How to redeem the Descartes promo code
- 1
Copy the code
Click the button above. GetRates is copied and Descartes opens in a new tab.
- 2
Pick your 3a strategy
Index, Minimum Risk or Minimum Risk BTC. Then choose how much goes into stocks, anywhere from 20% to 99%.
- 3
Paste GetRates and apply online
The code goes into the online application. It's fully digital and takes around 10 minutes.
- 4
Have CHF 1,000 invested by 31 December
On 31 December your account needs to be active with at least CHF 1,000 invested. Hit that and the CHF 25 is yours.
Conditions
- Use the code GetRates when you open your Descartes Pillar 3a.
- On 31 December (the reporting date) your account must be active with at least CHF 1,000 invested.
- The bonus is for the Pillar 3a, one per person.
What is Descartes Finance?
Descartes Finance is an independent wealth manager, founded in Zurich in 2016 by Adriano Lucatelli and licensed by FINMA. It runs a digital Pillar 3a, vested benefits accounts (Freizügigkeit) and a 3b investment account.
Your money doesn't sit with Descartes itself. It's held at Lienhardt & Partner Privatbank Zürich, a private bank around since 1868. And here's what sets it apart from most 3a apps: a personal advisor is included in the fee, so you can actually talk to a person about your pension.
Where the offer applies
Which Descartes 3a strategy, and what does it cost?
You get three families. Index uses Swisscanto index funds and costs about 0.61% all-in at the top equity level. Minimum Risk is managed with OLZ to smooth out the swings. Minimum Risk BTC adds a small slice of Bitcoin via an iShares ETP. Each comes with 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% or 99% in stocks.
Pro tip: you can open up to five 3a accounts. Spreading your savings lets you withdraw them in different years and cut the tax bill at retirement. Our guide to multiple 3a accounts explains how, and the 3a fee comparison shows where Descartes lands on price.
Descartes 3a review: is it worth it?
I like Descartes for people who want an invested 3a, a Swiss private bank holding the assets, and a human to call when markets get scary. The Index strategy is fairly priced and sits among the better 3a options in our comparison.
Now, if you only care about the lowest fee and never want advice, VIAC or finpension will be cheaper. Either way, GetRates gets you CHF 25 to start with.
Descartes: frequently asked questions
What is the Descartes promo code?
It's GetRates. Enter it when you open your Pillar 3a at Descartes Finance and you get CHF 25, as long as your account is active with at least CHF 1,000 invested on 31 December.
When is the Descartes bonus paid?
It hinges on 31 December. On that day your 3a has to be active with at least CHF 1,000 invested. Once Descartes has checked that, the CHF 25 is credited.
How much does the Descartes 3a cost?
It depends on the strategy. Index, with Swisscanto funds, runs about 0.61% a year all-in at 99% stocks. The Minimum Risk strategies cost more because someone is actively managing the risk. The personal advisor is included either way.
Is Descartes Finance regulated by FINMA?
Yes. Descartes Finance AG is an independent asset manager licensed by FINMA. Your assets are held separately at Lienhardt & Partner Privatbank Zürich, so they're not on Descartes' balance sheet.
Does Descartes offer vested benefits (Freizügigkeit)?
Yes. Besides the Pillar 3a, there are invested vested benefits accounts and a 3b investment account. The code GetRates is for the Pillar 3a, though.
About the author
Entrepreneur who bootstrapped a SaaS to multi-million revenue. Building GetRates.ch to bring transparency to Swiss finance.
About the reviewer
Works in Swiss banking, with a background in anti-money-laundering investigations and cross-border payments. Checks GetRates.ch content for accuracy and hidden conditions before it is published.
