The foundation
Switzerland’s retirement system is built on a solid, three-pillar foundation: the state pension (1st pillar), the occupational pension fund (2nd pillar) and private retirement saving, better known as Pillar 3a. This third layer is far more than an optional extra. It is a powerful component of long-term financial planning as it blends disciplined saving with immediate tax advantages.
Contributions to a 3a account can be deducted from your taxable income, lowering your annual tax bill while strengthening your long-term financial security. Investment gains inside the 3a framework also grow tax-free during the accumulation phase, an advantage that compounds meaningfully over time. Contributions to a 3a account can be deducted from your taxable income, helping you build your financial future while reducing your tax bill today.
“When people feel empowered to understand their retirement landscape, they make better decisions, today, and decades from now. Pillar 3a is not just a tax tool. It’s a long-term confidence builder.”
Annual contribution limits
For 2025, the maximum contribution limits are:
- CHF 7'258 for employed individuals who contribute to a pension fund.
- Up to 20% of net income, capped at CHF 36'288, for self-employed individuals without a pension fund.
And an important evolution is coming: starting in 2026, savers will be able to make retroactive contributions for up to ten years, offering a significant opportunity to fill pension gaps and enhance tax optimisation.
Introducing Swissquote’s 3a Easy: a simple and modern way to build your future
Swissquote’s 3a Easy is our streamlined approach to retirement saving, designed to be accessible, transparent and aligned with your personal goals. Whether you lean toward the security of a savings account or the long-term potential of an investment strategy, 3a Easy puts clarity and choice in your hands.
“Our mission is simple: remove complexity and give everyone the tools to grow their future on their own terms. With 3a Easy, we focused on clarity, transparency and choice, because financial planning should empower, not overwhelm.”
“Innovation in finance means designing products that work for real life. Whether someone wants stability or long-term growth, 3a Easy adapts to their journey without hidden costs or complicated barriers.”
Key advantages of 3a Easy
Swiss security
Your 3a assets are held with Swissquote under Swiss regulations.A savings strategy with guaranteed interest
The savings option offers 0.10% interest from 1 July 2025. Please always check the dedicated webpage for updated data.Cost-effective investing
Investment strategies come with a competitive, flat 0.60% management fee.Pre-built sustainable portfolios
Our investment strategies are designed by experts with a sustainability focus.Full cost transparency
No administrative fees for the savings strategy, and clear pricing for investments.Low entry threshold
Start investing with as little as CHF 100.Easy transfers
Move your existing Pillar 3a assets from another provider with a simple transfer form.Protection in case of bank insolvency
Your 3a Easy assets benefit from preferential bankruptcy protection up to CHF 100'000.
How to activate 3a Easy
- From your Swissquote account, you can access the “Plan” section
- You can activate 3a Easy and choose between the savings strategy or one of the investment strategies
- Swissquote handles the rest for you
When Pillar 3a makes the biggest difference
1. Reducing your taxes
Every franc contributed lowers your taxable income creating significant tax savings depending on your canton and income level.
2. Building long-term wealth
With a long investment horizon and tax-free growth during accumulation, your assets can compound far more efficiently.
“The earlier you start, the more your money works for you. And when that growth happens tax-free for years, the impact on your future wealth is remarkable.”
3. Filling pension gaps
From 2026, retroactive contributions will make it far easier to catch up on years when you didn’t pay into the 3a.
4. Planning for major goals
Pillar 3a assets can be withdrawn early for specific life events such as buying a primary home, starting self-employment or permanently leaving Switzerland.
Points to consider
Restricted access
Funds are locked until five years before statutory retirement age, unless withdrawn for specific authorised reasons.Withdrawal taxation
Withdrawals are taxed at a lower, separate rate. Which is an important factor for long-term planning.Choosing your strategy
Long-term investors should compare the benefits of tax-advantaged 3a investing with other vehicles, considering flexibility, fees and tax implications.- Investment thresholds
Investment strategies require a minimum contribution of CHF 100 to activate.
“A smart financial plan balances ambition with awareness. Understanding the constraints of Pillar 3a helps you choose the right mix between flexibility and long-term advantage.”
Pillar 3a remains one of Switzerland’s most effective ways to build long-term retirement savings while optimising taxes. With 3a Easy, Swissquote offers a flexible, transparent and modern solution, whether you’re leaning toward secure savings or looking to grow your assets through sustainable investment strategies.
“Your future deserves clarity and intention. With 3a Easy, we’re giving you a simple, modern way to take control of your retirement one confident step at a time.”
If you’re preparing your financial future, or simply looking for smart ways to reduce your tax burden today, activating a 3a Easy account can be a strategic move.
The content in this article is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute investment advice, financial recommendations, or promotional material.
