Best Australian Savings Account for 2019

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Question

What is the best Australian Savings Accounts for 2019?

Making your own money is hard, so why not put your money to work for you instead?

Last years poll showed that most of you voted for Ubank's Usaver account

What is a Savings account?

Savings accounts, as opposed to Transaction accounts, are high-interest bearing accounts that give you more money in return for the amount of money you put in.
Savings accounts differ from Transaction accounts in one major way; they specifically discourage you to spend money by reducing the interest paid to you if you withdraw from it, but might reward you if you regularly deposit money into it.

Some Key factors to look out for when deciding on a Savings Account:

  • The Interest rate, and how frequently you receive the interest
  • Honeymoon periods - also known as introductory interest rates, these are short periods of time that you'll receive a higher interest than normal before it reverts to a standard interest rate.
  • Minimum and Maximum account balances. Some Accounts don't pay interest if you keep too little in the account, and some won't pay you interest on balances over a certain amount.
  • Account keeping fees
  • What rewards you reap when you deposit in money regularly and what penalties you'll get for withdrawing money
  • There may be certain requirements to fulfil before you can apply for the account (such as having a linked account)

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Comments

      • +5

        Its 2.41% now :(

  • I put some money into Rabo Direct (now Rabo Bank). They were giving 3.0% total (first 4 months if bonus terms met) for their High Interest Savings Account, but it just dropped to 2.85. Same as their 6month Term Deposit.

    HSBC Serious Saver is ls also 2.85% (first 4 months if no withdrawal, up to $1M).

  • What's everyone doing with savings rate dropping below inflation rate? Obviously the RBA wants us to use our savings to prop up the ASX but given the imminent recession but is that a wise decision if an Aussie stock market crash is a high possibility? Any suggestions of moving money to emerging markets like Vietnaem/SEA which will likely benefit from the trade war before the RBA moves to depreciate the AUD even further?

    • +2

      What's everyone doing with savings rate dropping below inflation rate?

      Inflation is currently at 1.3%

      UBank is paying 2.41%
      ING is paying 2.3%

      Savings rates haven't dropped below inflation rate at all

      • +1

        Unfortunately if you consider the income after tax on this (37% for example for each $1 @ $90-$180k income) it's sitting at 1.51% on the UBank 2.41% offer…it's getting close to dropping below on the best products, but probably below for the majority of savers.

    • AUD tumbling down even further today. Any suggestions on how and where to move money out of Australia legally before the AUD crashes with the RBA continually slashing rates?

      Australian dollar crushed to post-GFC low
      https://www.macrobusiness.com.au/2019/08/australian-dollar-c…

      • Chine PBC isn't expected to drop rates in the near future, unlike most western countries.

        So consider buying CNY against any failing currency you think best. Maybe usd or nzd more than aud as it hasn't as far to drop.

        NZD against AUD at < $1.04 is a pretty low risk trade long term, which should go well above $1.10 in future.

        For conversion and holding, maybe try Citi, or Hsbc. Or to hedge without risk. If you as example sell CNY/AUD at IGMarkets (or cmc is cheaper i think), and buy the same at Citi, or Hsbc, you may, according to my quick brain workings, given IGM's non margined funds in a bank (ie < 1% p/a), you may make just over 3% without risk, just some margin maintenance. You might do better by lookihng around.
        When rates were much higher, I got 13% without risk for about 16 months straight.

  • +1
    Suggested AMP Saver (2.36%)

    AMP Saver -
    Rate is 2.75%, and is only a four month offer.
    But has no requirements to Use Atms, Deposit $XXX p/m, or withdrawal conditions.
    +Govt guarantee.

    • I opened one last week it was instantaneous.

  • Sad to see them all dropping

    Ubank 2.41%
    ING 2.3%
    RAMS 2.55%

    Non introductory offers listed above - does anyone know if any of them are due to drop further?

    • +1

      RAMS hasn't dropped after the last RBA cut yet but Ubank and ING have

      • We're writing to let you know that the RAMS Saver bonus rate will change to the new rate below, effective Friday 23 August 2019. The bonus rate is decreasing by 0.20% p.a. There is no change to the base rate.

        The rate details of your RAMS Saver account will change from Friday 23 August 2019 – you'll earn a total variable rate of 2.35% p.a. (that's the variable base rate of 1.15% p.a. plus variable 1.20% p.a. bonus) when the bonus eligibility criteria are met.

        2.35% including bonus rate for under $500,000

        Account Balance Base Rate (variable) Bonus Rate (variable) Rate with bonus*
        $0 - $500,000 1.15% p.a. 1.20% p.a. 2.35% p.a.
        $500,000.01 - $5,000,000 1.15% p.a. 0.00% p.a. 1.15% p.a.
        $5,000,000.01+ 0.00% p.a. 0.00% p.a. 0.00% p.a.

  • +1

    FYI, the last few interest rate adjustments for UBank (USaver & Ultra)

    • (Wed 17/07/2019) Interest rate dropped by 0.19% to 2.41% (1.35% + bonus 1.06%)
    • (Thu 27/06/2019) Interest rate dropped by 0.27% to 2.60% (1.54% + bonus 1.06%)
    • (Mon 08/08/2016) Interest rate dropped by 0.25% to 2.87% (1.81% + bonus 1.06%)

    For a list of all rate adjustments since 2014, refer to the Whirlpool UBank wiki:
    https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/UBank

  • AMP is safe to hold savings right?

  • +1

    So which is the best in August 2019 for people over 25?

    BOQ offers 2.5% currently, compared to 2.41% of Ubank.

    But their clause "For month 1 of account opening, the Base Rate applies, with eligibility assessed at the end of this month, and if met, Bonus Rate will apply from month 2" means the lost interest of that month will not make up for the gained interest that year.

    • +1

      You can open the account, and satisfy the eligibility criteria ($1000 deposit), but don't move in the bulk of your money till next month. You can withdraw the $1000 immediately after deposit, if you wish. Alternatively, deposit the $1000 close to the end of month.

      • The $1000 deposit each month isn't the problem. The problem is they only provide 0.35% interest for the first month.

        • +1

          Ubank/ING is the same, say you met the criteria this month you only earn the bonus interest in the following month

    • RAMS at 2.55% (unless they are just about to drop it, who knows!)
      also min deposit of $200pm compared to $1000 with BOQ to get the "bonus" interest, if that matters to you

      • +1

        For anyone interested, it is worth taking into consideration the following:

        • with RAMS, to earn the bonus rate, no withdrawals are allowed during the month. Unlike BOQ, you can have as many withdrawals as you like.
        • RAMS is at 2.55% because it had not cut rates after the 2nd RBA rate cut. What is unclear is whether this matching rate cut is still in the works, and will happen soon; or whether it will stay at this rate.
  • +1
    Suggested MyStateBank Bonus Saver Account

    MyState 2.5% (5 Transactions and $20 month deposit)

    https://www.mystate.com.au/personal/bank-accounts/bonus-save…

    • +1

      I opened this account on 11 July and have been able to deposit funds. However I have not received the debit card and am unable to make transactions required to receive the bonus interest. So if you considering this account it's important to open it ASAP.

    • With the $20 a month deposit condition, could you deposit the $20, but withdraw more than $20 from the account during the month. Do you know if this would still fulfil the criteria?

      • +2

        As long as $20 goes into bonus saver (+ 5 card trans), irrelevant how much or how many times you withdraw.

  • +1

    Any idea if AMP savings rate lure @ 2.75% is actually risky.
    Amp has a bad business situation at the moment. They've dropped their dividend I believe. And their share price has plummeted.
    Although they are covered by the govt deposit gaurantee, is putting your life savings actually risky (aka dumb)?

    • +2

      I'm sure your money will be safe for 4 months, after which the rate is a measly 1.65%

  • Is the RBA slashing interest rates to zero and likely negative a push to moms and pops investors to move their life savings deposits out of the safety of banks to prop up the bubble-ish property and shares market?

    I've been following Clime MD John Abernethy (https://www.clime.com.au/john-abernethy/) who suggests buying shares in emerging or developing economies but the AUD is now sub 0.7 USD and dropping, so we won't get bang for buck there.

    Any other suggestions?

    • So many headwinds in global economy, i’d suggest to hold cash for now. If you really want to invest, perhaps look into ETFs which are less volatile

      • what platform would you suggest for ETF investment ?

        • Personally I’m looking into this too - so far I only know CommSec pocket but they only offer 7 ETFs. I’m really puzzled by why only 7 and how they selected these 7 ETFs..

          • @Gelato: Started using Pocket app + Commsec app (for ASX shares).
            Pocket app brokerage is cheaper if your buy/sell transactions are lower than $14,975 - it is always 0.20%.

            Via Commsec app you can also buy/sell any EFTs (including those 7 on Pocket app), however brokerage fee is more expensive than 0.20% per order if you spend less than $14,975.

            If you settle your trade to a CDIA (Direct Investment Account), fee is:
            $10.00 (Up to and including $1,000) -> 1.00-100%
            $19.95 (Over $1,000 up to $10,000 (inclusive)) -> 0.50-1.00%
            $29.95 (Over $10,000 up to $14,975 (inclusive)) -> 0.20-0.30%
            $29.95 (Over $14,975 up to $25,000 (inclusive)) -> 0.12-0.20%
            0.12% (Over $25,000)

            • @alexshel: Yeah I’m currently with commsec too. Will look into pocket.

              Cheers mate

              • @Gelato: Hey mate,

                Which ETFs do you know are lower volatile range?

                Looking to add into ETFs too and pour a large part of my savings into ETF thats near low risk for holding short term.

                Cheers,
                David

                • @postform: hey David, how short are you thinking? id say ETFs are for mid-long term, doing it for short term may have similar return as putting it in high saving accounts ~2%.

                  dont take my words for ETFs, im still researching. i'm down to below 3 choices in commsec pocket app, i basically picked something i know. I'm familiar with ASX and work in tech industry

                  Aussie Top 200 – iShares Core S&P/ASX 200 ETF – IOZ
                  Aussie Dividends – SPDR MSCI Australia High Dividend Yield Fund – SYI
                  Tech Savvy – BetaShares NASDAQ 100 – NDQ

  • +2

    RAMS Saver now dropping to 2.3 % effective as of tomorrow (23/08/2019). Just got the email.

    • +3

      Im shopping around for the best rates. This is what I've found

      HSBC 2.15%
      St George Bank 2.20%
      Rabobank 2.75%
      Ubank 2.41%
      RAMS 2.35%
      ING 2.30%

      • Bank of Queensland 2.5%

    • +1

      RAMS and Ubank still near top of the list. Rabo 2.75% is just introductory rate

      • +1

        AMP Saver also 2.75% introductory rate. Citibank 2.40% introductory rate but you can open them over and over. I am on my 5th one. Both 4 months.

        • Re citibank, that is very good to know. Is the rate the account is on, displayed somewhere when it is open? For monitoring, just in case they decide to change the rules? Thanks.

          • +1

            @bluesky: Yes that is a possibility, and it is a problem that when you open one you cannot see the rate anywhere. I go on the online chat and ask them the rate as soon as I open it and keep a copy of the chat. Later you can check the rate on the monthly statements. It is not that they could change the rules as the rule is that you cannot get the rate again and if you call them that is what they tell you. I suspect that their system cannot tell that you had an account previously.

        • With Citibank Online Saver the linked bank account during signup when does it appear so you can transfer out? Can you put money straight away after application?

          • @dingdong3000: It's best to link it with a Citibank Plus account. That way you can save payees there and when/if you open a new O/S you can continue using the Plus account. You can deposit funds direct into the O/S as soon as you have the account number.

    • +1

      I didn't get the email. But it was long overdue, and good on RAMS to maintain the rate up for as long as they have.

  • Useful thanks

  • Just received an email from 86 400 bank. In which they say:
    Earn our full variable rate of 2.50% p.a. on your Save account when you put $1,000+ each month into either of your 86 400 accounts, paid on balances up to $100,000 (includes a bonus rate of 2.10% p.a. on top of the base rate of 0.40% p.a.).

    That means they seem to have the best interest rate on the market atm.

    • Early access cant signup for anyone it seems

      • Oh, sorry, i didnt realize it was a targeted offer

      • +1

        I have a unique invitation code for early access. Would you like it?

  • 86400 bank just sent me an invitation code. their saving rate right now is 2.5%, if you deposit 1k every month and that is it. Seem pretty good for me. Even higher than UBank

    • Does it qualify for the Bank guarantee?

      • In their FAQs

        Is 86 400 a bank?

        Yes, we’re an entire bank built for your smartphone. We were granted our full banking licence on 18 July 2019, allowing us to operate as an authorised deposit-taking institution. This means all our deposits are guaranteed up to $250,000 per customer by the Australian Government’s Financial Claims Scheme.

  • +2

    Note if you still hold funds in the CUA Esaver Extra account, the account which some of us initially signed up to, because it offered 2.9%. (This is the account where you cannot withdraw and must increase funds by $250pm to get the bonus rate).

    • Since 01/08/19, interest rate has gone down to 2.15% (0.2% + 1.95% bonus). I only found out from the interest credited yesterday.

    • They do not inform account holders about interest rate changes. On 05/07/19, the rate was reduced to 2.35%, which was still higher than CUA Esaver Rewards rate of 2.25% - so it was still reasonable. CUA Esaver Rewards is the on-call, less restrictive account.

    • I never thought they would reduce it below the CUA Esaver Rewards rate, but they have. And it may not be obvious to an account holder.

    I also notice that the CUA bonus interest is consistently short by 1-2c, while the base interest is always precise, when checked against calculation. This applies to all types of accounts, every month. In the scheme of things, this is small, but would be nice if they can just make it precise, like some other banks.

      • +1

        Aah, I see - turns out dropping to 2.35% on 05/07/19, for my account yields the exact same interest as dropping to 2.15% on 17/07/19. (Was a calculated guess based on RBA first drop of 0.25%). I remember looking around but did not find the CUA page with closed accounts – possibly not thorough enough.

        Well, your links are useful, thanks - will be keeping a closer eye on whirlpool and the spreadsheet. Easier to verify, knowing the exact changes, than guessing what/when changes took place.

  • +3

    Just noticed this on the ME Bank website:

    "Online Savings Account (OSA) variable bonus interest terms and conditions, valid from 1 October 2019.
    To receive bonus interest on your OSA for any calendar month you must have a ME Everyday Transaction Account (ETA) and during that month you make at least four tap & go™ purchases with your ETA debit Mastercard® which are settled by us with the relevant merchant….."….

    4 transactions a month instead of 1 a week to be eligible :)

    • Well-spotted :-) Having to paypass every week is the main gripe of this account just to earn the bonus interest. Many just can't be bothered. They finally wised up to this, a good thing.

      • +1

        I was one of them….. have been with ME for a long while, and just happened to be lucky that I got the bonus interest for 2+years without tapping until they suddenly cut it off and I went with a term deposit.

        I’ll take my money out of the term deposit when it matures and go for this again. Although for the tap&go, milk at Woolworths now costs $2.39 not $2.00. I don’t like losing credit card points….or missing out on gift card discounts.

        • I usually get the angel hair pasta - which costs $1. If you don't mind a bit of extra hassle, you can split the payment into many, say 39c using this card, then $2 using your credit/gift card.

          My main gripe is when traveling and not convenient to paypass every week. So bound to miss a week or two and the bonus.

        • Me too and so split the transactions into 10c each. Can only be done a woolworths.

      • +1

        They even gave me a definition of one week was that was contradicted by a definition they wrote in an email.

        • Yes, not totally clear - can go by 7-day periods from the start of the month, or each Mon-Sun etc.

          • @bluesky: Yes and I believe these are contradictory and if you follow the wrong one you can miss out on the bonus. I worked it out when I had the account but was so disappointed with all this malarkey I withdrew all my funds. New requirement much better but 2.35% bit low. They used to have more competitive rates. My State Bonus Saver has similar requirement of 5 card transactions and $20 deposit but 2.5% interest rate.

            • @Yola: Hey, this is a great rate! And looks like you can withdraw funds for use if needed. Is that correct? Thanks.

              • +1

                @bluesky: Yes you can withdraw at any time.

              • @bluesky: Up Bank (subsidary of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank) Saver Account also offers 2.5% ongoing and 5 transaction per month for up to $50k. Only available on Smart Phone. Also can withdraw.

                • @Yola:

                  Only available on Smart Phone.

                  This is the part which makes it less attractive to me. I have this account, one day the app gave the message something is wrong, and I could not use it. Probably due to updates and stuff. Finally, had to delete and reinstall the app to get it to work again. I will feel better if it can be accessed from PC/Desktop as well.

                  • @bluesky: Me too. I have not actually opened an account for that reason, just sharing the info.

            • @Yola: with My State, you have to pay a Monthly account keeping fee $6.00 unless you deposit > $2,000 per month or you are aged <= 23

              • @alexshel: Your comment prompted me to check. Seems like you are referring to the Everyday Transaction account, but there is also an account called Glide and that is fee-free. It can be linked with the Bonus Saver.

              • +1

                @alexshel: Turns out if you open the Bonus Saver, it will automatically open the Glide account as well.

            • @Yola: BOQ has 2.50% with only $1000 deposit and no card transactions

  • ING dropped to 2.2%

    • -4

      Incorrect. As per their site, the savings maximiser is 2.30% p.a. variable rate, (incl. 1.80% p.a. additional variable rate).The standard variable rate is 0.50% p.a.

      • Lol I don't know why you're saying that's incorrect - they sent me an email yesterday?

        https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/103062/72657/screensho…

        • Yea mate, only just saw the email too. When I looked on the site last night, it was where I copied and pasted from. Soz! They've dropped from 2.8% down to 2.2% now. Ratesetter is seeming to be a higher risk but better return option for me. But I'm not sure about the security of it.

          • @lordra: You and me both!
            I'm not sure I can justify the extra risk but my savings interest is going down the drain :(

    • +1

      Rate change takes effect on 18 Sep 2017.
      A drop of 0.1% to the bonus rate.

      • +3

        So two years ago?

        • +1

          Lol. They updated the site today.
          2.20%(incl. 1.70% p.a. additional variable rate)
          The standard variable rate is 0.50% p.a.

        • You got me :-)

    • Time to switch banks.

  • +1

    Good time to highlight term deposits.

    A site comparison site can help like https://cashwerkz.com.au/

    Not necessarily the best rate per se. But hopefully helpful to someone out there

  • +3
    Suggested 86 400 (Up to 2.25%)

    The new neo bank 86 400 seem to give upto 2.5%

    Earn 2.50% p.a. on Save account balances (up to $100,000) when you deposit $1,000+ per month into any of your 86 400 accounts. This variable rate is made up of 0.40% p.a. base plus 2.10% p.a. bonus.

    • Very easy to open.

    • Up also offers 2.50% p.a. for deposits up to $50,000 (0.50% base + 2.00% bonus) when you make at least 5 purchases in a month. I find this criterion is easier to meet than the $1000 deposit required by 86 400.

      • I don't use either of these banks for everyday shopping. So I found 86400 easier. Just turn on monthly recurring deposit directly to the Save account (not pay account) from my CommBank account to $1000+ amount and forget it. You will always get bonus interest rate.

        • Also I don't like the part where you gotta stress yourself for remembering and doing 5 transactions every month. What if I am overseas for 2 months. What if I forget to do it.
          If ING and Up remove this 5 transaction condition, I might switch.

  • +3

    RAMS down to 2.25% from tomorrow :(

    • +2

      I'm out. Bye RAMS.

      • +1

        Yes too bad I like RAMS 10 accounts. Please come back soon RAMS with a competitive interest rate. You used to lead the pack.

      • Which one are you moving your savings to now? I'm looking for a place to park a small lump sum and leave it alone for a rainy day, like what the barefoot investor advised.

        • +2

          Bank of Queensland, 86400 and Up Bank. All 2.5%. Check requirements carefully.

  • +1

    Is ubank still offering 2.41% and free overseas ATM withdrawal?

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