CBA only big bank yet to join latest round of home loan interest rate changes

By Kelly Emmerton · · 2 min read
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Three out of four big banks have raised rates on interest-only home loans this month, leaving the Commonwealth Bank as the only one yet to make a move.

ANZ was the first of the big banks to announce rate increases, hiking the standard variable rate on interest-only loans by 0.30% to 5.57% in early June. Westpac followed suit last week, rising interest-only rates by 0.34% in a change that will take effect on June 30. NAB followed just a few days after, with a rate hike of 0.35% on interest-only borrowing.

At the same time, all three lenders also slashed rates for borrowers taking out principal and interest loans by as much as 0.08%, in a trend that has taken hold since APRA announced tighter restrictions around “risky” lending, such as low deposit, investment or interest-only loans.

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Now, it’s really a matter of when CommBank will fall in line with the trend and hike rates on its range of interest-only home loans. According to Mozo Data Manager Peter Marshall, the big four banks usually make similar pricing movements, so he expects that CBA will follow suit soon enough.

“In particular, CommBank won’t want to be seen as the only major bank not cutting rates on principal and interest borrowing, so there may be an extra incentive for CommBank to follow this trend,” he said.

While the rate cuts from the big banks were considerably smaller than the hikes on interest-only lending, they still mean thousands of dollars in savings for borrowers.

Customers taking out a 25 year, $500,000 principal and interest loan with NAB or Westpac are more than $7,000 better off thanks to the recent rate cuts while ANZ customers borrowing the same amount will pay over $4,000 less during the life of the loan, according to Mozo’s home loan repayment calculator.

Principal and interest rate cuts from the big banks

*Based on a $500,000 loan over 25 years, using the standard variable interest rate from each lender.

Compared to challenger brands offering low interest rates, however, the big banks are still an expensive choice. An ANZ customer on the lowest big bank standard variable rate of 5.20% will still pay $132,207 more in interest over the life of a 25 year, $500,000 loan than a borrower who snags a 3.64% rate with Mozo Experts Choice winner, loans.com.au.

Which just goes to show how important it is for borrowers to compare their options and shop around outside the big banks when searching for a home loan. So if you’re in the market for a home loan, take our mortgage comparison tool for a whirl, or check out some of the top variable rate options available below.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 24 November 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
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    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • Budget Home Loan

    • LVR <80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.04 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.07 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,011
    Go to site

    Enjoy a discounted variable home loan from IMB. Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply). Life-of-loan discount off IMB’s standard variable interest rate. Unrestricted additional repayments. Free Internet and Mobile Banking redraws (T&Cs apply). No monthly fees to pay. Up to a 30 year loan term. Split loan available. No offset account.

  • Mortgage Simplifier

    • LVR<80%
    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.17 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,043

    Get a competitive variable rate with ING’s Mortgage Simplifier. Free extra repayments, no monthly or annual fees. Freedom to make free extra repayments or redraws.

  • Elevate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.18 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,056

    Get competitive rates on loan terms of 5 to 30 years with the Aussie Elevate Home Loan. Structure your loan with up to five splits. Make additional repayments (T&Cs apply). Offset accounts available. Unlimited redraw using your online banking account. Choose from weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments For loan amounts from $10,000 to $5 million.

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* 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

Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

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