Our Take on Bank Avera Provision Account 3a
A tiny Swiss bank you've probably never heard of, paying 0.15% on your 3a.
Bank Avera Provision Account 3a ranks #71 among 93 3a savings accounts in Switzerland. Bank Avera is a small regional bank based in the Canton of Bern. With no fees, 5 withdrawal options, and a 0.15% rate, it's a standard Privor-network product that does the minimum without causing any problems.
Is the Interest Rate Competitive?
0.15% is firmly in the bottom tier. You'd earn about CHF 10.58 per year on a maximum annual contribution. That's less than a cup of coffee per month. The best 3a savings accounts in Switzerland pay five times this rate.
To put it in perspective: if you save CHF 7,056 per year for 25 years at 0.15%, your total interest would be around CHF 2,700. At 0.75%, it would be roughly CHF 14,000. That's an CHF 11,300 difference for doing nothing more than choosing a different bank.
What Actually Stands Out
Zero fees and no complications. Bank Avera doesn't charge management fees or closure fees. You can open the account, contribute annually, and forget about it. The 5 withdrawal options cover all legally permitted scenarios.
Bank Avera is part of the broader network of small Swiss banks that offer standardized Privor 3a products. The infrastructure is reliable, and your deposits are covered by esisuisse deposit protection. It's banking at its most basic and predictable.
What Most Reviews Miss
Small regional banks like Bank Avera typically have limited digital capabilities. Don't expect a slick mobile app or instant online account opening. You'll likely need to visit a branch or handle paperwork by mail.
The interest rate on these accounts can change at any time with minimal notice. A bank paying 0.15% today might drop to 0.10% or 0.05% tomorrow. There's no rate guarantee or lock-in period, which means even this modest return isn't assured long-term.
The Bottom Line
Bank Avera's 3a account is harmless but unrewarding. If you're already a customer and want convenience, it's fine. For everyone else, the rate alone should prompt you to look elsewhere. Find better options in our guide to the best 3a savings accounts in Switzerland.
Verdict: A no-fee, no-surprise 3a account from a small bank, but the 0.15% rate means your retirement savings are barely earning anything.
Pros
- No account management fee
- Flexible early withdrawal options
- No account closure fee
Cons
- Interest rate below market average
- Interest rate may change over time
Product Details
At a Glance
- Interest rate: 0.15%
- No account management fee
- 5 early withdrawal options
- No account closure fee
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Interest Rate
0.15%
Account Management Fee
Free
Account Closure Fee
Free
Early Withdrawal Options
Early Withdrawal Options
Conditions under which you can withdraw funds early from your Pillar 3a account.
Retirement Projection
Based on max. contribution of CHF 7'258/year, age 30 to 65 (35 years), starting from CHF 0.
Compare to Similar Products
Frequently Asked Questions
- Bank Avera pays 0.15% on this 3a account, is that competitive?
- It is below the segment average of 0.26% and well behind Bank CIC at 0.60%. On CHF 50,000, you earn about CHF 75 per year here versus roughly CHF 130 at the average. Avera waives account management and closure (CHF 0 each), but the modest rate is the headline trade-off.
- Will Bank Avera let me withdraw early to start my own business or buy a home?
- Yes, all 5 standard advance-withdrawal grounds are covered, including self-employment, residential property, change of provider, emigration and disability or death.
How We Rated This Product
Bank Avera Provision Account 3a was evaluated as a product using our weighted scoring system.
Ratings are updated monthly based on the latest available data. All products are evaluated using the same methodology.
Ready to Open?
Open the Bank Avera Provision Account 3a today and start enjoying its benefits.