Majority of Aussies aren’t across their banking fees and charges, says UBank
With so many banking options on the market, consumers have lost track of the fees they pay, on products like bank accounts, which could be costing them hundreds of dollars every year.
According to UBank’s annual Know Your Numbers Index, 76% of Aussies can’t accurately state how much they pay in banking charges over the course of a year.
Only a small 21% of respondents to the survey knew the keeping fees and charges they pay every year on their transaction account, despite 27% saying they are least willing to waste money on ATM withdrawal fees and 16% on transaction keeping costs.
And more than a quarter of respondents to UBank’s report said that it’s too complicated to track the numbers across all of their banking products, while 18% said they simply don’t have the time to do it.
“Australians are typically very savvy - except when it comes to knowing how much they pay in bank fees. Given the average Aussie has six different bank accounts, it’s no surprise they’re finding it hard to keep track,” UBank CEO Lee Hatton said.
“The fact is the more you know about your bank fees, the more you will save. We encourage Australians to take control and seek out fee-free products and accounts. There’s not only a great range of alternatives in the market, but it’s a simple way to instantly save hundreds.”
RELATED: Mozo’s People’s Choice Awards highlight Australia’s favourite banks
Worryingly, UBank also found that Aussies estimate they spend $328 on annual banking fees and charges every year, which is below the RBA average figure of $468 - meaning customers could be hit with extra fees that they aren’t aware of.
“When choosing a banking product, whether its a bank account or a home loan, it’s always crucial to read the fine print,” Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont said.
“Too many times Aussies have been hit with extra fees that they didn’t even know were there in the first place, simply because they didn’t do their homework. That’s why it’s a good idea to thoroughly compare similar products before you seal the deal.”
RELATED: Are you losing the fight against banking fees?
Ready to switch to a fee-free bank account? Head to our bank account comparison table to weigh up your options, or read more of our useful banking guides for all the information you need.
Compare bank accounts - last updated 29 March 2024
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Spend Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay
0% p.a.
No monthly fees and no charges for overseas or online payments from ubank. Stay one step ahead with ubank’s spending insights and bill prediction. Apple Pay and Google Pay compatible. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
CompareCompareSpend Account
No monthly fees and no charges for overseas or online payments from ubank. Stay one step ahead with ubank’s spending insights and bill prediction. Apple Pay and Google Pay compatible. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, Samsung Pay, Fitbit Pay, Garmin Pay
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- none
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited eftpos, debit, ATM, and banking app transactions using internet banking or the ubank iOS or Android app.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ubank Spend Account
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Everyday Options
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
0.01% p.a.
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
CompareCompareEveryday Options
An easy, everyday banking account packed with flexible options to help you spend, budget & save better. $0 monthly account keeping fees & option to add up to 9 sub-accounts.
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID
- interest rate
- 0.01% p.a.
- ATM networks
- Suncorp
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
Balances from $1: 0.01% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from own-bank ATM, atmx ATM, Big 4 banks ATM, EFTPOS, counter withdrawals, counter deposits, phone and internet
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Suncorp Everyday Options
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Orange Everyday
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, PayTo
0% p.a.
The everyday bank account that could pay you for paying bills. Get 1% cashback on eligible utility bills (up to $100), $0 ING international transaction fees, and up to 5 rebated ATM withdrawals a month here or overseas (T&Cs apply)+ no monthly fees. Winner of the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2023 for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
CompareCompareOrange Everyday
The everyday bank account that could pay you for paying bills. Get 1% cashback on eligible utility bills (up to $100), $0 ING international transaction fees, and up to 5 rebated ATM withdrawals a month here or overseas (T&Cs apply)+ no monthly fees. Winner of the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2023 for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet, PayID, PayTo
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- None
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Access 1% cashback on eligible utility bill payments (up to $100 per financial year), rebates on ATM fees for the first 5 fee incurring withdrawals (domestic). When you deposit at least $1,000 from an external bank account and make at least 5 card purchases using your ING debit card each month.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ING Orange Everyday
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Everyday Global Account
$0.00
Apple Pay, Google Wallet
0% p.a.
No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app. Receive 2% Cashback on eligible tap and pay transactions under $100. Mozo's Experts Choice 2023 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
CompareCompareEveryday Global Account
No overseas ATM fees & up to 10 currencies in one account. Switch between currencies instantly 24/7 wherever you are using the mobile app. Receive 2% Cashback on eligible tap and pay transactions under $100. Mozo's Experts Choice 2023 winner for Exceptional Everyday Account.^
- account fee
- $0.00
- Payment Options
- Apple Pay, Google Wallet
- interest rate
- 0% p.a.
- ATM networks
- HSBC
- What kind of card?
- Visa Debit
- Interest rate
- Balances from $0: 0.00% p.a.
- Fee free transactions
- Unlimited free transactions from HSBC ATMs, EFTPOS, phone, internet, BPAY and direct debits
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the HSBC Everyday Global Account
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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Bank Account Awards
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