Setting Up VIAC Pillar 3a: Account, Strategy & Tax Tips 2026

You've decided on VIAC as your Pillar 3a solution – good call. In this guide we show you, step by step, how to open your account, pick the right investment strategy and reliably save on taxes every year along the way. If you still want to compare which provider suits you, read our big Pillar 3a comparison first. This guide is for everyone who wants to get going.

Quick recap: why have a Pillar 3a at all?

Pillar 3a is the best two-for-one deal in the Swiss pension system: you build wealth and save on taxes at the same time. In 2026, as an employee with a pension fund you can pay in up to CHF 7'258 per year and deduct that full amount from your taxable income.

Depending on your canton and income, that saves you CHF 1'500 to CHF 2'500 in taxes per year – every single year. You'll find the details on the maximum amount, providers and payout in the Pillar 3a guide.

Why VIAC for Pillar 3a?

Most banks offer you either a 3a account with mini interest or an expensive fund charging 1–2% in fees per year. On CHF 50'000 that's CHF 500–1'000 you give away every year – over 20–30 years it tears a huge hole in your returns.

VIAC does it differently:

Low total costs: around 0.44% per year – a fraction of classic bank funds
High equity allocation possible: up to roughly 99% – a fit for a long investment horizon
Full flexibility: adjust your strategy at any time, no minimum amount
Simple app: pay in, choose a strategy, done – no bank appointment, no forms

How VIAC stacks up directly against finpension and frankly – fees, strategies and the app – is something we walk through in the 3a provider comparison.

Step by step: opening your VIAC account

Download the app: Get the VIAC app from the App Store or Play Store.
Register with the code: During setup, enter our code 4an9Gac – this lets you manage your first CHF 1'000 fee-free.
Verify your identity: Authenticate via video or photo identification (have your passport or ID ready, it takes a few minutes).
Create a portfolio: Choose "Pillar 3a" and set up your first portfolio.
Choose a strategy: Set your equity allocation and direction (more on this below).
Pay in: By bank transfer or standing order. We recommend a monthly standing order so you comfortably reach the annual contribution.

The whole thing takes less than 15 minutes – and you never have to set foot in a bank branch for it.

Which strategy suits you?

The most important decision is the equity allocation. Rule of thumb: the longer your investment horizon, the higher the equity share can be, because you can simply sit out the fluctuations.

More than 15 years until retirement: a high equity allocation (80–99%) makes sense
5–15 years: a moderate allocation, depending on your risk tolerance
Less than 5 years: gradually reduce the equity share so you aren't caught in a crash just before you withdraw

VIAC offers ready-made "Global" strategies with globally diversified index funds. For most people, a broadly diversified global strategy with a high equity allocation is the simplest and best choice. You can adjust it at any time if your situation changes.

Pro tip: open multiple 3a accounts

An often-overlooked trick: you can run several Pillar 3a accounts in parallel. Close to retirement this becomes valuable for tax reasons – you close the accounts in staggered steps over several years and so break the tax progression on payout.

Ideally start today with 2–3 separate portfolios. More on this in the Pillar 3a guide.

Common mistakes to avoid

Equity allocation too low: If you have 30 years and just "park" the money on the account, you give away returns. With a long horizon, risk is your friend.
Paying in too late: If you only pay in come December, you give away almost a year of market time. Better: a standing order from January onwards.
Only one account: For a staggered payout, multiple accounts pay off right from the start.

What does VIAC really cost?

The total costs come to around 0.44% per year (administration plus the product costs of the index funds). On CHF 50'000 that's about CHF 220 per year – versus CHF 500–1'000 for a classic bank fund. Over the years, that difference adds up to tens of thousands of francs.

Frequently asked questions about VIAC

How much can I pay into VIAC?

At most the statutory 3a amount: in 2026 that's CHF 7'258 for employees with a pension fund. If you're self-employed without a pension fund, it's up to CHF 36'288 (20% of your earned income).

Which equity allocation should I choose at VIAC?

With a long investment horizon (more than 15 years), a high equity allocation of 80–99% makes sense. The closer retirement gets, the more you should reduce the equity share.

Can I have multiple 3a accounts at VIAC?

Yes. Multiple portfolios help you withdraw the accounts in staggered steps later on and save on taxes. You can conveniently run them in the same app.

Is VIAC or finpension better?

Both are excellent and very cheap. Which provider suits you depends on details such as strategy selection and app preferences – we compare that in the provider comparison.

Get started now

Open your VIAC account with our code 4an9Gac – you manage your first CHF 1'000 fee-free, and we both benefit. Choose a high equity allocation, set up a standing order and let time work for you.