Commonwealth Bank bumps up short term NetBank Saver rate

In a rare win for savers, the Commonwealth Bank has today hiked the introductory rate on its NetBank Saver account by 4 basis points from 2.51% to 2.55% and extended the introductory period on the offer from three to five months.

The NetBank Saver now joins NAB’s iSaver account as having the joint highest introductory savings account rate among Australia’s big four banks, though NAB’s offer only applies to the first four months from the account opening.

Big Four Introductory Rate Offers

     • 2.55% - Commonwealth Bank NetBank Saver bonus rate for first five months

     • 2.55% - NAB iSaver bonus rate for first four months

     • 2.51% - Westpac eSaver bonus rate for first five months

     • 2.30% - ANZ Online Saver bonus rate for first three months

However, while the rate hike may be appealing to savers looking for a short term savings boost with one of the major banks, the new Commonwealth Bank deal still falls short of some of the other introductory rates currently in the Mozo database.

In fact, the Netbank Saver rate of 2.55% remains 55 basis points below the HSBC Serious Saver account’s 3.10% introductory rate offer for the first four months - currently* the highest offer in the Mozo database.

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While ongoing savings account interest rates may have plotted a steady trend of decline over recent years, the Commonwealth Bank joins a number of lenders that have targeted savers in the past few months by lifting introductory bonus rate offers.

“Competition for deposits has been increasing over recent months as banks seek to diversify their funding sources in response to the higher cost of obtaining funds from markets,” said Mozo Product Data Manager, Peter Marshall.

“One of the ways banks have been doing this is by raising short-term introductory rates, although the move from the Commonwealth Bank is also likely to be about bringing their own rate more into line with NAB and Westpac's offers.”

Marshall also noted that while savings accounts with introductory rates may be an alluring prospect given that they generally don’t come with any conditions attached, there are other features worth taking into consideration.    

“If you’re not in a position to make a regular deposit every month or any of the other requirements you’d need to fulfill in order to grab an ongoing bonus rate, an account with an introductory offer could be ideal,” he said.

“Just make sure you keep note of when that intro period ends so you can switch to another offer, otherwise you’ll end up earning a base rate which is generally much lower. For example, once the 2.55% introductory offer on the NetBank Saver ends the 0.50% base rate comes into play.”    

RELATED: 3.00% and falling: Saving pain continues, but this is why the savings account you choose still matters

Does your own savings account need an interest rate upgrade? Check out some of the savings account offers below.

*Accurate as of 22 November, 2018.

Savings account offers 2018

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 12 September 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.

    Enjoy a high interest savings account with no account keeping fees to pay. Save up to 10% on eGift cards at over 50 retailers with Macquarie Marketplace. Multiple 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

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  • 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.

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  • 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

    Deposit $1,000 into a personal ING account, make 5 eligible transactions with a linked Orange Everyday account and grow the balance 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.^

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  • MoneyMAX Account

    No Current Offer

    4.75% p.a.(for $1 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Unlimited access 24/7 via Banking App, Phone & Internet Banking. Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. No transaction fees or monthly service fees. No minimum balance or withdrawal restrictions. Online access only.

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  • Savings Accelerator

    3.55% p.a. (for $0 to $50,000)

    2.85% p.a.(for $0 to $50,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    New customers receive an introductory bonus 0.70% p.a. variable kick starter rate for the first 4 months on balances up to $500,000.

    Enjoy the flexibility to access your funds with no monthly deposit requirements or lock-in terms. No ING fees to pay. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

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^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.

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.