Updated August 2026 · How to open finpension 3a step by step

Want to invest your Säule 3a (pillar 3a) at low cost? finpension is one of the cheapest providers in Switzerland. You can invest up to 99% in shares. Here I’ll show you every step with pictures. You’ll find more background in my finpension pillar 3a review.

What you need

• Handy: No ID needed for the sign-up itself
• A mobile phone for the app, or a computer for the web app
• Your mobile number
• Residence in Switzerland or Liechtenstein and an income on which you pay AHV (Swiss old-age and survivors’ insurance) contributions
• The code LIEBXP at hand

Open finpension 3a: here is how

1. Open the app and register. Download the finpension app* from the App Store or Google Play Store. Or open the web app in your browser. Enter your mobile number and choose a password.

2. Choose an account or securities. An account pays you interest. Securities means you invest in funds. For building wealth over the long term, the securities solution is usually the better choice.

3. Answer a few questions. They’re about your age and how long you still plan to save. From this, the app works out how much risk suits you.

4. Choose your strategy. Pick a ready-made strategy (Global, Switzerland or Sustainable) or set the share allocation yourself, up to 99% is possible. You can change this at any time later on.

5. Enter your details and the code. Type LIEBXP into the promo code field. That way you get CHF 25 free. An ID isn’t mandatory here, but I still recommend it, as it saves you hassle later when you withdraw your money.

6. Done, now pay in money. Your account is open. Pay in money straight away, or first transfer your old 3a savings from your bank. Your account becomes active as soon as the first money arrives.

CHF 25 free at finpension

LIEBXP

Enter the code when you sign up. Valid for your first deposit or transfer within 12 months.

Open your 3a now →

How much can you pay in?

That depends on whether you have a Pensionskasse (pension fund).

Your money isn’t invested immediately. finpension invests on the second bank working day of each week. So if you pay in on a Monday, it will take until Tuesday or Wednesday.

Changing your strategy later?

No problem, it costs nothing extra. Only the buying and selling itself comes with small costs. So don’t switch too often, and stick with your strategy.

When do you get your money back?

Normally no earlier than 5 years before your AHV retirement age. There are exceptions, though:

• You buy a home that you live in yourself
• You become self-employed
• You leave Switzerland for good
• You receive a full IV (disability insurance) pension

If you have several 3a accounts, you can withdraw them one at a time. That saves you tax later on.

What does finpension 3a cost?

Only 0.39% per year. That’s it. Everything is already included.

Here’s an advantage many people don’t know about. finpension uses special funds for pension money instead of normal ETFs. These pay less foreign withholding tax on dividends. That means more return for you.

Which strategies are there?

You choose between three directions, each with different share allocations:

This is implemented with funds from Swisscanto or UBS, the same ones large pension funds use. If you want more control, you can build your own strategy in the app.

Open finpension 3a and bring your old pillar 3a with you

If you already have a 3a account with a bank, you can move it to finpension. To do so, first open a portfolio in the app and download the transfer form. Send it to your old bank, and finpension takes care of the rest for you. A partial transfer isn’t possible, the whole account is always moved. More on this in my guide to switching your pillar 3a.

Why multiple accounts make sense

You can hold up to 5 accounts with finpension. The reason is simple. If you later withdraw your money all at once, you pay more tax. If you spread it over several years, you save. If you’re planning this, it’s best to open several accounts right now.

Is my money safe?

Yes. Your funds belong to you, not to the bank. If finpension or a bank goes bust, your money stays protected. Cash is held at banks supervised by FINMA. There, too, your money is additionally protected up to CHF 100’000.

Open finpension 3a: frequently asked questions

Conclusion: open finpension 3a in a few minutes

Signing up with finpension takes a few minutes and is easy even for beginners. Take a moment to think about your strategy, as that matters more than anything else. Don’t forget the code LIEBXP, it gets you CHF 25 free. Not sure whether finpension is right for you? In my comparison of VIAC vs finpension vs Frankly, I put the most important providers side by side.