FAQ
The most frequently asked questions and answers about findependent's pillar 3a
How can I transfer existing 3a assets?
In the findependent app under pillar 3a, click on «Pay in». There you can create your personal transfer order with just a few clicks to transfer your 3a assets to findependent.
All you have to do then is print out the prepared transfer order, sign it, and send it by mail to your previous retirement savings foundation. We’ll handle the rest in the background for you.
How do I pay into my pillar 3a?
As soon as you’ve downloaded our app and completed the opening process, your personal dashboard will be right there waiting for you.
Simply click on the «Pay in» button for your desired pillar 3a portfolio to display your payment details and your personal QR deposit slip. This allows you to transfer money conveniently to your pillar 3a from any Swiss bank.
Our tip: Set up a monthly standing order. This way, your money flows regularly into your 3a investment solution, and we invest it for you fully automatically in the background. By making regular deposits, you benefit from the so-called cost-average effect. Market fluctuations are smoothed out effortlessly for you over time. Retirement planning couldn’t be easier.
Who can open a pillar 3a with findependent?
First things first: As long as you turn 18 in the current year, nothing stands in the way of your pillar 3a with findependent. To be able to deposit new money, you need an income subject to OASI. As an employee, this applies from as little as 2'500 Swiss francs a year.
Currently don't have a fixed income? No problem. You can transfer your existing 3a assets to us at any time and benefit from our fair conditions.
How safe are my 3a assets? What happens in the event of insolvency of Findependent AG?
Every Swiss franc you invest flows directly into the independent findependent 3a retirement savings foundation. It manages your 3a assets and is legally strictly separated from Findependent AG.
Should push come to shove and findependent, the account-holding Hypothekarbank Lenzburg, or the custodian bank ZKB run into trouble, several protection mechanisms exist depending on who goes bankrupt: Your cash balance at Hypothekarbank Lenzburg is treated preferentially up to 100’000 francs via the bankruptcy privilege. Important: Only 1% of your invested sum is held as cash balance. And your index funds at ZKB? They count as special assets. That means: They belong solely to you and remain completely untouched even in the event of bank insolvency. If Findependent AG gets into financial difficulty, your pillar 3a assets are not affected at all thanks to the legal separation between Findependent AG and the findependent 3a retirement savings foundation.
So you enjoy the full freedom of a modern investment with the same strong protection as with any traditional Swiss bank.
Are there fees for deposits or withdrawals with the pillar 3a?
Deposits are always free of charge.
Ordinary payouts such as drawing your 3a assets at retirement age or transferring to another 3a provider also cost you absolutely nothing. This includes the payout of assets to beneficiaries in the event of death.
Extraordinary withdrawals, such as payouts for self-employment, owner-occupied property, or emigration, are charged according to the fee regulations.
Why does it make sense for me to pay into pillar 3a?
Pillar 3a is your ultimate classic if you want to save tax cleverly and treat your future self at the same time.
It is quite possible that the normal pension from OASI and pension fund will not be enough for us in old age. With pillar 3a, you take your private pension provision into your own hands. Because this money is tied and therefore firmly reserved for your future, you won't even be tempted to spend it spontaneously today.
Plus, if you are saving long-term and specifically to purchase owner-occupied property, Pillar 3a can make a lot of sense.
You can find even more information on why it makes sense to pay into your pillar 3a in our blog post.
