

Top recommendations for 2026

Advantages of a vested benefits account vs. a vested benefits custody account?

What is suitable for whom? Account vs. custody account at a glance

Who is a vested benefits custody account suitable for?

Who is a vested benefits account suitable for?

Our financial tips for 2026

How do you compare vested benefits accounts in Switzerland?

Important criteria when comparing vested benefits accounts

Emigration plans? That's why the location of your vested benefits foundation is so important!

The best providers of vested benefits accounts and vested benefits custody accounts

What is the interest on vested benefits accounts?

Current interest rates for vested benefits accounts

How does interest affect my vested benefits balance?

Calculation example: Account vs. custody account over 10 years

Tips for maximising the return on my vested benefits account

Our financial tips for 2026

How do you open a vested benefits account?

When and how can I have my vested benefits paid out?

Conclusion on the vested benefits account comparison

FAQ