July savings account snapshot: How to protect your cash as savings rates plummet
The EOFY has come to a rather somber close for Australia’s savers, with savings account rates dropping across the board in June. According to Mozo’s database, the average ongoing savings rate is now 0.71% p.a.
It’s no surprise this average dropped by 3 basis points (bp) over the month. Every change to at-call deposit rates recorded by Mozo in June was a reduction, with two of the big banks trimming their offerings.
Westpac cut 5bp off its Life account, and 10bp from the eSaver introductory rate, bringing those rates to 1.00% and 0.95% respectively. Meanwhile, ANZ cut 15bp from its Progress Saver account (now 0.85%) and the Online Saver three-month introductory rate (now 0.80%).
While Macquarie slashed the introductory rate on its Savings Account by 39bp, now down to 2.26%, it is still the highest at-call deposit rate in the Mozo database. Check out the other rate leaders below*.
Account type | Current rate leaders | Rate | Conditions |
---|---|---|---|
Ongoing bonus | 86 400 Save Account | 1.85% | Deposit at least $1,000 monthly or the rate will revert to the base 0.25% |
Ongoing bonus | BOQ Fast Track Saver Account | 1.85% | Deposit a minimum $1,000 and make 5 transactions in a month or the rate will revert to 0.20% |
Ongoing bonus | Up Saver Account | 1.85% | Make 5 transactions a month, or the rate will revert to the base 0.10% |
Intro | Macquarie Savings Account | 2.26% | Customers will receive this rate for 4 months, after which it reverts to 1.35% |
Base | Volt Bank Savings Account | 1.65% | This rate is unconditional, and can be accessed on accounts holding up to $245,000 |
*rates accurate as of July 1
How can you keep your savings growing in the new financial year?
The ongoing barrage of rate cuts might be getting savers’ spirits down, but there are a few tricks to help bolster your savings stash.
Mozo banking expert Peter Marshall says those aiming for shorter-term goals, like financing a long weekend away or buying a new computer, should dig in, do the research and consider introductory offers.
“Be prepared to look around, look beyond the major banks and put in the effort to find out which rates you can take advantage. Perhaps introductory rates or ongoing bonus rates where you can meet conditions.”
Marshall also encourages long-term savers, perhaps those aiming to make a deposit on a property, not to lose heart and keep adding to their savings accounts
“Don’t forget about cumulative interest. An at-call deposit account generally gets paid interest every month, meaning whatever interest you do get goes straight into your account,” says Marshall.
“If you can leave it there, you're getting more interest on a larger balance the next month. The more you can do that, the more benefit you get from that cumulative effect.”
Whatever your savings plan is, it’s always important to develop and stick to a budget, and assess all your options. Start by checking out the savings accounts below.
Savings account options - rates updated daily
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 $250,000Bonus 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.
Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Award 2021 in the Regular Saver category. No monthly account fees and no minimum balance requirements.
Bonus Saver Account
Winner of a Mozo Experts Choice Award 2021 in the Regular Saver category. No monthly account fees and no minimum balance requirements.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- 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.
- Access
- BPay, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Bonus Saver Account
Serious Saver
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
0.30% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)0.15% p.a.(for $0 and over)Yes up to $250,000No withdrawals in the month. Bonus rate for first 4 months, reverting to 0.15% rate after*
$0 monthly account fee. Link to any Australian bank account.
Serious Saver
$0 monthly account fee. Link to any Australian bank account.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- No withdrawals in the month. Bonus rate for first 4 months, reverting to 0.15% rate after*
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Serious Saver
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 $250,000Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. Automatic payment feature. No minimum opening balance needed.
Hero Saver
Interest is calculated daily and paid monthly. Automatic payment feature. No minimum opening balance needed.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Minimum deposit of $200 and no withdrawals in the month.
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Hero Saver
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 $250,000Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
No account keeping fees. No minimum balance required. Unlimited phone and internet transactions.
Online Saver
No account keeping fees. No minimum balance required. Unlimited phone and internet transactions.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening
- Access
- Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Online Saver
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Accounts Awards
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