2026 Conversion Rate for FUTURA: What You Need to Know About Your BVG
12.06.2026
The conversion rate determines how much pension you will receive from your retirement savings. For FUTURA, the enveloping conversion rate in 2026 is 5.3%. Starting in 2027, it will be 5.2%. At the same time, the statutory minimum conversion rate for the mandatory portion will remain at 6.8%. In this article, you’ll learn why these two rates coexist, what this means for your pension in concrete terms, and why your FUTURA pension will never fall below the statutory minimum.
What is the conversion rate?
The conversion rate determines what percentage of your accumulated retirement savings will be paid out to you each year as a pension starting when you retire—for the rest of your life.
A simple example using FUTURA (2026):
| Position | Value |
|---|---|
| Retirement savings | CHF 300,000 |
| FUTURA Conversion Rate | 5.3% |
| Annual pension | CHF 15,900 |
| Monthly Pension | CHF 1,325 |
As simple as the formula may sound, the amount of your pension depends largely on how your pension fund calculates the conversion rate and which model it uses.
How does FUTURA calculate your pension?
FUTURA applies a single conversion rate. This means that your mandatory and non-mandatory retirement assets are not converted separately, but are converted together using a single rate.
At the same time, FUTURA ensures that you BVG always BVG at least the statutory minimum benefit under BVG . To this end, a comparative calculation is performed upon each retirement:
- Calculation of the pension based on the total FUTURA retirement savings using the enveloping rate (2026: 5.3%).
- Calculation of the minimum pension based on the BVG using the statutory rate (6.8%).
The higher of the two pensions is always paid out.
Example: FUTURA 2026:
| Total FUTURA | Mandatory BVG | |
|---|---|---|
| Capital | CHF 450,000 | CHF 300,000 |
| Conversion rate | 5.3% | 6.8% |
| Annual Pension | CHF 23,850 | CHF 20,400 |
| Monthly Pension | CHF 1,987.50 | CHF 1,700 |
In this case, according to the FUTURA calculation, the pension is approximately CHF 287.50 per month higher than the statutory minimum—therefore, the FUTURA pension of CHF 23,850 per year is paid out.
This model has two advantages: It is transparent because only one rate is applied to your total balance. And it is fair because you are never left with less than the statutory minimum.
FUTURA Conversion Rates Through 2030
FUTURA has announced a reduction schedule so that policyholders can plan for the long term:
| Year | FUTURA Conversion Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5.3% |
| 2027 | 5.2% |
| 2028 | 5.2% |
| 2029 | 5.2% |
| 2030 | 5.2% |
The statutory minimum conversion rate in BVG remains at 6.8% regardless, and the comparative calculation ensures that this minimum is maintained at all times.
Why is FUTURA lowering the conversion rate?
The conversion rate is determined primarily by two factors: average life expectancy at the time of retirement and expected investment returns during the period of pension receipt.
Rising life expectancy: When the BVG was introduced BVG , 65-year-old men had an average life expectancy of about 15 years. Today, that figure is over 20 years. Pension funds must therefore pay out pensions for significantly longer than originally calculated.
Lower investment returns: In the 1980s, Swiss government bonds still yielded about 5%. Today, expected investment returns are significantly lower. This makes it more difficult to finance the guaranteed pensions from investment returns.
If the conversion rate is set too high, the pension fund must cross-subsidize the difference using the assets of active members. This comes at the expense of the interest earned on retirement savings and places a burden on the retirement provisions of the younger generation. FUTURA therefore adjusts its conversion rates early and transparently—in the interest of all members.
What are the consequences of an excessively high conversion rate?
If the conversion rate is set too high, new retirees will receive pension payments for longer than their retirement savings could actually cover. The shortfall must be covered by active insured persons, who forgo additional interest earnings.
This shift from the working population to retirees runs counter to the fundamental principle of occupational pension plans, under which each person saves for their own pension. A realistically set conversion rate is therefore in the interest of all insured persons and future generations.
Are today's retirees affected?
No. Anyone who is already receiving a retirement pension from an occupational pension plan will continue to receive it in full, in accordance with current law. The reduction in the conversion rate affects only those who will retire in the future.
What can you do to strengthen your retirement savings?
Declining conversion rates are a reality you can actively address. Two strategies can directly boost your retirement savings—and with a third step, you can gain the necessary overview early on.
Voluntary Contributions to the Pension Fund: If there is a gap in your pension coverage, you can make voluntary contributions. These are deductible from your taxable income and directly increase your retirement savings.
Setting up a Pillar 3a account: Private, tied pension savings are tax-advantaged and allow you to specifically set aside additional funds for retirement.
Get an overview: Your pension statement shows your current retirement savings balance as well as the conversion rates that apply to you. In the myFUTURA insured persons’ portal, you can also run simulations for retirement, additional contributions, or early withdrawals—this allows you to determine early on whether and to what extent these two options are worthwhile for you.
We would be happy to provide you with personalized advice regarding your specific retirement planning situation. Request a consultation now →
Frequently Asked Questions About the Conversion Rate for FUTURA
What is the FUTURA 2026 conversion rate?
The FUTURA conversion rate is 5.3% in 2026. Starting in 2027, it will be 5.2%. The statutory minimum conversion rate for the BVG remains unchanged at 6.8%.
Why is my conversion rate with FUTURA less than 6.8%?
The 6.8% rate applies only to the mandatory portion. FUTURA calculates your pension using an overarching rate applied to your total retirement savings and uses a comparative calculation to ensure that you receive at least the statutory BVG. The higher pension is always paid out.
How do I calculate my pension with FUTURA?
Multiply your total retirement savings shown on your FUTURA retirement statement by the applicable conversion rate (for 2026: 5.3%). The result is your estimated annual pension. You can run simulations using your individual values in the myFUTURA portal.
What is an “envelope” conversion rate?
In the “envelope” model, a single conversion rate is applied to the total retirement assets (mandatory and non-mandatory components). FUTURA uses this model and guarantees the BVG through a comparative calculation.
Will my FUTURA conversion rate continue to decline?
According to the announced reduction schedule, the FUTURA conversion rate will be 5.2% starting in 2027 and will remain at that level until 2030.
As a current retiree, am I affected?
No. Current old-age pensions will continue to be paid in full. The reduction only affects future retirees.
Pension or lump-sum payment—which makes more sense for me?
That depends on your personal situation: life expectancy, family circumstances, other sources of income, and tax considerations all play a role. Be sure to seek personalized advice on this matter.
Source: FUTURA Vorsorge, Information Sheet on the 2026 Conversion Rate. For more information and current key figures, visit www.futura.ch.