RBA March Decision: cash rate remains at 2.50%

There were no surprises from the Reserve Bank today, as the cash rate was kept on hold at 2.50% for the seventh consecutive month at the RBA's monthly board meeting.

Governor Glenn Stevens said "monetary policy is appropriately configured to foster sustainable growth in demand and inflation outcomes consistent with the target. On present indications, the most prudent course is likely to be a period of stability in interest rates.."

Should borrowers sit tight?

Just because the official interest rate is at a standstill it doesn't mean that you can't get a better deal. In fact, because of the low interest rate environment banks are going the extra mile to get new customers. There are now over 20 providers offering tempting sweeteners to lure new customers so it's the perfect time to make the switch and score a better home loan.

Top home loan offers this month include:

  • UBank: Apply by 6 March to receive a $2,014 EFTPOS gift card when your loan reaches settlement.
  • St. George: $1,250 rebate plus 1% p.a. discount on loans of $500K or more
  • Greater building Society: Choose from a choice of three holidays when you switch to its Low Rate home loan
  • Teachers Mutual Bank: Apply by 31 March to receive a $750 up-front fee waiver
  • Westpac: Up to 1% p.a. discount on standard variable rate
  • ANZ: Up to 0.90% p.a. discount on standard variable rate
  • NAB: 0.85% p.a. off home loans $500K and above. 0.80% p.a. off home loans $250K-$499,999.
  • RAMS: 1% p.a. lifetime discount on variable rate
  • Illawarra Credit Union: 1% p.a. lifetime discount off standard variable rate

To find out just how much money you could save by switching home loans, try Mozo's free award-winning Switch & Save Calculator. We compare your home loan against the market and show you how much you could save by switching, try it now here.

Is there any good news for Savers?

Unfortunately Term deposit rates are falling faster than Autumn leaves and according to Mozo's Rate Chasers there were 74 rate reductions last month for terms less than one year. The story isn't any better for at-call savings accounts either with some providers pulling back on their introductory rate offers. The average intro rate now stands at 4.02% p.a.. Survive the rate slump with one of the following deals:

  • ME Bank Online Savings Account, currently boasting a leading introductory interest rate of 4.60% p.a.
  • Or Mozo's 2013 People's Choice Winner ING Direct Savings Maximiser with a special rate of 4.35% p.a.

Compare more savings account on the Mozo site here.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Top home loans - last updated 28 March 2024

Search promoted home loans below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Offset Home Loan

    Package, Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.15% p.a. variable
    6.40% p.a.

    Ability to open up to 10 offset accounts per loan account. Fast online application. Linked Debit Mastercard® with fee-free access at ATMs across Australia. Package a credit card with your home loan and the annual card fee will be waived (T&Cs apply). 40% deposit required.

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    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Express Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    6.01% p.a. variable
    6.14% p.a.

    Get fast online approval from the award-winning Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan. Multiple offset accounts and redraw available. 100% offset on variable rate loans and partial offset on fixed rate. Flexible repayment options. New home loans only.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest

    interest rate
    comparison rate
    Initial monthly repayment
    5.99% p.a.
    fixed 2 years
    6.24% p.a.

    Secure a low rate and enjoy the certainty of repayments, with the BCU Fixed Rate Home Loan. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Pay up to $25,000 extra during a fixed period (T&Cs apply). Lock in for up to 5 years.

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    Details

* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Awards

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