CommBank, NAB, Westpac or ANZ – how do the big four savings accounts stack up?

piggy banks against a yellow background

Cost-of-living pressures and inflation concerns continue to challenge consumers, so boosting savings is an important step we can all take. Fortunately, some banks still offer savings accounts with rates above 5% in July.

Among the Big 4, Westpac and NAB lead with 5% rates, while CommBank and ANZ lag behind. Challenger banks like Rabobank and Macquarie also offer rates exceeding 5%. However, be sure to check conditions, as they apply to most accounts.

Check out which Big 4 accounts have the highest rates:

What requirements do the big banks’ savings accounts have?

Keep in mind that higher rate savings products tend to be 'bonus rate accounts', which usually have strict requirements. In short, before receiving the bonus rate you need to meet some basic conditions such as a minimum deposit or zero withdrawals. If you don't meet these, you’ll get a much lower base rate.

Here’s a breakdown of the requirements and conditions you must meet to qualify for the top rates offered by Westpac, CommBank, NAB and ANZ.

Westpac Life
CBA Goal Saver
NAB Reward Saver
ANZ Plus Save
Max rate
5.00% p.a.
4.90% p.a.
5.00% p.a.
4.90% p.a.
Base rate
2.00% p.a.
0.40% p.a
0.35% p.a.
N/A
Monthly deposit requirement
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Any amount
Everyday transaction account
Required
Not required
Not required
Not required
Monthly balance growth
RequiredRequired
Required (no withdrawals allowed)
Not required

How do the big four compare to smaller savings providers?

Keeping the same bank for all your financial needs might be comfortable, but it could mean you’re missing out on some of the best savings account rates. However, comparing savings accounts can be helpful when trying to augment your savings.  

Remember, where you park your money matters – so always try to get more bang for your buck and compare providers. Plus, most savings accounts these days are 100% online so it’s easy to transfer money between accounts and open new ones from the comfort of your sofa. So, don’t let branch location get in the way of getting a good rate. 

Below is a breakdown of our database’s top four ongoing savings account leaders** and their conditions.

ubank High Interest Save Account
Move Bank Growth Saver
ME HomeME Savings Account
ING Savings Maximiser
Account Type
Introductory
Bonus
Bonus 
Bonus
Max rate
5.50% p.a.
5.50% p.a.
5.55% p.a.
5.50% p.a.
Base rate
0.00% p.a.
0.10% p.a
0.55% p.a.
0.55% p.a.
Monthly deposit requirement
At least $500At least $200
At least $2,000
At least $1,000
Everyday transaction account
A linked transaction account required
Not required
Required
Not required
Monthly balance growth
None
Required ( no withdrawals allowed)
Required
None

However, depending on your financial goals, you might not want to park your savings in an account with a lot of conditions. 

If that is the case, try a base rate account. With this kind of savings account, you won’t need to fulfil extra conditions to maintain the advertised rate.

Below, we’ve included some of the highest base rates for savings accounts in our database:

Police Bank U30 Super Charge Account
Australian Unity Freedom Saver
ANZ Plus Save
Bank of Queensland Simple Saver Account
Interest rate
5.25% p.a.
5.20% p.a.
4.90% p.a.
4.85% p.a.
Requirements
Full salary deposited to police bank, 18-29 year olds only 
Link with Australian Unity transaction account
Balances over $250,000 will have a lower interest rate applied
Branch access for deposits only

Want to know how the big four compare to even more savings account providers? Check out the table below for more options, or head over to our savings account comparison hub for more information.

Savings account comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click the products below. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 274 savings accounts.
Last updated 27 July 2024 Important disclosures
  • Savings Account

    5.35% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus variable rate is available for the first 4 months.

    Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

    Compare
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Savings Maximiser

    5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)

    0.55% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    For customers who have an Orange Everyday account, deposit $1000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions and grow their nominated Savings Maximiser account each month.

    Great variable rate every month when you grow your balance each month in addition to other eligibility criteria. No ING fees to pay. Save even more with ING Everyday Round Up. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

    Compare
    Details
  • Reward Saver Account

    5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)

    0% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Intro bonus rate of 5.25% for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months, reverting to 3.25%. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals.

    Introductory bonus rate for balances up to $1,000,000 for the first 4 months. Minimum deposit of $50 and no withdrawals. Start your account online in under 10 minutes and earn interest on balances up to $1,000,000 (T&Cs apply). No monthly account fees, helping you save smarter and faster.

    Compare
    Details
  • Bonus Saver Account

    5.00% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate when at least $20 is deposited each month and five Visa Debit transactions are made each month using linked Glide transaction account.

    Start saving and earn interest with just a $20 deposit and make 5 eligible transactions each month. No fees or penalties for withdrawing money.

    Compare
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    High Interest Savings Account

    5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)

    4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening

    Reward yourself with a higher rate for your good savings habits with the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance. Support Aussie farmers with every dollar you save.

    Compare
    Details

** excluding age restricted accounts

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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