Best pillar 3a 2026: how to find the right solution

Best pillar 3a with an account, for careful savers

The classic 3a savings account is the simplest form of pillar 3a. It suits anyone who prefers security and stability. Advantages: your balance enjoys privileged protection up to CHF 100'000 per bank. You benefit from a fixed interest rate and generally pay no fees. Contributions are also tax-deductible.

The best 3a accounts by interest rate

As of 8 July 2026, interest rates range between 0.00 % and 1.00 %; the median across all 106 accounts is 0.20 %. Interest is therefore often below inflation, so the purchasing power of your pension assets falls over the long term.

The highest interest rate as of 8 July 2026 is offered by Caisse d'Epargne d'Aubonne at 1.00 % and Caisse d'Epargne de Nyon at 0.85 %, but only for customers from the region. Without regional restriction, Pilla, Crédit Agricole next bank and Hypo Vorarlberg (Switzerland) lead with 0.65 % each.

Best pillar 3a with funds, for return optimisers

Anyone who wants to get more out of their pillar 3a invests in pillar 3a funds with equities. Instead of just leaving the money in a 3a account, it can also be invested in funds and ETFs. That opens up considerably higher return potential over the long term — but also comes with price fluctuations.

Important: in pillar 3a, trading individual shares is not permitted. Pension money must be invested in diversified funds or investment strategies from banks and other providers.

What to consider with 3a pension funds

When investing in securities, your money is invested in equities, bonds or ETFs. Over the long term, considerably higher returns can be achieved than with the interest on a classic 3a account.

As a rule: the higher the equity share in a 3a fund, the greater the return potential, but also the fluctuations. Investing in a 3a fund is particularly interesting for people with a long investment horizon who can tolerate price fluctuations. Digital providers such as VIAC, finpension and frankly make it possible to invest with low fees and broad diversification.

Criteria for comparing the best pillar 3a

Choosing the right 3a solution depends heavily on your personal situation. Classic 3a accounts offer a safe solution with a guaranteed interest rate. Fund-based 3a solutions offer more return potential. Depending on your risk appetite, you can choose a fund or investment strategy with a lower or higher equity share.

The most important step: compare providers regularly. The differences in interest rates, costs and performance can add up to several thousand francs over the years.

Truly independent comparisons of 3a accounts and funds

Not every comparison is neutral. In their own comparisons, providers naturally promote their own products, and on some comparison portals paid partnerships influence which offers appear first. Evaluno shows all providers by the same measurable criteria — regardless of whether a partnership exists. How the rankings are created is disclosed in our methodology.

Pillar 3a with insurance? Usually the most expensive option

Insurers often sell pillar 3a as a policy: pension saving combined with death or disability cover. That sounds like security but comes at a price. The risk premium and acquisition costs are deducted from your contribution first; only the rest is saved. On top of that, the contract ties you in for many years: anyone who exits early often loses part of their contributions.

If you need cover for death or disability, a separate risk insurance alongside a bank or app solution is almost always cheaper and more flexible than combining the two in a policy.