RBA October decision: Cash rate remains at 2.50%

By Mozo Editorial · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

At its monthly meeting today, the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia decided to leave the official cash rate on hold at 2.50%.

In a statement, Governor Glenn Stevens said "...the setting of monetary policy remained appropriate. The Board will continue to assess the outlook and adjust policy as needed".

What does that mean in layman's terms?

Put simply, today's decision is a cautious one.

Over the past year, the Reserve Bank has been trying to drive down the Aussie dollar in a bid to make non-mining export sectors more competitive. Though a sharp descent was recorded in April, the dollar is showing signs of a resurgence and worrying exporters across the country.

This month, the RBA Board are playing it safe by keeping rates on hold. In the coming months, however, they'll be keeping a close eye on the exchange rate and the effect it is having on the export sector. Further rises in the dollar may well warrant another cut to the official cash rate. In fact, economists across the country are forecasting that another cut is on the cards for November - stay tuned!

What does this mean for borrowers?

With the Reserve Bank sitting on their hands, it's unlikely that any of the banks will adjust their rates this month. But that doesn't mean you should put up with paying too much on your home loan. Mortgage rates are at rock bottom so you can save thousands today by switching to a cheaper loan. Top options right now include

  • loans.com.au Dream Loan Express 4.55% variable rate (4.57% comparison rate)
  • IMB introductory variable 4.66 variable (5.40% comparison rate)
  • iMortgage Essential 4.69% variable rate (4.71% comparison rate)

And for savers?

Though rates are at record lows, there are still some banks who are offering great rates. Now is as good a time to shop around as any. Here are our top picks

  • UBank USaver with Ultra: 4.77% special rate
  • RAMS RAMS Saver: 4.51% special rate
  • ING Direct Savings Account Maximiser: 4.51% promo rate

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Last updated 20 April 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
    5.74 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.65 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,915
    Go to site
    • Built by CommBank
    • The first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
  • Promoted

    Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.78 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.82 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,927
    Go to site
    • $0 application fee to pay
    • Unlimited additional repayments
    • Apply in as little as 15 minutes
  • Promoted

    Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 30% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.82 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • No ongoing fees
    • Free redraw from your loan using Macquarie Online.
    • No application or account management fees
  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.91 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Make up to $25,000 extra repayments during a fixed period, fee free (T&Cs apply)
    • Lock in for up to 5 years.
  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • Interest only
    • 20% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.96 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • Free extra repayments of up to $25,000 during the fixed rate period.
    • Split loan available
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options
  • Promoted

    Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.79 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.83 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,931
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Basic Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 30% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.39 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.82 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,805
    Go to site
    • No ongoing fees
    • Free redraw from your loan using Macquarie Online.
    • No application or account management fees

  • 2-Year Discounted - Simple Home Loan Variable

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable for 24 months and then 5.74% p.a.
    Comparison rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.91 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Make up to $25,000 extra repayments during a fixed period, fee free (T&Cs apply)
    • Lock in for up to 5 years.

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • Interest only
    • 20% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.96 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • Free extra repayments of up to $25,000 during the fixed rate period.
    • Split loan available
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options
Showing 7 results from 415 home loans. Use the filters to see more

Want free expert advice on your home loan?

Whether you're looking to purchase a new home or refinance your existing loan, our friends at Aussie can help! Aussie advice is completely free of charge. PLUS you could win a share of $320K simply by booking an appointment.

Learn more

* 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.

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.