A 30-year-old contributing CHF 7'258 per year to a savings account at 1% will retire with roughly CHF 295'000. The same person investing in a low-cost fund averaging 5% net? Around CHF 550'000. That's a CHF 255'000 gap from a single decision made decades earlier.
Most pillar 3a calculators online give you one number and wish you good luck. Ours connects directly to real Swiss providers. You see projected retirement capital based on actual interest rates, actual TER fees, and actual historical performance. Not hypothetical "enter your own rate" guesswork.
Use the calculator above to run your own numbers. Below, we explain everything behind the math: how pillar 3a works, when to pick savings over investments, how fees silently eat your returns, and why the tax deduction alone makes 3a worth it even at modest rates.
What is Pillar 3a and why does it matter?
Pillar 3a is Switzerland's voluntary private pension scheme. It's the third layer of the Swiss retirement system, after AHV (state pension) and BVG (occupational pension). The key word is voluntary, but the tax benefits make it almost irrational not to contribute.
Here's the deal:
- You contribute up to a yearly maximum (CHF 7'258 for employees in 2026)
- Every franc you contribute reduces your taxable income
- Your money grows tax-free until retirement
- You pay a reduced capital tax when you withdraw (much lower than income tax)
The Swiss Federal Social Insurance Office sets the contribution limits and withdrawal rules. They're the same whether you pick a savings account or investment fund.
Why this matters for your calculation: When you look at the projected numbers in this calculator, remember that the tax deduction adds a layer of value that doesn't show up in the chart. Your effective return is always higher than what the growth curve suggests.
How this Pillar 3a calculator works
Most 3a calculators ask you to type in your own interest rate or expected return. That's fine if you know what realistic rates look like. Most people don't.
Our calculator is different. It pulls real data from Swiss 3a providers and shows you personalized projections based on your age, contribution, and risk tolerance.
Enter your current age and when you plan to retire. The default is 65 (standard Swiss retirement age). You can withdraw 3a up to 5 years early. The calculator uses this to determine your investment horizon, which is the single biggest factor in your projected capital.
Set your current balance (0 if starting fresh) and how much you contribute per year. Hit "Max out" to auto-fill the 2026 maximum of CHF 7'258. If you're self-employed without a pension fund, your limit is higher (up to 20% of net income, max CHF 36'288).
This is the key decision. Savings accounts show a single growth curve with guaranteed capital. Investment funds show three scenarios (conservative, expected, optimistic) and reveal the fee impact for each provider.
Scroll down to see your inputs applied to actual Swiss 3a providers. You'll see projected capital, fees paid, and how much extra the best provider earns versus the worst. This is where the real value is.
Savings account vs. investment fund: the real trade-off
This isn't a close call in most situations. Your time horizon decides it.
Savings accounts guarantee your capital. Your balance only goes up. Interest rates range from 0.5% to 1.25% in 2026. No surprises, no drama, no growth to speak of. They're the right choice when you're 5 to 10 years from retirement and can't afford a market drop at the worst time.
Investment funds put your money into stocks, bonds, and sometimes real estate. Historical annual returns for balanced Swiss 3a portfolios sit between 4% and 7%. But your balance bounces around. Down 15% one year, up 22% the next. Over 25+ years, the ups outweigh the downs. Over 3 years, maybe not.
I keep almost all my 3a in low-cost equity funds. With 20+ years ahead, I'd rather take the volatility for the growth. But I wouldn't tell my parents (5 years from retirement) to do the same. Time horizon isn't a suggestion. It's the whole framework.
The math is hard to argue with. CHF 7'258 per year for 35 years:
- At 1% (savings account): ~CHF 306'000
- At 5% (balanced fund): ~CHF 685'000
- At 7% (growth fund): ~CHF 1'020'000
That CHF 380'000 to CHF 710'000 gap is the opportunity cost of guaranteed safety when you have decades ahead of you. Toggle between savings and investment in the calculator above to see your personal numbers.
For more details on each option, read our best 3a savings accounts and best 3a investment funds comparisons.
The silent killer: fees on 3a investment funds
Here's something no bank will explain clearly at the counter. A fund's TER (Total Expense Ratio) is deducted from your returns every single year. It sounds small. It isn't.
A concrete example over 35 years (CHF 7'258/year, 6% gross return):
- TER of 0.40%: ~CHF 830'000 at retirement
- TER of 1.00%: ~CHF 700'000 at retirement
- TER of 1.50%: ~CHF 610'000 at retirement
A 1.1% fee difference wiped out CHF 220'000. Not because the fund performed worse. Because the fees ate the compounding.
This is exactly why we built the fee impact indicator into this calculator. When you select Investment Fund and scroll to the provider comparison, each row shows you how much that specific provider's fees cost you in absolute CHF terms over your investment horizon. It's no longer abstract.
2026 Pillar 3a contribution limits
The maximum amount you can contribute changes occasionally. Here are the current numbers:
- Employed with a pension fund (BVG): CHF 7'258 per year
- Self-employed without a pension fund: Up to 20% of net income, maximum CHF 36'288
These limits apply to the total across all your 3a accounts combined. If you have three 3a accounts, you can split the CHF 7'258 any way you want, but the total can't exceed the cap.
Should you always max out? In most cases, yes. The tax deduction alone makes it one of the highest-return financial decisions available to Swiss residents. Even if you invest in a 0.5% savings account, the tax savings make it worthwhile. The only scenario where it doesn't make sense is if you're drowning in high-interest debt (credit cards, personal loans). Pay those off first.
Why you should have 3-5 separate 3a accounts
When you withdraw your 3a at retirement, Switzerland taxes the payout at a reduced rate. But here's the catch: if you withdraw everything from one big account in a single year, the progressive tax rate hits you harder.
The strategy: Open 3 to 5 separate accounts and withdraw one per year in the years leading up to and after retirement. Each withdrawal stays in a lower tax bracket.
Example (Canton of Zurich, married):
- Withdraw CHF 500'000 at once: ~CHF 35'000 in capital tax
- Withdraw CHF 100'000 per year over 5 years: ~CHF 18'000 total
That's CHF 17'000 saved just by splitting accounts. The accounts are free to open. There's no downside.
The Federal Tax Administration publishes the official capital tax rates by canton. They vary significantly, so run the numbers for your specific location.
I started with one 3a account and added a second years later. Wish I'd opened multiple from day one. It costs nothing, takes 15 minutes, and could save you tens of thousands in taxes at retirement. Don't overthink this one.
Can I switch my 3a provider?
Yes. Transfers between 3a providers are free (for most providers), tax-free, and take 2 to 4 weeks. You're not stuck.
- Savings to savings: Your balance plus accrued interest moves to the new provider. Straightforward.
- Fund to fund: You can transfer in cash (sell positions, move cash) or in kind (transfer shares directly). In-kind transfers avoid selling at a bad time but both providers need to support the same fund.
- Fund to savings (or vice versa): Positions get liquidated, cash moves, then reinvested at the new provider. Consider timing if markets are volatile.
Use our Pillar 3a comparison tool to compare providers side by side before switching. Small differences in rates and fees add up massively over decades.
Common mistakes with Pillar 3a
Rates change constantly. A provider advertising 1.2% today might drop to 0.7% next year. Look at the 3-year track record and fee structure. Consistency beats headline rates.
A fund returning 5% with a 1.5% TER gives you 3.5% net. A different fund returning 4.5% with a 0.4% TER gives you 4.1% net. Lower fees win. The calculator's fee impact column makes this obvious.
Capital protection sounds responsible. But at 30, you have 35 years for markets to recover from any crash. The opportunity cost of zero equity exposure over that horizon is enormous. At least consider a split.
Every year you skip is a year of compound growth and tax deductions gone forever. Contributing CHF 3'000 is better than contributing nothing while you "wait for the right time." The right time was yesterday.
Concentrating all 3a money in one account costs you thousands in extra taxes at withdrawal. Open multiple accounts early. It's free and gives you tax flexibility later.
How Pillar 3a compares to regular savings
A regular Swiss savings account pays 0.1% to 0.8%. A 3a savings account pays 0.5% to 1.25%. The difference exists because your money is locked until retirement, so providers can plan with it longer.
But the real advantage isn't the interest rate. It's the tax deduction. Contributing CHF 7'258 and saving CHF 2'000 in taxes is an effective first-year return of 28%. No savings account on earth offers that.
The trade-off: Your money is locked. You can't withdraw 3a just because you want to. Early withdrawal is only possible for buying a primary residence, starting self-employment, leaving Switzerland permanently, or becoming fully disabled. For everything else, the money stays put until retirement (or up to 5 years before).
If you need flexibility, keep your emergency fund in a regular savings account and your long-term retirement money in 3a. They serve different purposes.
What expats in Switzerland need to know
Working in Switzerland with a valid work permit? You can contribute to Pillar 3a regardless of nationality. Here's what matters:
- Tax deduction works the same. You get the full deduction on your Swiss income tax, just like any Swiss resident.
- If you leave Switzerland permanently, you can withdraw your 3a early. A withholding tax applies (5-10% depending on the canton), which you may recover through tax treaties with your home country.
- Savings accounts are simpler for expats who might leave. No investment positions to liquidate, no timing concerns. Your balance is your balance.
- Don't skip 3a because you might leave. Even if you're here for 5 years, the tax deductions alone make it worth it. You'll get the money back when you leave, minus a modest withholding tax.
The State Secretariat for International Financial Matters publishes information about tax treaties that could affect your 3a withdrawal if you move abroad.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate are the Pillar 3a projections?
Savings account projections use current published interest rates from Swiss providers. Investment fund projections are estimates based on historical performance and risk profile assumptions. Actual results will vary. Past performance doesn't guarantee future returns, but it's the best data available for realistic planning.
What does the fee impact number mean?
The fee impact estimates how much provider fees (TER + flat fee) reduce your capital over your entire investment horizon. We compare your projected capital with fees against a scenario with lower fees. A smaller fee impact means more money stays in your pocket.
What are the three scenarios for investment funds?
Conservative, expected, and optimistic. They represent different market conditions based on your selected risk profile. The expected scenario reflects the most likely outcome based on historical data. Conservative assumes weaker markets, optimistic assumes stronger ones. The range gives you a realistic picture rather than a single guess.
When can I withdraw my Pillar 3a?
Up to 5 years before AHV retirement age (currently 65). Early withdrawal is possible if you buy a primary residence, start self-employment, leave Switzerland permanently, or become fully disabled. Each 3a account can only be withdrawn as a whole. You can't take out partial amounts.
Should I max out my 3a every year?
Almost always yes. The tax deduction is the strongest legal tax optimization in Switzerland. Even at a 0.5% interest rate, the 20-35% instant tax savings make it worthwhile. The only exception: if you have high-interest consumer debt, pay that off first.
How do I compare savings accounts vs. investment funds?
Use the product type toggle in the calculator. When you switch, the chart and provider comparison update instantly. The savings vs. investment comparison at the bottom shows the projected gap in absolute CHF. For a deeper dive, explore our dedicated savings accounts and investment funds rankings.
What is the Pillar 3a maximum contribution for 2026?
CHF 7'258 for employees with a pension fund. Self-employed without a pension fund can contribute up to 20% of net income, maximum CHF 36'288. These limits apply to the total across all your 3a accounts combined.
Can I have multiple Pillar 3a accounts?
Yes. Swiss law allows multiple 3a accounts. Most financial advisors recommend 3 to 5 accounts for tax-optimized withdrawals at retirement. Opening additional accounts is free and takes minutes. Start early.
Is Pillar 3a worth it for expats?
Yes. If you're working in Switzerland with a valid permit, you get the same tax deduction as Swiss citizens. Even if you're here temporarily, the tax savings during your stay plus the capital you build make it worthwhile. When you leave Switzerland, you can withdraw your 3a (with withholding tax).