NKB Saving 3 Account

0.15% interest with a CHF 100 closure fee. Nidwalden's cantonal bank really doesn't want you to leave.

NKB Saving 3 Account ranks #85 among 93 3a savings accounts in Switzerland. The Cantonal Bank of Nidwalden (NKB) is a small cantonal institution serving one of central Switzerland's smallest cantons. Despite a slightly better rate than some peers, the CHF 100 closure fee is the highest among all 3a accounts in this ranking and seriously undermines the product's value.

Are the Fees Worth It?

The CHF 100 closure fee is a red flag. At 0.15% interest, a CHF 10,000 balance earns CHF 15 per year. The closure fee represents nearly 7 years of interest earnings on that balance. You'd need to keep the account for a very long time before the total interest even covers the eventual exit cost.

No management fee is fine, but it doesn't offset the impact of the closure fee. If you ever want to transfer your 3a to a better provider, NKB makes you pay dearly for that decision.

What Actually Stands Out

Cantonal guarantee from Nidwalden. NKB is fully backed by the canton, which provides deposit safety beyond the standard esisuisse coverage. Nidwalden is a low-tax canton with solid public finances, so the guarantee has substance.

Five withdrawal options give you full flexibility for early access scenarios. NKB has a personal, community-oriented approach to banking that you won't find at larger institutions. If you live in Stans or the surrounding Nidwalden communities, the convenience of local branches is a factor.

What Most Reviews Miss

The CHF 100 closure fee creates a psychological and financial barrier to switching. Many savers open a 3a account once and never move it, which is exactly what NKB is counting on. If you think you might consolidate 3a accounts or switch to a better provider later, this fee turns a mediocre deal into a bad one.

For a cantonal bank in a wealthy, low-tax canton, 0.15% is a surprisingly low rate. NKB could offer more given its fiscal backing. The low rate combined with the high closure fee suggests the bank prioritizes deposit retention over customer satisfaction.

The Bottom Line

NKB's 3a account has the worst closure fee in this ranking. Unless you're certain you'll never move your savings, the CHF 100 penalty makes this a poor choice. See alternatives without exit fees at best 3a savings accounts in Switzerland.

Verdict: The cantonal guarantee is real, but the CHF 100 closure fee makes this one of the most expensive 3a accounts to leave. Avoid unless you're a committed NKB customer.