OKB Saving 3

A cantonal bank charging CHF 100 to close your 3a account. That's uncommon, and not in a good way.

OKB Saving 3 ranks #45 among 93 3a savings accounts in Switzerland. The Cantonal Bank of Obwalden offers 0.25% interest with no management fee, five withdrawal options, but a CHF 100 closure fee. That closure fee is a significant outlier in a market where most 3a savings accounts charge nothing to close.

Are the Fees Worth It?

The 0.25% interest rate is standard, but the CHF 100 closure fee changes the math significantly. If you save for 10 years at 0.25% on average annual contributions, you'll earn roughly CHF 90 in total interest. The closure fee wipes that out entirely. You'd effectively earn negative returns over a decade.

No management fee is the silver lining. But a closure fee this high creates a lock-in effect. Moving your 3a to a better provider costs CHF 100, which discourages switching even when it makes financial sense.

What Actually Stands Out

The cantonal state guarantee is OKB's primary value proposition. As the cantonal bank of Obwalden, all deposits are fully guaranteed by the canton. This goes beyond the standard esisuisse CHF 100,000 limit and provides additional security for large balances.

Five early withdrawal options and no management fee are standard features. Canton Obwalden is one of Switzerland's lower-tax cantons, which can make the 3a withdrawal tax more favorable if you retire there.

What Most Reviews Miss

The CHF 100 closure fee creates a psychological barrier to switching. Even when a better-paying account would save you more in the long run, paying CHF 100 upfront feels painful. Banks know this. The fee is designed to retain customers, not to cover actual administrative costs.

If you're opening a new 3a account, factor in the possibility of transferring later. With a CHF 100 exit cost, you want to be reasonably sure you'll stick with OKB. Otherwise, the fee erodes your already-modest returns.

The Bottom Line

The cantonal guarantee is valuable, but the CHF 100 closure fee is a meaningful drag on an already low rate. If you live in Obwalden and value the state backing, it might work. But the exit cost makes this less attractive than it appears on the surface. Compare fee-free alternatives in our best 3a savings accounts in Switzerland.

Verdict: The closure fee is a dealbreaker for most savers. Only consider this if the cantonal guarantee and Obwalden residency align perfectly.