How to compare pillar 3a providers: 7 things to look for

• Total costs count: compare the management fee and product costs together, not just one number.
• Account or securities: with a long horizon, an invested 3a can bring more than a savings account.
• Strategy before returns: a strategy that fits your age and risk matters more than yesterday's returns.
• Stay flexible: make sure you can transfer your 3a at any time.
• The big picture: a 3a works best when it fits with the rest of your wealth.

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1. Total costs: what you really pay

With an invested 3a there are usually two kinds of costs:

• Management fee: what the provider charges for management, rebalancing and service.
• Product costs: the ongoing costs of the funds or ETFs in the portfolio, often shown as TER.

There may also be issue or redemption fees, custody fees or transfer costs. So always ask for the total costs per year.

Small differences add up over decades: on CHF 50,000, 0.5 percentage points lower costs means CHF 250 a year that stays in your pension savings.

2. Account or securities?

You can keep a 3a as a savings account or invest it in securities.

• 3a savings account: no market risk, but usually low interest. Good for money you'll withdraw within a few years.
• 3a with securities: your money is invested, for example in broadly diversified ETFs. It fluctuates, but has more return potential over the long term.

With an investment horizon of ten years or more, there's a lot to be said for securities. Past returns are no guarantee of future results, though.

3. Investment strategy and equity share

Many 3a solutions now allow a high equity share. But what matters isn't the highest share, it's the right one for you:

• How long will the money stay invested? At 35 your horizon is different than at 58.
• How much fluctuation can you handle? A strategy you can't stick with in a market dip is the wrong one.
• Is the strategy adjusted? Ideally your strategy grows with your age and situation and can become more cautious before you withdraw.
• How broadly is it diversified? Look for diversification across regions and asset classes, not just Swiss shares.

4. Sustainability

If sustainability matters to you, ask how it's put into practice. Good providers explain clearly which criteria they use and whether you can choose a sustainable option without giving up broad diversification.

5. Flexibility: several accounts and transfers

Two points are often overlooked but matter later:

• Transfer: you should be able to move your 3a to another provider at any time, without hassle.
• Several accounts: you can only withdraw a 3a account in full. With several 3a accounts you can withdraw them over several years and save tax. The accounts can also be with different providers. More in our guide Pillar 3a staggered withdrawal.

6. Safety and regulation

Your 3a savings are held by a pension foundation, not by the provider itself. Look for:

• a recognised pension foundation in Switzerland
• an account or securities account in your name
• supervision by FINMA or the relevant foundation supervisory authority

7. Service and advice

As retirement gets closer, questions come up: when should I withdraw? How does my 3a fit with my pension fund? How much risk still makes sense? Check whether you can reach a person who helps you, and whether your 3a is part of an overall plan.

Checklist: how to compare 3a solutions

1. Total costs per year (management plus products)
2. Account or securities, to suit your horizon
3. Equity share and a strategy that grows with you
4. A sustainable option, if that matters to you
5. Free and easy transfers
6. A recognised pension foundation and an account in your name
7. Personal support and a view of the big picture

Your pillar 3a with Selma

At Selma, your pillar 3a is part of your personal investment plan. Here's what you get:

• A strategy that fits you: Selma builds a personal investment strategy around your situation and your other investments.
• Up to 97% equities: depending on your situation, for more long-term return potential.
• Start from CHF 500, with no big entry barrier.
• A strong partner: for pillar 3a, Selma works with the VZ pension foundation. Your money sits in an account in your name.
• Fair fees, lots included: your pillar 3a and other investments are added together for your fee. The more you invest in total, the lower it can be.
• Sustainable if you like: you can align your 3a with sustainability criteria.
• Easy transfer: Selma handles the transfer of your existing 3a.
• The Selma Crew: real people who help with your pension questions.

👉 Discover pillar 3a with Selma or download the app and see your personal strategy, free and with no obligation.

Frequently asked questions about comparing pillar 3a

Which pillar 3a is the best?

The best 3a is the one that fits your situation: low total costs, an investment strategy for your horizon, a recognised pension foundation and good service. Looking at a single fee or last year's return isn't enough.

Is a 3a with securities better than a 3a account?

With a long investment horizon, an invested 3a has more return potential, but it fluctuates. If you need the money within a few years, a more cautious strategy or an account is often the better choice.

How many 3a accounts make sense?

There's no legal limit. Several accounts let you stagger withdrawals, which can save tax. Many experts recommend two to five accounts, depending on your savings.

Can I move my pillar 3a to another provider?

Yes. You can transfer your 3a savings to another recognised pension foundation. At Selma, the Selma Crew handles the transfer for you.

How safe is my money in pillar 3a?

Your savings are held by a recognised pension foundation in an account or securities account in your name, not by the provider itself. Ask which foundation and custodian bank are behind it.

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