No tricks this halloween: RBA interest rates remain on hold at 1.50%

By Kelly Emmerton · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
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As expected, the Reserve Bank has left interest rates on hold at 1.50% again this October, and likely won’t make another change until next year.

October will be the fourteenth month that the official cash rate has stalled at 1.50%, having dropped to the record low in August last year. Stagnant wages and high household debt remain a hurdle for monetary policy, and it seems that the Reserve Bank is content to play the waiting game for a while longer.

In his statement, RBA Governor Philip Lowe said, “The Australian economy expanded by 0.8 per cent in the June quarter. This outcome and other recent data are consistent with the Bank's expectation that growth in the Australian economy will gradually pick up over the coming year."

And though recent signals from the RBA have hinted at a positive outlook for the economy and higher rates in Australia’s future, most experts aren’t expecting to see a change before 2018.

Treats for home loan borrowers

They’re yet to offer a bag of Halloween candy as a bonus, but home loan lenders aren't waiting for the RBA to cut rates, instead wooing borrowers with something even better this October - newly lowered interest rates.

Owner-occupiers willing to make principal and interest repayments have snagged the lionshare of recent rate cuts, though investors have also caught a break, with lenders reversing some of the rate hikes from previous months.

In hot news, bcu dropped its fixed rates to just 3.50% across terms 1-5 years - massive reductions that catapulted it to best-in-market for all but one term.

So if you’re keen to sort out your home loan while rates are at rock bottom, here’s where to start:

Best variable rate home loan offers

Head over to our comparison table to see other top variable rate home loans.

Best fixed rate home loan offers

  • 1 year - 3.49% - Greater Bank (comparison rate: 4.47%)
  • 2 year - 3.50% - bcu (comparison rate: 4.73%)
  • 3 year - 3.50% - bcu (comparison rate: 4.25%)
  • 4 year - 3.50% - bcu (comparison rate: 4.59%)
  • 5 year - 3.50% - bcu (comparison rate: 4.18%)

Check out other fixed rate home loan options in our comparison table.

Scary times for savers

Savers, on the other hand, aren’t having such a good time with persistently low interest rates. In August, Mozo reported the largest number of term deposit rate cuts all year and September carried on the trend. With no RBA rate hike in sight for the rest of the year, October is set to be a flat time for savers as well.

Which is why it’s more important than ever to get on top of your finances and sniff out a great rate of return for your rainy day fund. To get you started, here are some of the top spots to park your cash.

Best savings accounts

  • RAMS Saver Account - 3.00% (with a minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month)
  • AMP Bett3r Save Account - 3.00% (with a minimum deposit of $2,000 per month into linked Bett3r Pay Account)
  • ME Online Savings Account - 2.95% (when you make a weekly Tap & Go purchase with your ME Everyday Transaction Account Debit MasterCard)
  • Australian Unity Active Saver - 2.90% (with a minimum deposit of $250 and no withdrawals in the month)
  • UBank USaver- 2.87% (with a minimum deposit of at least $200 per month to linked transaction account)

Check out our savings account comparison table to find other high interest options.

Best term deposits

Check out other great term deposit options with our term deposit search tool.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 14 September 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

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  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    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.

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • LVR <60%
    Interest rate
    6.09 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    6.11 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $3,027
    Go to site

    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.

  • Fixed Express Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    6.14 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    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).

  • 3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    This home loan is available for purchase or refinance, complete with 1, 2 or 3 year fixed rate options. Minimum 10% deposit required.

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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.

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.