Neon 3a has established itself as one of the best 3a pension solutions in Switzerland thanks to its modern, transparent approach and excellent cost-effectiveness. This article, "Neon 3a: Simple and Modern Swiss Pension Planning," explores this topic., Here's a quick summary and my opinion on Neon 3a.
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| Punctuation out of 10 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Commissions (management fees) | 0.39 – 0.45% | 8.5 / 10 (commissions slightly higher than Viac and Finpension) |
| Indirect costs | Very few indirect costs | 9.5 / 10 |
| Past yield | Very good for a 3a account | 8.5 / 10 (Neon needs to improve the transparency of its actual performance) |
| Choice of strategies | Very varied | 9 / 10 (The custom selection option is missing) |
| Opportunity to invest 99% in the stock market on global 100 | Yes | 10 / 10 |
| Percentage of investment in Switzerland & Percentage of investment abroad | 89% – foreign 11% – Switzerland | 8.5 / 10 (The percentage invested in Switzerland is too low for a 3a) |
| Ease of use | Very simple | 10 / 10 |
| Maximum number of portfolios a client can hold | 5 | 9.5 / 10 |
| 3a security | Very good | 9.5 / 10 |
| Customer service | Very good | 9.5 / 10 |
| 9.3 / 10 |
Why open a 3a account?
A account 3a is a planning tool which offers major tax advantages to Swiss residents.
💡 How does it work?
By depositing money into your 3a account, you reduce your taxable income. Result: you pay. lower taxes every year and you're also saving for your retirement.
For example, if you pay CHF 7,000 into your 3a account, part of that amount is deducted from your taxable income. Depending on your canton and tax bracket, this can save you money. several thousand francs per year.
Furthermore, this money can be saved or invested.
⚠️ Attention Every tax situation is unique. In reality, savings depend on your income, your canton, and your overall strategy.
When can you withdraw money from a 3a account?
Account 3a is blocked until one of these 4 events occurs:
- Buying your main residence (in Switzerland)
- Final departure abroad
- Starting a business in Switzerland
- Retirement (starting 5 years before the legal retirement age)
Neon 3a: A modern and competitive alternative
Neon, initially known for its 100% digital bank account Launched in 2019, it has expanded its offering with Neon Invest (2023) to allow its clients to invest. At the end of 2025, the bank took another step forward with Neon 3a*, a simple and accessible insurance solution.
In my articles, I have often highlighted Viac 3a And Finpension 3a, two market leaders. But today, Neon 3a is establishing itself as a serious competitor. Let's analyze its strengths and weaknesses together.
Detailed analysis of Neon 3a
1️⃣ Frais de gestion : Dégressifs et compétitifs
Note that Neon 3a applies a commission decreasing depending on the amount invested. The more you save, the lower the fees.
Neon 3a management fees (2026)
| Amount invested | Annual fees |
|---|---|
| 0 – 4,999 CHF | 0,45% |
| 5,000 – 9,999 CHF | 0,44% |
| 10,000 – 24,999 CHF | 0,43% |
| CHF 25,000 and above | 0,39% |
👉 My opinion :
These fees are down compared to the market average. However, Finpension (0.39%) and Viac (0.40%) offer more advantageous rates up to CHF 25,000.
2️⃣ Frais indirects : Presque inexistants
Most 3a or bank accounts hide additional fees:
- Exchange fees
- Entry/exit fees
- TER (Total Expense Ratio)
- Administrative fees
👉 Neon 3a stands out : Very few indirect costs !
⚠️ Exception The strategy “Offensive 100” (100% shares) includes 0.04% additional charge.
Therefore, for a 3a customer with less than CHF 25,000 for offensive strategy 100, the total cost will be 0.49%.
3️⃣ Stratégies d’investissement : 5 options claires
Neon 3a offers 5 typical profiles, adapted to all risk levels. Here is their breakdown:
| Strategy | Actions | Obligations | Real estate | Raw materials / Cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caution 25 | 25% | 63% | 9% | 3% |
| Balanced 45 | 45% | 43% | 9% | 3% |
| Dynamic 65 | 65% | 23% | 9% | 3% |
| Ambitious 80 | 80% | 8% | 9% | 3% |
| Offensive 100 | 99% | 0% | 0% | 1% |
🔹 Strengths :
✅ Diversity The profiles cover all needs, from the most cautious to the most dynamic.
✅ Simplicity The choice is intuitive, even for beginners.
⚠️ Boundaries :
❌ No customization : It is impossible to choose your own investments (no self-management).
💡 My advice (not financial advice!) :
In my opinion, for a horizon long term (+10 years), the strategy “Offensive 100” is the most interesting. It maximizes the potential return, ideal for a 3a account intended for retirement.
4️⃣ Répartition géographique : 70% à l’étranger, est-ce suffisant ?
Switzerland is a stable country, but small and not very diverse on a global scale. To maximize returns, it is It is essential to invest internationally., particularly in UNITED STATES (historically the best performing market).
👉 Neon 3a allows you to invest 89% abroad :
- 70% Developed countries
- 10% Switzerland
- 18% Emerging Countries
According to my opinion, 10% of the 3a in Switzerland is too little.
Many savers prefer to have at least 20% in Switzerland for added stability.
There are approximately 70% invested in a global index fund, which is a good allocation. However, in my opinion, 18% invested in emerging market equities is slightly high.
It should also be noted that there is a lack of transparency regarding the exact allocation of 3a between United States, Europe, Asia, etc. Which is a shame.
In conclusion, the allocation is acceptable, but I think there is too little Swiss percentage and too much percentage in emerging markets.
5️⃣ Choix d’investissement : 3 options thématiques
Neon 3a offers 3 approaches to guide your portfolio:
- Global Focus : Global investment, with a strong exposure to developed countries.
- Sustainable development Business-focused funds ESG (Environment, Social, Governance).
- Focus on Switzerland Priority to stocks and bonds Swiss.
👉 My opinion :
I prefer the global approach for maximum diversification.
The options Swiss And sustainable They are interesting for those who are keen on them. But they are not to my taste.
6️⃣ Rendement : Comparable à Viac, mais manque de transparence
Neon 3a does not provide No detailed PDF available yet with past returns per strategy (unlike Viac or Finpension). Thus, it is difficult to objectively compare performance.
📊 What we know :
According to Neon, the strategy “Offensive 100” would have a similar performance to Viac Global 100.
However, it's still too early to judge, but if Neon lives up to its promises, it will be a big plus.
7️⃣ Sécurité : Un sans-faute
- Separation of assets In the event of Neon's bankruptcy, your 3a shares are transferred automatically to another service provider.
- Secure access : Authentication by biometric code (fingerprint or facial recognition).
👉 Verdict : Impeccable security, like most Swiss 3a accounts.
8️⃣ Nombre de portefeuilles : Jusqu’à 5 comptes 3a
💡 Why hold multiple 3a accounts?
Note that in most Swiss cantons, Spreading your savings across several 3a accounts allows you to optimize taxes when making withdrawals..
➡️ Example It's better to have 3 accounts of CHF 100,000 that 1 account of CHF 300,000.
👉 Neon 3a allows you to open up to 5 wallets : Perfect for tax optimization !
9️⃣ Simplicité d’utilisation : Ultra-intuitive
Neon allows for very simple use:
- Automatic payment You set up a monthly transfer from your current account.
- Automatic investment Neon will take care of the rest.
That's all for the customer.
🔟 Service client : Réactif et efficace
I have always had a very good experience with Neon customer service.
- Answers clear and quick (via chat or email).
- No queue A real advantage compared to traditional banks.
Conclusion Neon 3a: Grading out of 10
| Criteria | Details | Rating /10 |
|---|---|---|
| Management fees | 0,39% – 0,45% | 9 |
| Indirect costs | Very weak | 9.5 |
| Past yield | Good, but lacks transparency | 8.5 |
| Choice of strategies | 5 different profiles (no customization) | 9.0 |
| Global 100% Investment | Yes (Offensive strategy 100) | 10.0 |
| Swiss/Foreign Distribution | 10% Switzerland / 70% World / 18% Emerging Markets | 8.5 |
| Simplicity | Ultra-simple | 10.0 |
| Number of portfolios | Up to 5 | 9.5 |
| Security | Excellent | 9.5 |
| Customer service | Responsive and efficient | 9.5 |
| 🏆 Note globale | One of the best 3a accounts | 9.3 / 10 |
Neon 3a achieves a very good score of 9.3 out of 10. That's not bad at all for a recent 3a!
Neon 3a vs Viac 3a vs Finpension 3a: Who wins?
Neon 3a made a A striking entrance in the top 4 best 3a accounts in Switzerland, alongside Viac, Finpension and True Wealth.
| Criteria | Neon 3a | Viac 3a | Finpension 3a |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management fees | 0,39% – 0,45% | 0,40% (from 1 CHF) | 0,39% (from 1 CHF) |
| Indirect costs | Very weak | Very weak | Very weak |
| Strategies | 5 profiles (no free choice) | Wide selection | Wide selection |
| Yield | Similar to Viac Global 100, but lacks transparency | Transparent | Transparent |
| Overall distribution 100 or offensive 100 | 90% worldwide / 10% Switzerland | 60% worldwide / 40% Switzerland | 60% worldwide / 40% Switzerland |
| Number of accounts | Up to 5 | Up to 5 | Up to 5 |
My opinion
I think that Neon 3a is an excellent choice, especially for those who want simplicity, digitalization and low costs.
However, if you already have an account with Viac or Finpension, no need to change : their fees are slightly better, and their experience is longer (10 years vs a few months for Neon).
For new customers Neon 3a deserves absolutely to be considered! But also Finpension and Viac.
Neon 3a: Simple and modern Swiss retirement planning
Neon 3a FAQ: Everything you need to know about Swiss pension accounts
What are Neon 3a's management fees?
Neon 3a applies Decreasing management fees depending on the amount invested. Here are the rates in 2026:
0,45% for the amounts of 0 to 4,999 CHF, 0,44% For 5,000 to 9,999 CHF, 0,43% For CHF 10,000 to 24,999, And 0,39% from 25,000 CHF.
These fees are among the lowest on the Swiss market, although Viac (0.40%) and Finpension (0.39%) offer slightly more advantageous rates from the very first franc invested. indirect costs are almost non-existent, except for strategy Offensive 100 (0.04% additional).
What investment strategies are available with Neon 3a?
Neon 3a offers 5 investment strategies suitable for all profiles:
Caution 25 (25% shares), Balanced 45 (45% shares), Dynamic 65 (65% shares), Ambitious 80 (80% shares), and Offensive 100 (99% shares).
Note that almost every strategy includes bonds, stocks, real estate and commodities for optimal diversification. However, it is not Customization not possible his portfolio or to invest 100% in cash or bonds.
Can you invest abroad with Neon 3a?
Yes, Neon 3a allows investment up to 70% abroad, distributed among developed and emerging countries. The strategy Offensive 100 allocates for example 70% in the global market, 10% to Switzerland And 18% to emerging countries.
That's a good one international diversification, although some savers may wish for a higher percentage in Switzerland (at least 20%).
How is the Neon 3a account secured?
The security of Neon 3a is impeccable :
- Separation of assets In the event of Neon's bankruptcy, your 3a shares are automatically transferred to another service provider.
- Biometric access The account is protected by facial recognition or fingerprinting, which makes unauthorized access virtually impossible.
Neon 3a respects the strict Swiss standards in terms of protecting savers.
Why choose Neon 3a rather than another 3a account like Viac or Finpension?
In truth, Neon 3a stands out because of its ease of use, her 100% digital interface and its competitive fees. Indeed, it's an ideal 3a account for those looking for a modern and intuitive solution.
However, Viac and Finpension remain slightly more advantageous in terms of fees (0.39%–0.40% from 1 CHF) and offer a improved transparency on past performance.
If you are already a Viac or Finpension customer, there is no need to change, but Neon 3a is a An excellent option for new savers..
Neon 3a: Simple and modern Swiss retirement planning
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