Updated: 10 August 2026 · 5 min read · Independent comparison
Right now VIAC offers the best Pillar 3a solution in Switzerland for savers who want maximum return with minimum cost — at 0.15% TER with passive ETFs it beats traditional 3a life insurance policies many times over. Close behind sits finpension with 0.18% TER, the highest app rating in the segment and a particularly broad investment universe.
Providers in Direct Comparison (2026)
Independent comparison — no affiliation, no commissions. Data as of August 2026.
VIAC
Top Pick
Swiss market leader among 3a banks. 0.15% TER on the base portfolio, no minimum deposit, widest investment universe (equities, bonds, real estate, commodities). 4.6★ app rating. Tax staggering supported.
finpension
Top Pick
The balanced alternative. 0.18% TER, highest app rating (4.7★) and Swisscanto funds with a broad universe plus Global Real Estate. Standing order from CHF 100, no minimum deposit. Tax staggering supported.
Frankly
Top Pick
The intuitive entry point. 0.40% TER, but best app rating in the simple category (4.5★) and 100% onboarding in under 5 minutes. Recommended from CHF 1,000. Tax staggering supported.
Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung BVG
Parking lot / Fallback
Pure administration foundation with minimum costs (BVG minimum interest rate currently 1.25%). Useful as an interim parking place during a provider switch or for tax-staggering purposes. As a permanent 3a solution in 2026 it is no longer competitive — ETFs from VIAC / finpension deliver several percentage points more return long term.
Liberty Freizügigkeitsstiftung
Parking lot / Fallback
Vested-benefits foundation with a defensive investment profile and conservative return. Primarily used for Pillar 3a staggering (advance withdrawal for home ownership), not for long-term wealth accumulation. Fees low, return well below ETF bank solutions.
Pros and Cons of the Best Providers
What to look at with VIAC, finpension and Frankly — without marketing gloss.
VIAC — the cost-breaker
Pros
Lowest TER in the market: 0.15% on the base portfolio
No custody, deposit or withdrawal fees
Widest investment universe: equities, bonds, real estate, commodities
No minimum deposit, monthly contributions from CHF 1
Full ETF transparency, no hidden commissions
Consider
No advice — you need a self-directed mindset with basic ETF understanding
Aggressive default portfolio can swing sharply during a crash
No built-in death-benefit cover — arrange separately if needed
finpension — best price-performance ratio
Pros
0.18% TER — almost as cheap as VIAC
Highest app rating (4.7★) across the Swiss market
Swisscanto funds from a 100%-Swiss provider
50/50 balanced portfolio available — ideal for medium risk
Standing order from CHF 100, no minimum deposit
Consider
Slightly smaller investment universe than VIAC (no commodities tracker)
Self-directed model — no advice included
Shorter track record than VIAC (later market entry)
Frankly — the on-ramp
Pros
Most intuitive app, onboarding in under 5 minutes
4.5★ app rating — very high user satisfaction
Suitable for 3a beginners with no prior market experience
Sustainable portfolio with ESG focus available
Consider
0.40% TER — more than double VIAC and finpension
Over 20 years the extra costs add up to several thousand Swiss francs
Recommended minimum deposit of CHF 1,000 — not for tiny contributions
Frequently Asked Questions
The five most common questions about choosing the right Pillar 3a.
What are the pros and cons of VIAC, finpension and Frankly?
VIAC stands out with a 0.15% TER and the widest investment universe (equities, bonds, real estate, commodities) — with no minimum deposit. finpension offers a 0.18% TER, the highest app rating (4.7★) and a balanced 50/50 portfolio via Swisscanto funds. Frankly is pricier at 0.40% TER, but offers the most intuitive app (4.5★) and the easiest entry for first-time 3a savers. All three invest in passive ETFs with no hidden commissions.
Which Pillar 3a has the lowest fees?
VIAC has the lowest ongoing fees of any Swiss 3a provider in direct comparison at 0.15% TER. finpension follows at 0.18% TER, then Frankly at 0.40% and Selma at 0.50% (incl. robo-advice). For custody, deposit and withdrawal fees VIAC and finpension are both zero; Selma charges CHF 20 on early withdrawal. Traditional 3a life insurance policies typically sit between 1.5–3% TER — roughly 10× more expensive.
How do I switch from my life insurance to VIAC or finpension?
The switch runs in 4 steps: 1) Open an account with VIAC or finpension online (10–30 minutes, no minimum deposit), 2) request the cash value (surrender value) from your existing insurer (5–15 working days), 3) send written cancellation by registered post to your insurer (notice period is usually 3 months to year-end), 4) ask the insurer to transfer the cash value directly to your new 3a account — this direct transfer between recognised 3a institutions is fully tax-neutral. Whole process typically takes 4–8 weeks.
When can I withdraw my Pillar 3a?
Pillar 3a funds can be withdrawn in these cases: 1) ordinary retirement (women from age 64, men from age 65 — unified to 65 from 2027 onwards), 2) advance withdrawal for home ownership (max. once every 5 years, min. CHF 20,000 must remain), 3) permanently leaving Switzerland (emigration abroad), 4) starting self-employment with BVG coverage, 5) full or partial disability. A lump-sum withdrawal is taxed as a capital payment — progressive rate, separate from regular employment income.
Is the Auffangeinrichtung BVG still worth using?
The Stiftung Auffangeinrichtung BVG is primarily a safety net for accounts without active management — for example, when a 3a provider change is still in progress and the old account has not yet been closed. The return it pays is close to the BVG minimum interest rate (currently 1.25%) and well below what ETF portfolios deliver. It makes sense as a parking place for 1–2 years or for tax-staggering purposes, but as a permanent 3a solution in 2026 it is no longer competitive — VIAC or finpension typically deliver several percentage points more return over the long term.
Before you switch
Calculate your Rescue-Delta now
Find out in 60 seconds whether switching from your existing policy to VIAC or finpension is worth it — and how big your concrete advantage is over the coming years.
Legal note: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute investment advice within the meaning of FIDLEG. The data shown was carefully researched as of August 2026 but may have changed. Providers' fee structures, product ranges and conditions are subject to change. Please consult a qualified financial adviser for personal decisions.