Savings accounts – How to find the best savings account for you

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Savings accounts help your money grow faster by offering a higher interest rate than everyday transaction accounts. 

Get the highest interest on your savings

Savings accounts usually earn more interest than other accounts. They’re usually online, and don’t have a debit card, so it’s not as easy to dip into your money.

Higher interest rate

The higher the interest rate, the faster your hard-earned savings will grow.

A competitive savings account will offer an interest rate of around 1.5%. A transaction account will usually have an interest rate between 0% and 0.5%.

This means your savings will grow faster in a savings account.

Bonus interest rates

Many savings accounts offer a bonus interest rate if you meet certain conditions. For example, if you make regular deposits of $500 per month, or keep a minimum balance of $5,000.

Honeymoon interest rates

Some banks offer a higher interest rate for a short period of time, called a honeymoon interest rate. Always check what the interest rate will be after the honeymoon period ends.

No fees

The best option is a no-fee savings account — you don’t want account fees to eat up your savings.

Linked accounts

To open a savings account with some providers, you will also need to open a linked transaction account. This makes it easier to transfer money between the accounts.

Government deposit guarantee

Savings accounts are a low-risk investment. They are protected by the Australian Government’s financial claims scheme. This guarantees to pay you up to $250,000 for savings deposits in the unlikely event your bank, credit union or building society fails. This guarantee applies per person and per institution.

Visit the Financial Claims Scheme to find the institutions and deposits the scheme covers.

Compare savings accounts

Before you open a savings account:

Comparison websites can be useful, but they are businesses and may make money through promoted links. They may not cover all your options.

Compare these features:

Interest ratewhat the interest rate ishow often it’s paidif it has a bonus or honeymoon interest rate, and what the conditions are
Account feemonthly account fee
Minimum balanceif you need to keep a minimum balance
Maximum balancethe maximum you can save in your account
Linked accountif you need a linked transaction account with the same provider
Withdrawalshow often you can withdraw money
Regular depositsif you need to make regular deposits, and how much

Review regularly for a better interest rate

Review your savings account regularly. Compare it to others on the market to make sure you’re getting the best interest rate.


Wealthness Pty Ltd ABN 13 231 248 112  [t/a Better Financial Planning Australia]  is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd ABN 47 097 797 049 AFSL No. 236523. It is important to be aware that Better Financial Planning Australia is not authorised by Infocus to provide advice relating to credit services or property advice. Infocus is not responsible for any advice outside of the scope of this authorisation and should you wish to act on any of this general information, please first seek professional financial advice.

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This information is of a general nature only and neither represents nor is intended to be specific advice on any particular matter. Infocus Securities Australia Pty Ltd strongly suggests that no person should act specifically on the basis of the information contained herein but should seek appropriate professional advice based upon their own personal circumstances. Although we consider the sources for this material reliable, no warranty is given and no liability is accepted for any statement or opinion or for any error or omission.

Wealthness Pty Ltd t/as Better Financial Planning Australia does not give any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of information which is contained in this website. Except insofar as any liability under statute cannot be excluded, Wealthness Pty Ltd t/as Better Financial Planning Australia and its employees do not accept any liability for any error or omission on this website or for any resulting loss or damage suffered by the recipient or any other person.

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Source: ASIC MoneySmart

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