Macquarie Bank cuts fixed rates on home loans and boosts savings in shock post-RBA move
Macquarie Bank broke headlines this week for becoming one of the first Australian banks to pounce on the 0.50% p.a. August RBA rate hike – beating out any of the Big Four.
However, the bank also paired its announcement with generous boosts to savings accounts and a deep cut to its fixed rate home loans, which could make Macquarie one of August’s most eye-catching providers.
Let’s dive in.
Fixed or variable? Macquarie breaks through home loan debate
Variable rates have been rising for a while now thanks to movements in the official cash rate, causing much stress for borrowers. But fixed rates haven’t offered refuge either, since banks have largely priced future rate expectations into their offers.
“Fixed rates are basically out of the market now,” says Mozo’s banking expert Peter Marshall.
“The big banks are certainly not trying to attract customers with their fixed rates, so they’re looking at what they can do to get people in the door and give them their loans.”
Now, most fixed rates for owner-occupiers making principal & interest repayments sit in the 4% - 7% range in the Mozo database. Meanwhile, the average variable rate for similar loans has shot up from 3.03% in April to 4.13% today.
The Reserve Bank hit the cash rate with another 0.50% p.a. rise this month, which Macquarie will pass along in full to variable mortgage holders from 12 August. But to soften the blow, the major bank will also slash fixed interest rates by up to 0.75% p.a., effective 5 August.
The new standard fixed term rates for owner occupied properties with an LVR up to 80% will be:
- 1-year: 4.55% p.a. (3.45% p.a. comparison rate*)
- 2-year: 5.15% p.a. (3.66% p.a. comparison rate*)
- 3-year: 5.35% p.a. (3.86% p.a. comparison rate*)
- 4-year: 5.39% p.a. (4.02% p.a. comparison rate*)
- 5-year: 5.45% p.a. (4.19% p.a. comparison rate*)
For perspective, the average fixed term rates for similar loans tracked in the Mozo database range from 4.84% for 1-year terms to 6.28% for 5-years. By comparison, Macquarie’s new rates are up to 0.83% cheaper.
Macquarie bank accounts get a hefty boost
Thankfully, Macquarie has also joined in on the term deposit war and saving rates scramble. As a rule of thumb, any interest rate over 2% raises brows of intrigue, and Macquarie has them in spades.
From 12 August, the new interest rates for Macquarie’s deposits and bank accounts will be as follows for new and ongoing customers:
- Transaction account: 2.25% p.a. on balances up to $250,000
- Savings account: 2.25% p.a. on balances up to $250,000
According to Macquarie, its transaction and savings accounts have no special conditions, such as a minimum balance or deposit requirement, that customers must meet to earn the interest rates. Be sure to read the product disclosure statement carefully, however, before signing up to any new bank account.
As for term deposits, Macquarie will offer a selection of handsome rates for relatively short terms from 4 August, including:
- 3-months at 2.35%
- 6-months at 2.70%
- 9-months at 3.00%
- 12-months at 3.30%
These rates apply to balances up to $1 million. While certainly not the best around (check out our term deposit roundup for some higher rates), they’re certainly incredibly competitive in today’s rapidly changing environment.
Macquarie: Australia’s Best Bank
Macquarie has been delivering excellence for a while, having won a whopping seven Mozo Experts Choice Awards across several different banking and savings categories in 2022, including Australia’s Best Bank.
Its other recognitions include:
- Saving Accounts: Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year, Regular Saver, Kick Start Savings, No Strings Savings
- Bank Accounts: Exceptional Everyday Account
- Banking Apps & Tech: Internet Banking
Additionally, Macquarie’s packaged Offset Home Loan won a 2022 Mozo Experts Choice Home Loan Award, making it a particularly attractive offer for refinancers.
But no matter if you’re seeking an edge on your savings or home loan, Macquarie reminded us this week why it’s one of the best options around.
Browse and compare low interest rate home loans below.
Compare low interest home loans - last updated 29 March 2024
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Featured Product
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Low Cost Home Loan - 2024
Unloan Variable
Owner Occupier, Refinance Only, LVR <80%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.99% p.a. variable5.90% p.a.For refinancers only. 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 in as little as 10 minutes.
CompareCompareUnloan Variable
For refinancers only. 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 in as little as 10 minutes.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.90% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 5.90% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $0.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $10,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Unloan Unloan Variable
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Offset Home Loan
Package, Owner Occupier, LVR<60%, Principal & Interest
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.15% p.a. variable6.40% 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.
CompareCompareOffset Home Loan
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.
- interest rate
- 6.15% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.40% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.15% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.40% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $350
- Ongoing fees
- $248.00 yearly
- Discharge Fee
- $400.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Macquarie Offset Home Loan
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Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Exceptional Value Home Lender - 2024
Express Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <90%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.01% p.a. variable6.14% 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.
CompareCompareExpress Home Loan
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.
- interest rate
- 6.01% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.01% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.14% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $134
- Ongoing fees
- $10.00 monthly
- Discharge Fee
- $350.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 90.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $5,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $3,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Bendigo Bank Express Home Loan
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Neat Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, LVR <60%
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment6.14% p.a. variable6.16% p.a.Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
CompareCompareNeat Home Loan
Competitively-priced variable rate loan. Ideal for owner occupiers and investors. No service fees to pay. Make free extra repayments and redraws. Flexible repayment schedule available.
- interest rate
- 6.14% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.16% p.a.
- interest rate
- 6.14% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.16% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $250
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $300.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $80,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $5,000,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ubank Neat Home Loan
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OMG Home Loan
Owner Occupier, Principal & Interest, <60% LVR
interest rate
comparison rate
Initial monthly repayment5.99% p.a. variable6.00% p.a.BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.
CompareCompareOMG Home Loan
BCU Bank’s OMG owner occupied home loan offers a variety of great low rates depending on your deposit. Save with no ongoing annual fees. Access your extra payments when you need to through the redraw facility. Pre-approval valid for 3 months.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.00% p.a.
- interest rate
- 5.99% p.a. variable
- comparison rate
- 6.00% p.a.
- Upfront fees
- $0
- Ongoing fees
- $0.00
- Discharge Fee
- $395.00
- Extra repayments
- yes - free
- Redraw facility
- yes - free
- Offset account
- no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- minimum borrowing amount
- $100,000
- maximum borrowing amount
- $1,500,000
- type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special Offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the BCU Bank OMG Home Loan
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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
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