How to choose a home loan: A NAB and Citi loan comparison

By Maria Gil · · 2 min read
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It can be overwhelming looking at home loans. Tools like our home loan repayments calculator or comparison hub can be very good starting points to give you key numbers, though there’s still more you can do. 

The overall repayment costs are important but when deciding between home loans you also need to consider extra features and potential fees. These can tip the scales for you.

As an example, we’ve compared two basic home loans with the same starting interest rate but with slightly different features and fees.

Home loan NAB Base Variable Home Loan Special Offer Citi Basic Variable Home Loan
Interest rate From  2.29% (2.33% comparison rate*) for 80% LVR From 2.29% (2.34% comparison rate*) for 80% LVR
Maximum loan amount No maximum $4,000,000
Upfront fees Upfront fee of $0 Upfront fee of $649
Extra repayments Free Free
Redraw facilities Free with a $500 minimum Free
Repayment frequency Weekly, fortnightly or monthly Weekly, fortnightly or monthly
Offset account No No
Maximum LVR Up to 95% LVR Up to 90% LVR
Discharge fees $350 $350

Let’s look at a basic example.

Mariano and Dolores are looking to buy a three bedroom home in the suburbs. The house they want is selling for about $1,000,000 and they only have a 10% deposit of $100,000 saved up, which means they have to borrow $900,000.

With the NAB Base Variable Home Loan Special Offer, the couple won't get the 2.29% (2.33% comparison rate*) rate because they don’t have a 20% deposit. Instead, with a 10% deposit their interest rate would be 2.99% p.a (2.99% p.a. comparison rate*).

Here are the estimated numbers for the 90% LVR rate:

  • Monthly repayment: $3,790
  • Total interest payable : $464,250
  • Total paid in 30 years: $1,364,250

Alternatively, with the Citi Basic Variable Home Loan, the interest Mariano and Dolores would get with a 10% deposit starts at 2.54% p.a. (2.59% p.a. comparison rate*) rather than the 2.29% (2.34% comparison rate*) rate.

Here are the estimated numbers for the 90% LVR rate:

  • Monthly repayment: $3,575
  • Total interest payable: $386,940
  • Total upfront fees paid: $694
  • Total paid in 30 years: $1,287,634

Which home loan works better here?

Even with upfront fees the Citi Basic Variable Home Loan is actually $76,616 cheaper! This is assuming Mariano and Dolores receive the lowest possible rate for their 90% LVR for the examples given. We are also not taking into account that variable rates fluctuate during the life of the loan, so take note of that.

If you are interested in comparing more home loans, look at some of the best home loans in Australia. If you’re looking for more low rate variable home loans, check out the chart 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 11 October 2025 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*
What are your home loan needs?
Loan purpose
Buying or Refinancing
  • Promoted

    Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.15 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank
  • Promoted

    Lite Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.21 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Earn Virgin Money Points every month
    • No ongoing home loan fees
    • Make additional repayments and redraw at no extra cost

  • First Home Buyer Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    • For first home buyers
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    4.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.04 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,681
    Go to site
    • Competitive interest rate – 4.99% p.a. (comparison rate* 5.04% p.a.)
    • Offset account to reduce interest and save on repayments
    • No establishment or monthly fees, plus valuation fees waived up to $1,000 (limited time)

  • Special Budget Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • No application or monthly fees
    • Free redraw facility
    • Flexible loan terms, options up to 30 years

  • Discount Great Rate Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.20 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Get up to $3,000 cashback when you apply online (T&Cs apply)
    • No paperwork or payslips required (see site for details)
    • Low variable rate

  • Lite Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.19 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.21 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,742
    Go to site
    • Earn Virgin Money Points every month
    • No ongoing home loan fees
    • Make additional repayments and redraw at no extra cost

  • Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.15 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an automatic loyalty discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • Simple Home Loan Variable

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • A low variable rate that allows you to benefit from potential future rate cuts
    • No application, ongoing, or monthly fees
    • Make unlimited extra repayments and access funds via a free redraw facility

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.27 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Budget Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.32 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
    • Split loan available

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.33 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Loaded Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.34 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,789
    Go to site
    • Earn Virgin Money Points at settlement and every month
    • 100% interest offset
    • Weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayment flexibility

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.38 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,801
    Go to site
    • $3,000 cashback when refinancing $700k+ (T&Cs apply)
    • Unlimited free redraw and extra repayments
    • No account-keeping or monthly fees

  • Basic Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.38 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.41 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,801
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options

  • Economy Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 30% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.38 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.51 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,801
    Go to site
    • $2,000 cashback for new loans (T&Cs apply)
    • Unlimited free redraw and extra repayments
    • Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.42 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay.
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Clear Path Variable Rate Special Offer Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.52 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • $2,000 cashback for new loans (T&Cs apply)
    • 100% mortgage offset account to reduce interest
    • Can apply with just 5% deposit

  • Offset Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.42 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.45 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,814
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options
Showing 16 results from 375 home loans. Use the filters to see more

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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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