Mortgage deferrals, financial stress, green loans: this week’s best banking news
- Mortgage deferrals about to end: 450,000 Aussies to be affected
- Financial stress highest amongst millennials says JD Power
- Green loans v regular loans: how do they stack up?
- Queensland Government introduce $50 credit for electricity customers
- Paypal, Visa drops instant IMT service
- Savings cut: Volt reduces rate by 0.20%
All in this week’s best banking news: editor’s pick.
450,000 Aussies face mortgage and business loan deferrals ending
Home loan and business loan deferrals are set to end in September and October, meaning a massive 450,000 will have to start making regular repayments again.
This is according to the Australian Banking Association, who says that 260,000 mortgage customers will be contacted by their lender over the next few weeks. Plus, 105 business loan holders will also be contacted.
“The loan deferral measure offered to customers by Australia’s banks has led to the largest ever customer contact process in the industry’s history, with an additional 5000 new or redeployed staff working to ensure customers understand their options,” said ABA chief executive, Anna Bligh.
Customers will face a six month assessment to determine whether their loan deferral will be extended, restructured or come to an end.
Read full article: 450,000 Australians are about to get a call from their banks as mortgage deferrals end for a deeper look at what the change could mean for you.
Young Aussies most likely to be stressed about their finances, says JD Power
Millennials are more likely to be stressed about their finances than their older counterparts, reveals new research by JD Power.
Stats showed that a massive 41% of young Aussies say they had high or moderate levels of stress when it comes to their money. Plus, one in five aren’t impressed with their current financial situation and find it tough to manage their finances.
“Millennial finances have been hardest hit by the pandemic and it will take time for their personal financial condition to recover,” said Bronwyn Gill, head of banking and payments intelligence at J.D. Power Australia.
However, 16% of millennials have taken charge and switched banks over the last year, with interest rates and fees being the top reasons for doing so.
Read full article: Millennials more likely to be financially stressed, says JD Power to find out which banks are stepping it up for millennials.
Is a green loan a better option over a regular loan?
If you’ve got a large eco-friendly project around the corner, a green loan may be what you’re after.
These loans cover things like solar panels, water tanks, green vehicles and more! But is it the best option for you?
According to the Mozo database, green loans have a lower average rate than regular loans. Here’s a breakdown:
- Multi-purpose Secured Loan: 8.09%
- Green Multi-purpose Secured Loan: 6.29%
- Unsecured Loan: 10.47%
- Green Unsecured Loan: 7.73%
- New Car Loan: 6.58%
- Green Car Loan: 6.23%
“Not only do green personal or car loans make it easier for Aussie customers to fund their eco-friendly initiatives, lower rates also act as a reward for people choosing more sustainable options when it comes to their home or car,” Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont said.
Read full article: Do green loans stack up against regular loans? for a full rundown of which lenders offer green loans right now.
Qld Govt offers second power bill relief package
This week, the Queensland State Government announced a new initiative to help queenslanders during the pandemic: a $50 electricity bill credit.
The credit will be added to the next bill received by around two million electricity customers.
According to Queensland Energy Minister, Dr Anothony Lynham, another $50 credit will be given some time in 2021.
This is the second energy relief initiative offered by the Queensland Government, after it’s first $300m package which provided up to $200 credit for queenslanders’ utility bills.
Read full article: Queensland Government announce $50 electricity bill credit to find out how queenslanders can save big on their energy bills.
Need to send money overseas instantly? Meet PayPal’s Instant Transfer
Launched in the US in March 2019, PayPal’s Instant Transfer now allows worldwide users (including Aussies) to make almost real-time international money transfers.
The service is a collaboration between PayPal and Visa, which allows customers to send money from a PayPal, Xoom or Venmo account to eligible Visa cards (via Visa Direct).
And it’s for businesses too. Any businesses that use PayPal-owned services like Braintree, iZettle or Hyperwallet will also have access to PayPal’s Instant Transfer.
With Instant Transfer you can send money from your PayPal, Xoom or Venmo account to eligible Visa cards, via Visa Direct. Businesses using other PayPal-owned payments platforms like Braintree, iZettle and Hyperwallet will also have access to the service.
Read full article: International money transfer in minutes? Paypal, Visa have the answer to find out what Visa’s chief product officer, Jack Forestell says about the product.
Neobank rate cut: Volt slashes savings account by 0.20%
And another savings account takes another hit.
This week, neobank Volt reduced it’s savings account interest rate by 20 basis points - leaving it at 1.45%.
This is the third cut to Volt’s Savings Account since it’s launch. Check out the changes so far:
- March 14: Rate cut from 2.15% to 1.90%
- March 31: Rate cut from 1.90% to 1.65%
- September 16: Rate cut from 1.65% to 1.45%
Read full article: Volt Bank to cut savings account rate by 0.20% to see how other neobanks compare.
On the hunt for a more competitive savings account rate? Check out some killer options below!
Compare Savings Accounts - last updated 19 April 2024
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Kick Start Savings - 2024
High Interest Savings Account
5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Savings Account
Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.
- Maximum rate
- 5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
- standard interest rate
- 4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening, reverting to standard variable rate. Rate shown is for Personal customers and is subject to change. Different rates apply to Business/SMSF customers.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the High Interest Savings Account
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Savings Account
5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareSavings Account
Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Savings Account
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Reward Saver Account
5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
CompareCompareReward Saver Account
Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
- Access
- ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Reward Saver Account
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- High Interest Savings - 2024
AMP Saver Account
5.40% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
1.20% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Enjoy a bonus rate when you deposit at least $1000 per month with the AMP Saver Account.
No account fees. Unlimited transactions when linked to an AMP Bank transaction account. Easy online access to your money. Option to link your savings account to an everyday transaction account. 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
CompareCompareAMP Saver Account
No account fees. Unlimited transactions when linked to an AMP Bank transaction account. Easy online access to your money. Option to link your savings account to an everyday transaction account. 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.
- Maximum rate
- 5.40% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 1.20% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Ongoing total variable bonus rate of up to 5.40% per annum applies if customers deposit $1,000 in the previous month. Available only on balances up to $250,000.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Ongoing total variable bonus rate up to 5.40% p.a. is earned on the balance the month after you deposit $1,000 and is paid the following month, on balances up to $250k. Max balance per customer name is $5 million.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the AMP Saver Account
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Savings+Bonus
5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
2.00% p.a.(for $0 to $250,000)
Yes up to $250,000
Earn a generous interest rate on your at-call savings (T&Cs apply). Interest is calculated daily and paid to you monthly. A $5 monthly membership fee will not apply if your total account balances with First Option Bank exceed $1,000 or you have a credit card or loan with the bank.
CompareCompareSavings+Bonus
Earn a generous interest rate on your at-call savings (T&Cs apply). Interest is calculated daily and paid to you monthly. A $5 monthly membership fee will not apply if your total account balances with First Option Bank exceed $1,000 or you have a credit card or loan with the bank.
- Maximum rate
- 5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 2.00% p.a.(for $0 to $250,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $5.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest.
- Access
- -
- Minimum balance
- $1.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Savings+Bonus
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High Interest Save Account
5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Deposit at least $200 to either Spend, Bills or Save account from an external source each month.
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Save Account
No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.
- Maximum rate
- 5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Deposit at least $200 to either Spend, Bills or Save account from an external source each month.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Account can only be opened through iOS or Android app, but may be accessed through internet banking.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the High Interest Save Account
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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards
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