Key points at a glance
This page is for residents of Au who want to understand, compare or open a pillar 3a — Switzerland's most tax-efficient private pension. Every contribution (up to the annual maximum) reduces your taxable income, and the capital grows for retirement, buying a home or leaving the country.
In Au (postal code 9434), a municipality of roughly 7’788 residents in the canton of St. Gallen, two choices matter most over time: the size of your annual contribution (ideally the maximum) and the right provider — a 3a savings account, a 3a with securities (more return potential) or a 3a insurance policy. Fees and returns vary widely; the essentials and a free comparison follow below. Comparing several places to live (Berneck (2 km), St. Margrethen (2 km), Walzenhausen (3 km))? The 3a maximum is set federally — only your municipal tax rate changes the effective saving.
Au at a glance: your local context
Au, a municipality of roughly 7’788 residents in the canton of St. Gallen, brings its own local context to "Pillar 3a at 25: start early". For health insurance premiums, Au belongs to FOPH premium region 1 of the canton of St. Gallen. Two neighbouring municipalities can sit in different premium regions — and therefore pay noticeably different premiums for identical benefits. Always compare for your exact municipality of residence, not a cantonal average.
- Population: roughly 7’788
- Canton: St. Gallen
- Basic-insurance premium region (FOPH/OFSP): region 1
- Postal code (NPA): 9434
- Federal municipality number (BFS): 3231
Pillar 3a at 25: start early around Au: compare neighbouring municipalities
Living or working near Au? Each of the closest municipalities has its own local page — handy when you move or when you compare several places to live:
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Berneck — 1.8 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in St. Margrethen — 1.9 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Walzenhausen — 3.1 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Widnau — 3.7 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Balgach — 4.5 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Reute — 4.6 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Lutzenberg — 4.7 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Rebstein — 5.3 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Rheineck — 5.6 km away
- Pillar 3a at 25: start early in Diepoldsau — 5.7 km away
Pillar 3a in Au: compare and contribute wisely
With pillar 3a you save twice over: contributions up to the maximum immediately lower your tax bill, and the balance grows long term for retirement. What matters in Au is the size of the contribution and the choice of provider — between a safe 3a account, a return-oriented securities solution and a 3a insurance policy, the gap in cost and yield is wide.
Over 20 to 30 years, differences in fees and returns add up to five-figure amounts. So compare the type of solution (safe account vs. funds), the total costs and the flexibility (transfer, contribution rhythm). The effective tax saving depends on your marginal tax rate — that is, on your income, the canton of St. Gallen and your municipality. On withdrawal the capital is taxed separately at a reduced rate; several 3a accounts allow staggered withdrawals.
Hallmarks of a good 3a solution
- Low total costs (management fee plus fund costs / TER).
- Equity share suited to your investment horizon until retirement.
- Flexible contributions and free transfer to another provider.
- Withdrawal planning: several accounts for staggered, tax-efficient withdrawals.
Compare pillar 3a offers for Au →
How we work for Au
For "Pillar 3a at 25: start early" in Au we work in three stages: an inventory of your contracts and dates (canton of St. Gallen); an analysis of cover gaps, over-insurance and overlaps; then costed scenarios as a basis for your decision. It is not about more insurance, but about the right balance of premium, deductible and benefit. All free and without obligation — as an educational complement, not a substitute for individual professional advice.
FAQ — insurance in Au (practical guidance, not legal advice)
Is "Pillar 3a at 25: start early" also covered for the area around Au?
Yes. The neighbouring municipalities of Au, such as Berneck (2 km), St. Margrethen (2 km), each have their own page on "Pillar 3a at 25: start early" — handy when you compare several places to live in the canton of St. Gallen or a move is coming up.
Does this page replace personal advice in Au?
No, it is for orientation in Au. A personal decision belongs on the basis of your actual documents (policy, insurer confirmation) and, if needed, an authorised professional in the canton of St. Gallen.
Can I compare "Pillar 3a at 25: start early" in Au with no obligation?
Of course. The starting point is your situation in Au; only at your request do a concrete comparison and quotes follow. You remain free to decline any offer — free of charge and without obligation.
How is the data from the form handled?
Your details are transmitted through our secure infrastructure — solely with your explicit consent. The purposes, recipients and retention periods are described in the privacy policy.
Important notes
Assur-IA's content is maintained carefully, but it can change with legislation, case law and the product range. It constitutes neither a binding offer nor a personal recommendation. Rates, premiums, deductibles and deductions depend on your profile and the reference date.
Official sources
Our figures and information rely on the official publications of the Swiss Confederation.