Aussies could be earning more interest on their savings, says ACCC
A new report released today by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) shows that many savers may be sticking with savings accounts that aren’t in their best interest.
The Retail deposit inquiry report found that only 16% of Australians had switched their main savings account in the last three years, but also suggested that part of the problem is that banks are making it harder for customers to compare and switch.
Considering the average ongoing bonus savings rates in the Mozo database have spiked from 1.02% p.a. in November 2020 to 4.31% p.a. in November 2023, Australians may be missing out on higher interest rates from their current bank’s competitors.
This is even more alarming when you consider that Australians store over $1.4 trillion in savings accounts, as per the ACCC.
Average bonus savings rate is higher but many of us are missing out
The ACCC’s report also noted that the majority of Australians with bonus rate savings accounts aren’t meeting the conditions required to earn them their bonus.
In the first half of 2023, 71% of bonus interest rate account holders didn’t meet the eligibility conditions to get their bonus interest credit on average each month.
This could effectively wipe out an otherwise high savings interest rate, replacing it with a base rate that, by comparison, is functionally useless.
One of the highest ongoing bonus rates in the Mozo database is ING’s Savings Maximiser account, at 5.50% p.a.
ING Savings Maximiser
- Up to 5.50% p.a. bonus interest rate (conditions apply)
- $100,000 balance cap for bonus rate
- No monthly account fees
The ING Savings Maximiser comes with a bonus interest rate of 5.50% p.a. (0.55% p.a. standard interest rate) for savers who meet the bonus rate criteria. To get ING’s highest rate, you must link your Savings Maximiser account to your Orange Everyday account, deposit at least $1,000 a month from an external source (e.g. your salary), make at least 5 settled, eligible card purchases, and grow your savings balance by more than the accrued interest each month.
The account also picked up a 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Savings Award^ in the best High Interest Savings category!
However, the bonus criteria required of savers to get that rate include:
- Depositing $1,000 per month
- Opening an Orange Everyday transaction account
- Making 5 eligible transactions per month with a linked ING card
- Growing your savings balance each month.
If those conditions aren’t met, the 5.50% p.a. rate shrinks to just 0.55% p.a.
So, consumers who don’t meet the bonus conditions are doing themselves a disservice by choosing a bonus interest savings account in the first place. But there are other types of savings accounts out there.
The ACCC’s report says, “These consumers would likely benefit from switching to an account in which they could regularly meet the bonus rate conditions, or has a higher (unconditional) base interest rate.”
Take MOVE Bank’s Growth Saver account as an example of a bonus savings rate with fewer hurdles to clear (although there is a significant difference in the balance cap, compared to ING’s account).
MOVE Bank Growth Saver
- Up to 5.70% p.a. bonus interest rate (conditions apply)
- $25,000 balance cap for bonus rate
- No monthly account fees
MOVE Bank’s Growth Saver account offers a maximum bonus interest rate of 5.70% p.a. (0.10% p.a. standard interest rate) for those who meet the bonus interest conditions: deposit $200 per month and make no withdrawals from their savings account.
This account also won a Best High Interest savings crown at the 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Savings Accounts Awards^.
The Growth Saver account is currently the highest ongoing bonus savings rate in the Mozo database (as at 15 December 2023) at 5.75% p.a., provided the bonus conditions are met.
However, if Growth Saver customers make a withdrawal from their savings account or fail to deposit at least $200 per month, that high rate of interest plummets to 0.10% p.a.
Still, the MOVE Bank Growth Saver account’s minimum deposit of $200 is a much lower hurdle than ING’s $1,000 minimum and doesn’t require customers to grow their balance or make card transactions.
But even if consumers aren’t able to consistently save a certain amount each month, there are plenty of unconditional base rates out there that rival many of the bonus offerings – although you may still have to link them to a transaction account at the same bank.
How to make sure you’re getting the best savings rate you can
Getting a better savings rate is in your control, despite what the banks do. That’s what we specialise in at Mozo - financial product comparisons!
When you compare savings rates on our site, keep an eye on the standard interest rate column as, even if the account offers a bonus rate, a high standard rate will grow your savings faster than a low one.
To get started, check out some of the featured products that Mozo tracks below.
Savings account comparisons on Mozo - last updated 5 May 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 Rabobank 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 Macquarie 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 IMB Bank 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 Bank 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
Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
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 each month.
- Access
- -
- Minimum balance
- $1.00
- Other restrictions
- Must become a First Option Bank member to open an account.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the First Option Bank Savings+Bonus
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MoneyMAX Account
No Current Offer
4.75% p.a.(for $1 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.
CompareCompareMoneyMAX Account
Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.
- Maximum rate
- No Current Offer
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $1 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- n/a
- Access
- BPay, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Branch access for deposits only.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unity Bank MoneyMAX Account
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Kids Bonus Saver
0.85% p.a. (for $5,556 to $50,001)
0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Minimum $5 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
A dedicated high-interest savings account exclusively for under-18 members, designed to help kids save up for something they want. Internet banking and Mobile Banking App. Deposit a minimum of $5 per month (pocket money!) without making a withdrawal and you will earn high bonus interest on balances up to $5,555. Balances over $5,555 will earn only the base interest rate of 0.05% p.a
CompareCompareKids Bonus Saver
A dedicated high-interest savings account exclusively for under-18 members, designed to help kids save up for something they want. Internet banking and Mobile Banking App. Deposit a minimum of $5 per month (pocket money!) without making a withdrawal and you will earn high bonus interest on balances up to $5,555. Balances over $5,555 will earn only the base interest rate of 0.05% p.a
- Maximum rate
- 0.85% p.a. (for $5,556 to $50,001)
- standard interest rate
- 0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- -
- Maximum rate conditions
- Minimum $5 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
- Access
- BPay, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Available for kids under 18 years old, must become a First Option Bank member to open an account.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the First Option Bank Kids Bonus Saver
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Bonus Saver Account
5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Glide transaction account.
Start saving and earn interest with just a $20 deposit and make 5 eligible transactions each month. No fees or penalties for withdrawing money.
CompareCompareBonus Saver Account
Start saving and earn interest with just a $20 deposit and make 5 eligible transactions each month. No fees or penalties for withdrawing money.
- Maximum rate
- 5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Glide transaction account.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the MyState Bank Bonus Saver Account
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Life - 18-29 years old
5.20% p.a. (for $0 to $30,000)
2.00% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Make 5 eligible card purchases per month with a Westpac Choice account and min 1 deposit and higher balance than at the beginning of the month in Life savings account.
Are you 18 - 29 years of age? Earn up to a generous variable interest rate on your savings when you spend and save with Westpac. For individuals aged 18 to 29 on Westpac Life account balances up to $30,000.
CompareCompareLife - 18-29 years old
Are you 18 - 29 years of age? Earn up to a generous variable interest rate on your savings when you spend and save with Westpac. For individuals aged 18 to 29 on Westpac Life account balances up to $30,000.
- Maximum rate
- 5.20% p.a. (for $0 to $30,000)
- standard interest rate
- 2.00% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Make 5 eligible card purchases per month with a Westpac Choice account and min 1 deposit and higher balance than at the beginning of the month in Life savings account.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must hold a Westpac Choice transaction account. If 5 eligible card purchases are made each month, but savings account balance has not increased, a 2.00% interest rate still applies.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Westpac Life - 18-29 years old
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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards
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