Our Take on 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.
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: 0.25%
- No account management fee
- 5 early withdrawal options
- No account closure fee
Fees & Costs
Fees & Costs
Interest Rate
0.25%
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the maximum annual Pillar 3a contribution?
- For employees with a pension fund, the maximum is CHF 7,258 per year (2025). Self-employed without a pension fund can contribute up to 20% of net income, max CHF 35,288. These amounts are fully tax-deductible.
- What are the tax benefits of this Pillar 3a product?
- Contributions to TKB Saving 3 are fully deductible from your taxable income. Interest and returns grow tax-free. You only pay tax at a reduced rate when you withdraw at retirement.
- Can I transfer to TKB Saving 3 from another provider?
- Yes, you can transfer your 3a balance to TKB Saving 3 at any time without tax consequences, and Cantonal Bank of Thurgau charges no transfer or closure fee.
- When can I withdraw my Pillar 3a funds early?
- Swiss law allows early withdrawals for: buying property, starting self-employment, emigrating from Switzerland, or in case of disability/death. TKB Saving 3 supports 5 early withdrawal options.
- Should I choose a savings account or investment fund for my 3a?
- Savings accounts offer guaranteed returns with zero risk — ideal if you're close to retirement. Investment funds provide higher growth potential but with market risk — ideal for 10+ year horizons. Many Swiss residents split their contributions between both.
- Can the interest rate on TKB Saving 3 change?
- Yes, savings account interest rates are variable and can change at the provider's discretion. Cantonal Bank of Thurgau may adjust the rate based on market conditions. Check the current rate before contributing.
How We Rated This Product
TKB Saving 3 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.
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