December savings snapshot: Large cuts round out the year

By Olivia Gee ·

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 - last updated February 20, 2021

Search promoted savings accounts below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure.
  • mini-meca-2021
    Bonus Saver Account

    Maximum rate
    standard interest rate
    Govt Deposit Guarantee
    1.20% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
    0.10% 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 Everyday or Glide transaction accounts.

    Compare
    Go to site
    Details
  • Hero Saver

    Maximum rate
    standard interest rate
    Govt Deposit Guarantee
    0.80% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
    0.01% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
    Yes up to $250,000

    Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.

    Compare
    Go to site
    Details
  • Serious Saver

    Maximum rate
    standard interest rate
    Govt Deposit Guarantee
    0.80% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
    0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)
    Yes up to $250,000

    No withdrawals in the month. Bonus rate for first 4 months, reverting to 0.05% rate after*

    Compare
    Go to site
    Details
  • Flexi Saver

    Maximum rate
    standard interest rate
    Govt Deposit Guarantee
    0.75% p.a. (for $0 to $5,000,000)
    0.05% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)
    Yes up to $250,000

    Increase balance by at least $300 in the month

    Compare
    Go to site
    Details
  • Online Saver

    Maximum rate
    standard interest rate
    Govt Deposit Guarantee
    1.10% p.a. (for $0 to $500,000)
    0.35% p.a.(for $0 and over)
    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening

    Compare
    Go to site
    Details

*Correct at the time of publishing.

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Accounts 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.