This week in banking news - savings sadness, RBA aftermath, energy and a frugal festive season

  • The bad energy habit that 22% of Aussies are guilty of.
  • Have business loans been affected by the October RBA cut?
  • Find out just how low the average ongoing savings rate has dropped.
  • Why Aussies are struggling towards payday.
  • Are you dreaming of a frugal festive season?

All in this week’s banking recap.

Have business loans been affected by the October RBA cut?

With the Reserve Bank of Australia deciding not to cut in November, interest rates have arguably had a bit of breathing space to settle down. And with that, the impact on business loans has become clearer.

Excluding a handful of lenders, almost every bank has decided to pass on a portion of the cash rate cuts from June, July and October to their business loans. In fact, according to the Mozo database, the average residentially secured, variable rate business loan has dropped 0.40% in the past five months, from 5.52% to 5.12%.

22% of Aussies are guilty of this bad energy habit, research finds

According to the recently released Mitsubishi Electric Australian Home Trends Report, 22% of Australians are guilty of turning the aircon on with the windows still open, while 20% admitted to leaving it on when no one was home.

Mozo’s energy expert Nathan Warne named habits such as these as the reason why your energy bill may wind up being bigger than expected this summer. Warne suggested keeping on top of what appliances you’re using and when, to make sure you don’t have any nasty surprises when it comes to billing time.

Average ongoing savings rate at a record low

For the first time since Mozo started tracking rates back in January 2012, the average ongoing savings rate has dropped below 1.00%. This figure is based on the combined data from 188 different personal savings accounts with an ongoing rate or ongoing bonus rate.

Five years ago, in November 2014, the average ongoing savings rate in the Mozo database was almost triple what it is today, at 2.53%. So it’s bad news for savings accounts, with possibly even more grimness to come as experts predict future cuts from the Reserve Bank of Australia either later this year or in early 2020.

Aussies struggling to make it to payday, research finds

With interest rates for savings accounts at an all time low, it’s no wonder more and more Aussies are struggling to save. In fact, according to recent research conducted by Mozo, 1 in 2 Australians save less than $200 a month, with 16% of those aged from 25 to 34 admitting to running out of money altogether, before payday.

As Mozo spokesperson Gemma Rasmussen suggested, increased costs of living and stagnant wage growth has most likely played a big part in Aussies finding it hard to get ahead of the game. 

Reports find Aussies more frugal than festive this year

With this in mind, it shouldn't come as any surprise that Australians are planning to spend less this Christmas. Indeed, according to a report from St George Bank, 43% of Aussies are setting a budget for spending on family and friends this festive season.

ING also found that more and more Australians are leaning towards a greener Christmas, with 57% of the country saying that they would opt for more sustainable presents this year. This comes after an approximate 10 million unwanted gifts were given last Christmas.

Now if you are planning to save money and have a more eco-friendly Christmas this year, why not check out the savings accounts below, to find the best interest rate for your hard earned stash.

Compare savings accounts

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 252 savings accounts.
Last updated 24 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • Savings Account

    5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    5.00% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.

    Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

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  • Savings Accelerator

    3.55% p.a. (for $0 to $50,000)

    2.85% p.a.(for $0 to $50,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    New customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.

    Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

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  • Smart Saver Account

    4.50% p.a. (for $0 and over)

    0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Increase account balance by any amount and make no more than two withdrawals

    Work towards your savings goals with this account. Earn bonus interest when you grow your balance and make no more than 2 withdrawals each month. Earn a guaranteed standard rate of interest each month on your savings. No monthly account keeping fees to pay. Use the app or internet banking to manage your account 24/7.

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  • MoneyMAX Account

    No Current Offer

    4.70% p.a.(for $1 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.

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  • Savings+Bonus

    5.00% p.a. (for $1 to $250,000)

    2.00% p.a.(for $1 to $250,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.

    Enjoy bonus interest when you deposit $100 or more per month and make no withdrawals. Access your money at any time via internet banking or our mobile app. Maximum balance $250,000 to receive bonus interest.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account 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.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.