Pillar 3a comparison 2026:

The best 3a providers in the test

In 2026, the maximum amount in pillar 3a will remain unchanged at CHF 7,258 for employees with a pension fund.

In addition, from 2025 onwards, you will even be able to fill any gaps in pillar 3a. retroactively into pillar 3a shoppingif you have paid in nothing or less for a year. This allows you to subsequently close future pension gaps from 2026 and thus save tax.

The equity risk is usually determined depending on your investment period and risk perception, as well as other factors.

Don't worry, the respective pillar 3a securities providers will support you in determining your investment strategy.

"Is there a pillar 3a securities comparison? The securities used are very similar among the providers. Furthermore, the investment strategy can usually be adapted and aligned with a focus (e.g. focus on Switzerland).

This pillar 3a comparison is limited to 3a custody accounts. To keep the test of pillar 3a funds comparatively clear, interest accounts are compared separately. 

Here is a contribution that clarifies whether a custody account, an account or even insurance can be useful for you.

The best place to take out a pillar 3a depends on your personal preferences, circumstances and goals. 

So first make clear exactly what you want with your pillar 3a and then which provider can best serve you.

The best pillar 3a solution that is best for everyone simply does not exist.

A 3a account is interest-bearing, while a securities solution invested in ETFs or funds. This offers higher potential returns, but also entails fluctuations. A traditional account, on the other hand, remains stable, but usually with lower interest income, which is generally lower than inflation.

A Cost-effective solution like pillar 3a are not available on the free market to the same extent, as only the third pillar offers tax advantages. Nevertheless, a Solution like pillar 3a (e.g. ETF portfolio with a robo advisor) if you want access to your money at all times.

That depends on your risk appetite. Those who invest their assets in 3a accounts for the long term often choose a higher Equity share in the Pillar 3a with ETF. If you have security needs, you can access more Bonds set. A good mix can vary depending on your life situation.

At Pillar 3a in comparison pay attention to the Interest rate and the fees. Many offers of a Cantonal Bank also enable fund investments (i.e. Pension fund) or 3a savings accounts. The best way to start is with "Compare interest rates and costs free of charge" on the banks' websites or Moneyland.ch to get a quick overview of the market.

VZ Vermögenszentrum charges around 0.68% management fee plus around 0.15% TER for the securities-linked pillar 3a, totalling around 0.83% total costs per year. This puts VZ well ahead of digital providers such as finpension, VIAC or neon (all below 0.45%). The added value of VZ is the personalised advice with physical locations. Those who actively use this can justify the higher costs. For pure 3a self-optimisers, digital providers are more cost-efficient.

Because sometimes asked, here is the link to the Raiffeisen Rio 3a test report and to the Vontobel Volt 3a test.

Yes, Kassensturz has tested various 3a providers. The results confirm what our Schwiizerfranke test also shows: digital providers such as finpension, Viac and Frankly perform significantly better than traditional bank products thanks to lower fees. As of December 2025.

For most investors, I recommend finpension (lowest fees at 0.39%) or Viac (best app and flexibility). Important: A pure 3a savings account is hardly worthwhile due to low interest rates – opt for a securities solution. In my test, opening an account with all the top providers took less than 10 minutes.