RBA keeps record low 1.50% cash rate steady at April meeting

By Tom Watson · · 3 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

The Reserve Bank board has once again kept the the official cash rate on hold at a record low 1.50% following today’s meeting in Sydney.

The decision caps a 20th straight month without a move in interest rates, with the last shift a 25 basis point cut back in August 2016.

In his statement, Reserve Bank Governor Philip Lowe suggested that maintaining the cash rate would help to provide continued, sustainable growth in the economy and the RBA’s targeted level of inflation.

“The low level of interest rates is continuing to support the Australian economy. Further progress in reducing unemployment and having inflation return to target is expected, although this progress is likely to be gradual.”

The third consecutive hold for the year comes as many commentators reassessed their earlier forecasts of a 2018 change, with Mozo’s Product Data Manager Peter Marshall suggesting that in light of the sluggish economic performance so far this year, the RBA may be forced to keep rates on hold for the rest of 2018.

“The RBA has previously declared its intention to raise rates should a number of key indicators be met, but given the underwhelming economic performance many of these indicators have failed to meet expectations which means the RBA has no scope for a rate change - at least, not as things currently stand,” he said.

Lenders trim both variable and fixed rate home loans

With the cash rate on hold at a record low 1.50% for at least another month, the outlook continues to look rosy for borrowers in the short-term, particularly given the continued competition among home loan lenders.

Lenders have reduced rates on both variable and fixed rate home loans in the past month for owner-occupiers as well as investors, including a number of big bank reductions to fixed rate loans and some increased competition in the market-leading position for variable rates.

Here are some of the lowest home loan rates currently* in the Mozo database below:

Best variable rate home loan offers

Best fixed rate home loan offers (3 year term)

Silver lining for savers as term deposit rate rises outweigh cuts  

While the bulk of the competition among banks remains geared towards borrowers, savers may have found something to smile about in the past month with figures from the Mozo database showing that term deposit rate rises outweighed cuts for just the second time in the last 18 months.

Australians looking for a better return on their savings account may have to wait a little while longer though after AMP followed the general trend in 2018 by announcing a significant reduction to its market-leading Bett3r Account from 3.00% down to 2.25%, which will kick in on May 1. 

Conversely, RAMS bucked the trend by upping the bonus rate on its Saver Account from 2.80% to 3.00% - just three months after it had dropped the rate.

Check out some of the best rates currently* in the Mozo database for savings accounts and term deposits below.  

Best ongoing savings account offers

  • AMP Bett3r Save Account - 3.00% (when you make a minimum deposit of $2,000 into your linked Bett3r Pay Account each month)RAMS Saver Account - 3.00% (when you make a minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals each month)UBank USaver with Ultra Transaction Account - 2.87% (when you deposit at least $200 into the account or a linked Ultra Transaction Account each month)ME Online Savings Account - 2.85% (when you make a weekly tap and go purchase with a ME Everyday Transaction Account Debit MasterCard)Australian Unity Active Saver - 2.80% (when you make a minimum deposit of $250 and no withdrawals each month)
  • ING Savings Maximiser - 2.80% (when you make a minimum deposit of at least $1,000 a month from a linked Orange Everyday account as well as at least five purchases on your credit or debit card)

Best term deposit offers (based on a balance of $25,000)

For other great offers to boost your savings head over to the Mozo term deposit and savings account comparison hubs, or if you’re after an award-winning home loan deal don’t miss the recently announced 2018 Mozo Expert Choice Awards.  

*Rates accurate as of April 3, 2018.

Read last month's Reserve Bank interest rates update.

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can compare more home loans here.
Last updated 31 July 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
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank
  • Promoted

    Everyday Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • Interest only
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.59 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site
    • Access unlimited free redraw on extra repayments
    • No monthly account keeping fees
    • Option to split your loan (fee applies)
  • Promoted

    Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.67 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    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
    5.29 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.72 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    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

  • Optimum Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    4.99 % p.a.
    Fixed 1 year
    Comparison rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,681
    Go to site
    • No application, establishment or monthly fees
    • Make extra repayments up to $20,000 per year
    • Free redraw facility to access additional funds

  • Fixed Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.09 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,712
    Go to site
    • Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
    • Up to 12 months repayments in advance without penalties
    • Split loan available

  • 2-Year Discounted Simple Home Loan Variable

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Refinance only
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.24 % p.a.
    Variable for 24 months and then 5.49% p.a.
    Comparison rate
    5.45 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,758
    Go to site
    • 2-year discounted variable rate offer for owner-occupiers
    • No application or ongoing fees and up to $1,000 towards legal and valuation costs (T&Cs apply)
    • Make unlimited extra repayments and access free redraw anytime

  • Fixed Rate Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 5% min deposit
    Interest rate
    5.29 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.67 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    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
    5.29 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.72 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,773
    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

  • Unloan Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.40 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • The first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply)
    • No application or banking fees
    • Built by CommBank

  • Discount Great Rate Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.50 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • Get up to $3,000 cashback when you apply online (T&Cs apply)
    • No paperwork or payslips required (see site for details)
    • Low variable rate

  • OMG Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.49 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.52 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,836
    Go to site
    • No ongoing annual fees
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Fixed rate
    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.53 % p.a.
    Fixed 2 years
    Comparison rate
    5.86 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,848
    Go to site
    • Multiple offset accounts available
    • Free extra repayments
    • Easy redraw facility

  • Budget Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    • Cashback
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.57 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site
    • Get up to $4,000 cashback (T&Cs apply)
    • Split loan available

  • Variable Home Loan 90

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 10% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.58 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site
    • No monthly or ongoing fees
    • Option to add an offset for 0.10% p.a.

  • Everyday Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • Interest only
    • 20% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.54 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.59 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,852
    Go to site
    • Access unlimited free redraw on extra repayments
    • No monthly account keeping fees
    • Option to split your loan (fee applies)

  • Basic Variable Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.63 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.66 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,880
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees
    • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayment options

  • Neat Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.66 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,883
    Go to site
    • Free extra repayments
    • Easy redraw facility
    • No annual fee to pay

  • Offset Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.67 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,883
    Go to site
    • No ongoing monthly loan maintenance fees to pay.
    • Pre-approval valid for 3 months

  • Flex Home Loan

    • Owner occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    • 40% min deposit
    • Offset available
    • Redraw available
    Interest rate
    5.64 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.89 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,883
    Go to site
    • Multiple offset accounts available
    • Free extra repayments
    • Easy redraw facility
Showing 16 results from 408 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!

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.