Are savings accounts good in times of economic uncertainty, or is a fixed rate safer?

By Cameron Thomson · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
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Man looking at savings account

Economic uncertainty partly caused by recent tariffs has seen big drops in the stock market this week. As you would expect, people are understandably anxious about their cash. 

But what about savings accounts? Are they still a good option in this kind of environment? Or is fixing your rate perhaps better?

Let’s have a look.

Why savings accounts remain a good option

If your number one concern is safety, then savings accounts are one of the best places to keep your cash. Yes, banks tend to be safe places to keep money. 

But, even in the unlikely event that they do collapse, the government will guarantee deposits of up to $250,000 under the financial claims scheme.

So safety isn’t such a concern. What about getting your cash working for you?

Some economists and financial institutions (like Deutsche Bank) have come out saying that the tariffs could result in a 50 basis point cut when the RBA meets on 19-20 May. This means that you’d see the interest rate on your savings account reduce, which isn’t great news.

This is why constantly comparing savings rates is so important.  

Start with comparing between leading rates but you can also compare savings account rates against the rate of inflation. This will help make sure that the cash you’ve got is either keeping up or growing faster than the rate of currency depreciation. 

For context, current CPI from the 12 months to the December 2024 quarter was 2.4%, so any savings rate above that is a good ballpark figure to compare against.

Currently, as of today, the average ongoing bonus interest savings rate on our database is 4.41% p.a. for account holders with $10,000

Term deposits as a savings accounts alternative

As we’ve indicated, savings rates might be in flux. So if you want to lock in a rate, and have the spare cash to do so, then a term deposit might be a good alternative option. 

However, just keep in mind that a term deposit means committing to keeping cash stored. You can usually apply for a 31 day notice withdrawal, but this means losing some or all your interest and potentially paying an early withdrawal fee. 

Right now the average term deposit rate ($25,000 deposit) on a one year term is 4.23% p.a. while for 2 years the average is 3.77% p.a. Of course, rates differ between terms, but this at least gives you an idea of what type of rates are generally on offer.

Where to get started with Savings and Term Deposits

You can compare savings accounts or compare term deposits by heading over to our respective hub pages or checking out the table below. Alternatively, if you’re looking to learn a bit more, you can read our savings account guides or term deposit guides.

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 255 savings accounts using the filters.
Last updated 5 December 2025 Important disclosures
  • Promoted

    Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app
  • Promoted

    AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.
  • Promoted

    Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • High Interest Savings Account

    Maximum rate
    5.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    3.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • Easy set up, online and mobile banking app
    • No fees, no minimum balance, no minimum monthly deposit and no minimum term
    • Kick start your savings with the 4 month introductory variable rate

  • Reward Saver Kick Start Account - Up to 30 years old

    Maximum rate
    4.75 % p.a.
    (for $5,000 to $100,000)
    Minimum deposit of $20 and no withdrawals in the month.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rates by depositing $20 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Mozo Experts Choice Awards winner for Teen High Interest Savings in 2025
    • No monthly account fees

  • Boss Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Ongoing bonus interest when you meet conditions
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Savvy Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.65 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $100,001)
    Minimum $500 deposited into linked transaction account, and 5 Visa Card transactions from that account
    Standard rate
    0.20 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • No minimum balance required
    • Move money in and out and still earn interest
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app

  • Reward Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    Intro bonus rate of 4.50% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 2.50%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.
    Standard rate
    0.00 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus rate by depositing $50 a month and making no withdrawals
    • Introductory rate for first 4 months
    • No monthly account fees

  • Smart Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    4.45 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum deposit of $100 and no withdrawals in the month
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest each month (T&Cs apply)
    • Open up to five accounts
    • No monthly fees or minimum balance

  • Power Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.35 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,000)
    Minimum of $100 deposited into account, and no withdrawals made.
    Standard rate
    0.50 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • AMP Bank GO Save

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Standard rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 to $250,001)
    Go to site
    • No deposit or withdrawal conditions
    • No minimum balance or monthly account fees
    • All you need is an AMP Bank GO Everyday Account to open a Save account in the AMP Bank GO app.

  • Savings+Bonus

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.
    Standard rate
    1.75 % p.a.
    (for $1 to $250,000)
    Go to site
    • Enjoy bonus interest when you meet criteria
    • Access your money at any time via app
    • $250K maximum balance

  • Bonus Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Bonus interest for the first four months
    • No minimum balance, ongoing fees or withdrawal penalties
    • Manage your money easily on the BCU Bank app

  • Hi Saver

    Maximum rate
    4.25 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
    Standard rate
    0.05 % p.a.
    (for $0 and over)
    Go to site
    • Earn bonus interest for the first four months
    • No Minimum balance required
    • Transfer or make payments using the mobile app
Showing 11 results from 255 savings accounts. Use the filters to see more

^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.

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Today's savings account rates