December savings snapshot: Large cuts round out the year

Worried person on the phone looking at a savings account bank statement as interest rates drop.

It’ll come as no surprise to scrupulous savers that savings account interest rates have taken yet another month-on-month plunge. 

December has a less-than-merry outlook with the average ongoing savings rate in Mozo’s database now sitting at 0.48%*. 

This is after the Mozo researchers recorded 44 cuts to ongoing bonus rates and 16 cuts to introductory rates over the last month.

Introductory savings take a hit

If you’ve been bank hopping to seek out a more attractive introductory rate for your nest egg, there’s more bad news. These short-term interest rates have seen even more substantial reductions recently. 

On average, affected introductory savings rates saw cuts of 23 basis points (bp) compared to an average of 16bp for ongoing bonus rates.

The top intro offer in Mozo’s database, the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account, is a relatively high 1.75%. Meanwhile, the average introductory rate has fallen to 0.84%*.

Savers chasing introductory dreams should always remember to keep an eye out for low revert rates after the initial period (the Rabobank rate falls to 0.30% after the first four months).

Other ways to save this Christmas and beyond

You might not be feeling particularly jolly in light of this news, but regardless of interest rates there’s always something you can do to help boost your savings (beyond Christmas miracles).

Some 2020 savings suggestions from the Mozo team include:

  • Planning budget-friendly holiday activities. Yes, the festive season can be costly but there are ways to have fun for free (or close to it). So investigate everything from summer freebies to adventure investments. 
  • Getting proactive with your savings plan. High interest rates are great, but there’s more than one way to make your money work for you. Read about round ups, savings buckets, debt clearing and more.
  • Switching banks if you’re not getting bang for buck. Inertia is real, whether it’s about purchasing a Secret Santa gift or changing bank accounts. If you can identify and get beyond some common misconceptions about switching banks, you could be set to save a whole lot more dough. 

If you’re ready to make the switch, check out some of the high interest savings accounts below.

Compare high interest rate savings accounts

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 8 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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    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.

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    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

    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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    Details
  • 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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    Details

*Correct at the time of publishing.


^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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