BLKB Saving 3

A cantonal bank at 0.30%, but the CHF 50 closure fee stings more than most.

BLKB Saving 3 ranks #26 among 93 3a savings accounts in Switzerland. Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB) is a well-established cantonal bank serving Basel-Landschaft. The 3a rate is average and there's no management fee, but the CHF 50 closure fee is among the highest in the market and drags down the overall value.

Are the Fees Worth It?

The 0.30% interest rate is standard, and there's no annual management fee. But the CHF 50 closure fee is a significant outlier. Most 3a providers charge zero, and even BKB (a similar cantonal bank) only charges CHF 20. If you're running multiple 3a accounts for staggered withdrawals, five accounts would cost you CHF 250 in closure fees.

On a CHF 50,000 balance, CHF 50 represents 0.10%. Not catastrophic, but it's money you wouldn't lose at most competitors. Over a 30-year saving horizon, the interest earned typically dwarfs the closure fee, but it's still an unnecessary drag.

What Actually Stands Out

BLKB is a cantonal bank with a state guarantee from the canton of Basel-Landschaft. This provides protection beyond standard esisuisse deposit insurance. If you value maximum safety for your retirement savings, cantonal guarantees are the gold standard in Swiss banking.

BLKB has an extensive branch network across Basel-Landschaft and is one of the larger cantonal banks in northwestern Switzerland. They offer comprehensive advisory services for retirement planning, which can be valuable if you want face-to-face guidance on 3a staggering and tax optimization.

What Most Reviews Miss

The CHF 50 closure fee is particularly painful because you typically close a 3a account when you're converting it to cash at retirement. That's the moment you want zero friction, not a deduction from your payout. Some savers don't realize this fee exists until they initiate the withdrawal.

BLKB's 3a rate has tracked downward with the market. Combined with the closure fee, the effective return is slightly below what fee-free providers deliver at the same interest rate. If you're already with BLKB, inertia is understandable. But if you're choosing fresh, the fee makes this less attractive than it should be.

The Bottom Line

BLKB's Saving 3 offers cantonal bank security at an average rate, but the CHF 50 closure fee is hard to justify when competitors charge nothing. For Basel-Landschaft residents who value the state guarantee, it may still make sense. Everyone else should compare fee-free options at best 3a savings accounts in Switzerland.

Verdict: A safe cantonal bank 3a account undermined by a CHF 50 closure fee. Consider fee-free alternatives unless the state guarantee is your top priority.