How to switch your 3a account: simple, safe and without pitfalls

Why it pays to switch your 3a account

Many people pay into pillar 3a every year, whether into a classic 3a savings account or a 3a securities solution. But few regularly check whether their current account still offers good conditions.

Yet a switch can be worth real money:

• Interest: interest rates on 3a accounts currently range between 0 % and 1 % (as of 3 September 2026, Evaluno comparison of over 100 accounts). Anyone who stays with a provider at the lower end gives away up to one percentage point per year.
• Fees: with 3a fund products in particular, management costs are decisive. Annual total costs in the market range from 0.1 % to around 1.7 %.
• Return: anyone who opts for funds instead of a savings account has considerably better long-term earning prospects, with corresponding fluctuations.
• Flexibility: some providers let you put together your own portfolio instead of choosing a fixed strategy fund.
• Usability: digital providers often offer a clearer app and faster processes.

Switching a 3a account is easier than many people think, once you know the rules.

Is a switch worthwhile for you?

• Is your money in a savings account? Switching to a securities solution often brings more than a pure change of provider.
• Are you paying more than 0.6 % in total costs per year? Then there are cheaper alternatives.
• Do you have more than 10 years until retirement? Then a higher equity share usually makes sense.

Which rules apply when switching a 3a account?

Before you switch your 3a account, you should know a few points:

• Number of accounts: you may hold any number of 3a accounts in parallel; there is no legal upper limit. Some providers cap the number internally, often at five accounts.
• No direct “move”: a 3a account can’t simply be transferred. You open a new account and instruct the old provider to transfer the balance — always the entire account. Partial transfers are not permitted.
• Tax-neutral: the transfer is tax-free as long as the capital remains in pillar 3a.
• Notice periods: depending on the provider, a notice period of up to three months applies; many digital providers have none. With securities solutions, the time for selling and transferring comes on top.

How long does the switch take?

With a savings account, the transfer usually takes only a few days to weeks. With securities solutions, selling the funds and transferring the proceeds come on top; allow several weeks. Some providers also have notice periods of up to three months.

Switching your 3a account in 4 steps

1. Compare providers

Use a 3a account comparison to check interest rates, fees and fund performance. Small differences add up to large amounts over decades.

2. Open a new 3a account

Decide on a provider and open your account there; online, this often takes only a few minutes.

3. Instruct the transfer

Tell your current provider in writing that you want the balance transferred to the new 3a account. You usually get the necessary forms directly from the new provider.

4. Check the confirmation

After a few days to weeks, the money should have arrived at the new provider. Check the amount and make sure no unnecessary fees have been charged.

Tips and pitfalls when switching provider

• Check transfer fees: most providers transfer free of charge; some charge CHF 50 to CHF 100. Ask about the conditions before switching.
• Plan for the fund sale: with securities solutions, the units are generally sold for the transfer; your money is briefly not invested during the transfer. Gains remain tax-free as long as the capital stays in pillar 3a.
• Caution with insurance policies: with 3a insurance solutions, the surrender value in the first years is often well below the premiums paid. Ask for the surrender value before you cancel.
• Use several accounts: split your capital across several 3a accounts. That way you can break the tax progression when withdrawing in retirement.

Conclusion: switching is often worthwhile

Switching a 3a account is straightforward and can pay off financially, whether through better interest rates, lower fees or a more suitable investment strategy. The Evaluno 3a account comparison shows you in a few minutes which offer suits you.