TKB Saving 3

Thurgau's cantonal bank at 0.25% on 3a. State-backed, but the rate trails the pack.

TKB Saving 3 ranks #28 among 93 3a savings accounts in Switzerland. Thurgauer Kantonalbank (TKB) is the canton of Thurgau's state-guaranteed bank. Their 3a savings account offers the security of a cantonal guarantee but at a below-average interest rate. It's safety first, returns second.

How Does the Rate Stack Up?

At 0.25%, TKB's rate is below the Swiss average of 0.30% for 3a savings. On a CHF 50,000 balance, you'd earn CHF 125 per year. A top-tier provider at 0.60% would pay CHF 300. That's CHF 175 per year left on the table, and over a decade it adds up to CHF 2,000+.

No management fees and five withdrawal options are standard. The zero-fee structure is expected from a cantonal bank and doesn't offset the below-average rate.

What Actually Stands Out

The cantonal state guarantee is TKB's primary selling point. The canton of Thurgau backs this bank, providing deposit protection that goes beyond the standard esisuisse CHF 100,000 limit. For savers with large 3a balances (or who plan to accumulate over decades), this guarantee is valuable.

TKB has an extensive branch network across Thurgau, making it the most accessible bank in the canton. In-person advisory for retirement planning is available at most branches, which is a genuine service advantage.

What Most Reviews Miss

The state guarantee is genuinely valuable, but you're paying for it through a lower interest rate. Other cantonal banks (like Fribourg's FKB at 0.40%) also offer state guarantees with better rates. The guarantee alone doesn't justify accepting below-average interest if other guaranteed banks pay more.

Thurgau's tax rates are moderate, making the 3a tax deduction slightly less impactful than in high-tax cantons. Still, contributing to 3a is almost always worthwhile. But the argument for choosing TKB over higher-rate alternatives weakens if you don't need the physical branch network.

The Bottom Line

TKB's Saving 3 is the default choice for Thurgau residents who want cantonal bank security and local branch access. The rate is below average, but the state guarantee and service infrastructure are genuine strengths. Rate-focused savers should compare at best 3a savings accounts in Switzerland.

Verdict: A safe, state-guaranteed 3a account for Thurgau residents who prioritize security and local service over interest rate.