NAB cuts 3-year home loans ending Big Four fixed-rate stalemate

By Jack Dona · · 2 min read
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A pedestrian walks past a Sydney NAB bank branch

Today, NAB cut its 3-year fixed rate home loan by 0.60%, marking the first time a Big Four bank has shifted fixed rates since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) hiked the cash rate to 4.35% in November 2023.

The cut brings NAB’s 3-year Tailored Home Loan (Fixed) down to 6.04% p.a. (6.80% p.a. comparison rate*) and means a borrower with 80% LVR on a $500,000 home loan (over 25 years) could save $186 per month in those initial three years, according to our mortgage repayments calculator.

Mozo spokesperson, Rachel Wastell says this decision could be taken as the Big Four bank’s cash rate forecast, but could also be a competitive play.

“NAB's decision to slash their 3-year fixed rate by 60 basis points suggests they anticipate a significant drop in the cash rate over the next few years,” said Wastell. 

But she also noted that such an ‘aggressive’ cut by NAB could be a response to ANZ’s recent acquisition of Suncorp and a way to lure in customers by betting on future cash rate reductions. 

So, how does NAB’s 3-year Tailored Home Loan compare? 

NAB now offers the leading 3-year fixed rate out of all the Big Four banks and beats the average 3-year fixed rate in the Mozo database, which is currently 6.29% p.a. (OO, P&I, $400,000, <80% LVR). 

The rate drops significantly for borrowers with 70% LVR, who may be able to get a 3-year fixed rate at 5.99% p.a. (6.64% p.a. comparison rate*). 

Wastell describes the rate cut as a ‘game-changer’, but erred on the side of caution. 

“For borrowers seeking the security of a Big Four bank and want the predictability and stability of a fixed rate home loan, NAB’s rate cut could be a game-changer.

“With rates as low as 5.99% p.a. for larger deposits, this move can provide significant savings compared to higher rates from other major banks.

“However, borrowers considering longer-term fixed rates should be cautious. When the cash rate eventually drops, those on fixed rates might end up paying more than those on variable rates.

“Remember, banks are experts at predicting cash rate movements, so locking in a rate is essentially a bet against the house.”

Before you decide to fix your rate, make sure you understand the differences between fixed and variable rates and ensure that you’ve done your due diligence on interest rates and features. 

If you’re ready to get started, compare home loans now! 

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Last updated 30 October 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
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    Competitive fixed rate on up to a 30 year loan term. No application fees to pay. Additional repayments up to $20,000 per year without penalty. Free online redraw. Optional 100% offset feature ($10/month) 10% minimum deposit. Fees & charges apply, Australian Credit Licence 237879 is held by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, the credit provider.

  • Unloan Variable

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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.

  • Fixed Express Home Loan

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    Lock in a low 2 year fixed rate with the Mozo award winning Home Lender of the Year. Available for live-in borrowers with just a 10% deposit required. Free extra repayments (up to 20% in fixed period), free redraw and partial offset available. $10 monthly service fee. Aussie support centre. Fast approvals. Up to 6 free offset accounts (T&Cs apply).

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal and Interest
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.93 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site

    Competitive fixed rate on up to a 30 year loan term. No application fees to pay. Additional repayments up to $20,000 per year without penalty. Free online redraw. Optional 100% offset feature ($10/month) 10% minimum deposit. Fees & charges apply, Australian Credit Licence 237879 is held by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, the credit provider.

  • Fixed Express Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    5.54 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site

    Lock in a low 2 year fixed rate with the Mozo award winning Home Lender of the Year. Available for live-in borrowers with just a 10% deposit required. Free extra repayments (up to 20% in fixed period), free redraw and partial offset available. $10 monthly service fee. Aussie support centre. Fast approvals. Up to 6 free offset accounts (T&Cs apply).

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    Get repayment certainty with HSBC’s low 2 Year Fixed Rate Home Loan. Make up to $10,000 of extra repayments a year. The option to split your home loan between fixed and variable. Plus, score $3,288 cashback when you refinance an existing home loan of $250,000. Must apply by 28 February 2023 and settle by 30 April 2023.

  • Fixed Rate

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • <80% LVR
    Interest rate
    5.74 % p.a.
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    Comparison rate
    6.81 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,915

    Enjoy up to $3000 cashback for eligible first home buyers and $2000 cashback for refinancers on eligible home loans with the ANZ Fixed Rate Home Loan. Get the security of repayment certainty with a competitive locked in rate. No ongoing fees to pay. Offset account on 1-year fixed loans ($10/month fee applies). Interest-only payments allowed.

  • Variable Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
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    Interest rate
    5.98 % p.a.
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    Comparison rate
    6.02 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,991
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    Competitive variable rate on up to a 30 year loan term. No application fees to pay. Unlimited additional repayments. Free online redraw. Optional 100% offset feature ($10/month) 10% minimum deposit. Fees & charges apply, Australian Credit Licence 237879 is held by Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited, the credit provider.

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
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    5.99 % p.a.
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    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.

  • Discounted Home Value Loan

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    5.99 % p.a.
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    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995

    Enjoy competitive rates for owner occupiers. Enjoy unlimited free extra repayments. Flexibility to redraw additional payments for free. No ongoing monthly service fee. Receive $3,288 cashback when you refinance an existing home loan. Minimum loan amount of $250,000, settle within 120 days from applying.

  • Express Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <90%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
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    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
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  • Mortgage Simplifier

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    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

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    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.

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