A ranking tells you who's on top. A head-to-head tells you which of your two or three finalists fits you better. Put them next to each other and let the numbers settle it.
How to use the comparison tool
- Pick up to 3 products. Mix 3a savings accounts and 3a investment funds freely.
- Or start from a preset. The popular comparisons (like VIAC Global 100 vs frankly Extreme 95) load a classic matchup in one click.
- Read the green. In every numeric row, the best value is highlighted: lowest cost, highest rate, strongest return. Count the greens, but weight them (more on that below).
- Toggle "Only differences". Rows where all products are identical disappear, so you only see what separates them.
- Share the link. The URL keeps your selection. Send it to your partner or save it for next year's review.
What to compare head-to-head
3a savings accounts
Accounts are simple, so the comparison is short:
- Interest rate: the main number. Compare today's rate, not last year's headline.
- Fees: almost always zero, but check. Any account fee eats into an already small return.
- Flexibility: can you open several accounts for staggered withdrawals? Are transfers out free?
Tie-breaker: if rates are close, go with the provider where you can split your 3a into multiple accounts. That saves more tax at withdrawal than a tiny rate difference ever earns.
3a investment funds
This is where side-by-side really pays off, because the differences hide in the details:
- Total cost, not just TER. The TER is only the fund's own cost. Some providers add a flat fee or custody fee on top. The tool adds everything into a total cost row: that's the number to compare.
- Equity share. A fund with more stocks will usually beat a more defensive one in good years and fall harder in bad ones. Compare funds with a similar equity share, otherwise you're comparing risk levels, not providers.
- Performance over 5 years or more. A one-year return mostly reflects the market mood of that year. Look at 5- and 10-year figures where available, and always after fees.
- Fund size. Larger funds tend to be more stable and less likely to be closed or merged.
- Swing pricing. Some funds adjust their price on days with big inflows or outflows, so trading costs fall on those who trade rather than on long-term holders. A minor point, but a good tie-breaker.
Comparing a 3a account with a 3a fund
You can put an account and a fund in the same comparison, but read it for what it is: two different risk levels, not two versions of the same product. The account guarantees your capital and pays a modest rate. The fund can fall in a bad year but has historically grown much more over long periods.
The rule of thumb: with 10+ years until retirement, a fund usually makes more sense. Within 5-10 years of retirement, shifting to accounts protects what you've built. Mixing both is common and sensible: keep investing new contributions in a fund while moving older 3a money into an account as withdrawal gets closer. Since you can hold several 3a accounts, you can run both at once within the same yearly limit (CHF 7,258 in 2026 if you're employed with a pension fund).
Typical head-to-heads people run
App vs app: VIAC vs frankly vs finpension
The most popular comparison on the site. All three invest in low-cost index funds, so the differences are in total cost at your chosen equity share, fund lineup and fee structure. Our VIAC vs finpension vs frankly guide goes deeper.
Bank app vs traditional bank fund
Worth running if your 3a still sits in your house bank's fund. Put it next to an app strategy with a similar equity share and look at the total cost row. That gap repeats every year.
Index vs sustainable version of the same fund
Many providers offer a sustainable variant of their standard strategy. Compare both: the sustainable version often has a slightly different cost, allocation and track record. Decide whether the difference is worth it to you.
FAQ
How many products can I compare at once?
Up to 3. Enough to settle a real decision while keeping the columns readable.
Where does the data come from, and how often is it updated?
From provider websites, factsheets and fee schedules. We check the data monthly, so rates, fees and returns reflect the latest published figures.
Can I share a comparison?
Yes. The link keeps your selection, so anyone who opens it sees exactly the same products side by side.
Why is a product with fewer green cells sometimes the better choice?
Because not all rows matter equally. A lower total cost over decades outweighs a better one-year return. Weight cost and long-term performance first.
Before and after comparing
Not sure which products belong on your shortlist yet? Start with the full Pillar 3a ranking, filter by what matters to you, then come back here for the final head-to-head. For the full picture on a single provider, including our verdict, pros and cons, read the Pillar 3a reviews.