Everything you need to know about the 3rd pillar: Amount, deadline, tax benefits...

The 3rd pillar, a major asset for your future quality of life

The 3rd pillar is a voluntary, individual savings plan designed for the long term to provide you with additional income when you retire. On average, the 1st and 2nd pillars you will receive on retirement will represent 60% of your final salary before retirement.

Subscribing to a 3rd pillar allows you to:

• guarantee additional financial resources during retirement,
• benefit from annual tax advantages.

It can also finance other projects, under certain conditions.

Pillars 3A and 3B: withdrawal conditions

Pillar 3A can be withdrawn no earlier than 5 years before retirement or, earlier, in certain specific cases, including:

• the purchase of a primary residence,
• a new career path (becoming self-employed or changing your independent activity),
• permanent departure from Switzerland,
• or any other event stipulated by law.

Pillar 3B, however, can be withdrawn at any time and without conditions.

Who is the 3rd pillar for?

Whether you're 30, 40 or 50, it's never too early or too late to open a 3rd pillar!

You can, in particular, subscribe to a Pillar 3A as soon as you receive income subject to AVS contributions (apprenticeship, paid holiday employment, permanent position or self-employment). Note that you can also contribute to it during periods of unemployment. It is worthwhile to consider it as soon as you enter the workforce: a 3rd pillar will ensure greater financial security in retirement. 

Contributing, yes, but until what date? How much?

Contributions to your Pillar 3A are tax-deductible*, up to a certain limit. In 2026, the limits for Pillar 3A are as follows:

• If you are affiliated with a pension fund (2nd Pillar), you can contribute, and therefore deduct from your income, up to CHF 7,258.
• If you are self-employed and do not have a pension fund, you can contribute – and deduct – up to CHF 36,288 (within the limit of 20% of your net annual income).

Contributions to your Pillar 3B are only tax-deductible in the cantons of Geneva and Fribourg. The limits are set independently by each canton.

The higher the amounts you contribute to your 3rd pillar, the greater your tax savings will be.

However, it is essential to make your contributions on time. We recommend that you pay them no later than 15 December of each year to ensure that they are properly taken into account for the current year.

How do I fund my 3rd pillar?

The easiest way is to log on to the Liberty Connect website to retrieve your QR-bill. From there, you can make your payment(s) as you wish, at home, from your e-banking or e-banking app.

You do not have access to the Liberty Connect platform?
You can contact us via the secure messaging system in your e-banking application, by telephone or by email to request access to the platform.

You prefer a more digital and independent approach? Try Pilla.

Would you like to be able to open and fund your Pillar 3A independently?
We created Pilla, our new mobile app for 100% digital management. 

Savings or investment funds: which optionshould you choose?

The 3rd pillar can be set up in different ways:

• As a savings account, it guarantees a fixed but low-yield return.
• In the form of investment funds, it offers an opportunity to diversify your portfolio, with an element of risk linked to the performance of the chosen investment funds.
• It is also possible to combine these two approaches, with part of your 3rd Pillar savings and part of your investment funds.

What are the tax advantages?

The tax advantages you can benefit from depend on several criteria: the amount of your 3rd Pillar contribution, your annual taxable income, your canton of residence, etc.

The Crédit Agricole next bank 3rd pillar: in branch or online

You can subscribe to a 3rd pillar account at any age and with various institutions. It also offers you the freedom to combine savings and investment in various investment funds.

Expertise, flexibility and personalised support

At Crédit Agricole next bank, we are proud to offer our clients great flexibility and significant advantages:

• A rate of 0.65%**: our bank offers one of the best interest rates on the market for savings.
• Crédit Agricole Selection Index ESG investment strategies: our clients make their Pillar 3A assets grow sustainably and responsibly.

Would you like to find out more about the 3rd pillar? Our advisers will be with you from the analysis of your situation right through to subscription.

Pilla, the 100% digital investment alternative

Pilla is a new mobile app developed by Crédit Agricole next bank, offering Pillar 3A and vested benefits solutions.

Simple, intuitive and secure, it offers a highly competitive interest rate on Pillar 3A and the opportunity to make your assets grow through several investment strategies, tailored to your investor profile and risk tolerance.

_{*Depending on the canton and your tax status.
** Rates effective as of 02/03/2026. For up-to-date information, please refer to our Rates table.}