Christmas cheer as RBA keeps cash rate on hold at 2.50%
The Reserve Bank of Australia has left the official cash rate at a steady 2.50% for the 16th consecutive month at the December board meeting today, just in time for Christmas.
Governor Glenn Stevens said: "Monetary policy remains accommodative. Interest rates are very low and have continued to edge lower over the past year or so as competition to lend has increased. Investors continue to look for higher returns in response to low rates on safe instruments. Credit growth is moderate overall, but with a further pick-up in recent months in lending to investors in housing assets. Dwelling prices have continued to rise.
"Looking ahead, continued accommodative monetary policy should provide support to demand and help growth to strengthen over time. Inflation is expected to be consistent with the 2–3 per cent target over the next two years."
While rates have been on hold since August 2013, economists predict a 2015 rate change with the decision dependent on the performance of the mining and retail industries, as well as the value of the Australian dollar.
Home loan happiness in time for Xmas
Kick off the new year with a great home loan rate by checking out the new lowest rates available for both one-year fixed and variable rate home loans.
Community First’s online brand Easy Street cut its one-year fixed introductory rate from 4.74% to 3.75%, now the lowest one-year fixed rate available.
However, the bulk of activity has been in the variable rate market, where competitors are increasingly trying to one-up each other, to give consumers the best deal.
This month, Heritage Bank introduced the country’s lowest variable home loan rate, cutting a further 30 basis points off its Discount Variable loan, to a rate of 4.39%. The loan is available for amounts greater than $150,000 with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 80%.
Other lenders have also slashed rates, with former rate leader loans.com.au taking six basis points off its Dream Home Loan variable rate to 4.48% and UBank cutting its variable rate by eight basis points to 4.54%.
Visit Mozo's home loan comparison tables to see the other low rate home loans on offer.
Interest-free credit cards for Santa’s big shop
Playing Santa this Christmas will be easy with a range of providers offering interest-free credit cards. Introductory purchase rates of 0% are in fashion this summer, and - if you think you might need some extra cash to make it through to the end of your Advent Calendar - there are plenty to choose from.
The longest 0% introductory purchase rate period is 15 months, available on NAB’s Low Rate Card which has an ongoing purchase rate of 13.99% and $59 annual fee. Citibank Platinum has the same 15-month introductory rate offer but reverts to a 20.99% ongoing purchase rate and $199 annual fee.
To compare more low-rate credit cards, visit Mozo’s credit card comparison tables.
Savings account cuts: the grinch of Christmas
December is the time to start thinking about you finances for 2015. And, if ‘save more’ will make an appearance on your New Years Resolution list, you should pay close attention to your interest rate, because there have been widespread cuts throughout November.
Financial institutions who cut savings account rates last month include: ANZ, Westpac, St. George, BankSA, Bank of Melbourne, CUA, and RAMS.
UBank’s USaver is still the best ongoing bonus rate in the market at 4.02%. The second-best rate of 4.00% comes with the ING Direct Savings Maximiser (if you hold an Orange Everyday account), the Bankwest Hero and the Rabodirect 90 Day Notice Saver.
Newcastle Permanent Online Savings account is still be best unconditional rate, despite the rate being cut by ten basis points to 3.30%.
Has your savings account been ravaged by rate cuts? Compare savings accounts on Mozo to find a better deal.
Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.
Home loan comparisons on Mozo
Promoted
-
Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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.
- 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 this Unloan Variable
-
Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- 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 this Basic Home Loan
-
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
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
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
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 this Neat Home Loan
-
Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Special Real Deal Home Loan
-
Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,899
Lock in a competitive interest rate and enjoy peace of mind for the fixed period. Available for owner occupied new and refinanced home loans with at least 20% deposit. Split option available as well as offset and redraw. Noapplication, ongoing or banking fees. Third Party fees may be applicable - payable within loan repayments. Extra repayments up to $20K per annum permitted. Apply online, 100% member owned credit union.
- Interest rate
-
5.69
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$0
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to $20,000 p.a. during fixed rate term
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $2,500,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan
-
Unloan Variable
- Owner Occupier
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
5.90
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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.
- 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 this Unloan Variable
-
OMG Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- <60% LVR
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.02
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
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
-
6.02
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$300
- 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
- $20,000
- 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 this OMG Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$2,995
Competitive Fixed rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
5.99
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.34
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Flex Home Loan
-
Express Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <90%
- Interest rate
-
6.01
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,001
Get 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.
- 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 this Express Home Loan
-
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
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
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.11
%
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 this Neat Home Loan
-
Special Real Deal Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <80%
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,027
Refinancers or first home buyers pay no monthly or annual fees. Up to $3,000 cashback when you complete your home loan application online. $2,000 cashback on loans ≥$250K; or $3,000 cashback on loans ≥$500K. LVR ≤80%. T&Cs and credit criteria apply.
- Interest rate
-
6.09
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.13
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$595
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$250.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - fees apply
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Variable
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $2,000 online cashback when for refinance or purchase loans of $250,00 -$499,999.99, $3,000 for loan amounts of >$500,000.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Special Real Deal Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Enjoy a low rate home loan with $0 application fee and $0 ongoing fees. Flexibility to split your loan and set different repayment types. Fee free redraw from your loan using online banking. Flexible ways to repay. 40% Deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.16
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- 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 this Basic Home Loan
-
Flex Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <60%
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
Competitive variable rate. Multiple offset accounts available. Borrowers can also make extra repayments. Redraw facility available. Simple online application process. 40% deposit required.
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.38
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$250
- Ongoing fees
-
$250.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$300.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 60.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- -
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- 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 this Flex Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Owner Occupier
- LVR<60%
- Principal & Interest
- Interest rate
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,043
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
-
6.14
%
p.a.
Variable
- Comparison rate
-
6.39
%
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 this Offset Home Loan
-
Basic Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR<70%
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,079
No upfront or ongoing fees. Free extra repayments and redraw facility. Option to earn Qantas points. Min 30% deposit required. Borrow up to $10,000,000.
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.20
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
no
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Basic Home Loan
-
Offset Home Loan
- Fixed
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- LVR <70%
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,079
- Interest rate
-
6.25
%
p.a.
Fixed 3 years
- Comparison rate
-
6.42
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$350
- Ongoing fees
-
$248.00 yearly
- Discharge fee
-
$400.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - up to $10,000 p.a.
- Redraw facility
-
yes - free
- Offset account
-
yes
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 70.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $150,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- $10,000,000
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Monthly
- Special offers
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Offset Home Loan
-
Fixed Rate
- Owner Occupier
- Principal & Interest
- <80% LVR
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Initial monthly repayment
-
$3,174
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.
- Interest rate
-
6.54
%
p.a.
Fixed 2 years
- Comparison rate
-
7.10
%
p.a.
- Upfront fees
-
$160
- Ongoing fees
-
$0.00
- Discharge fee
-
$160.00
- Extra repayments
-
yes - free up to to lesser of 5% of original fixed loan amount, or $5,000 each year
- Redraw facility
-
no
- Offset account
-
Optional - $10 per month - 1 year fixed term only
- Maximum loan to value ratio
- 80.00%
- Minimum borrowing amount
- $20,000
- Maximum borrowing amount
- -
- Type of mortgage
- Fixed
- Repayment types
- Principal & Interest
- Availability
- Owner Occupier
- Repayment options
- Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly
- Special offers
- $3,000 cashback for eligible First Home Buyers, $2,000 cashback when you refinance loans of $250k+, apply from 1 Dec 2022, settle within 180 days.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about this Fixed Rate
Want to speak to someone about refinancing?
Our partner Lendi can help with that. All they need is a few details to get started.
Your selected reserve bank interest rates
* 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.