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 typeCurrent rate leadersRateConditions
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%
BaseVolt Bank Savings Account1.65%
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 - last updated 19 March 2024

Search promoted savings accounts below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    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 four months.

    Competitive introductory variable rate for first 4 months (on deposits up to $250,000). No account keeping fees to pay. Multiple 2023 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

    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
  • 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 . Receive the maximum rate when you grow your balance by at least $200 each month. No Account keeping fees. No minimum balance.

    Compare
    Details
  • High Interest Save Account

    5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.

    No monthly fees on any of your save accounts. Split your money with up to 10 Save accounts. Set savings targets and track the progress of all your Save accounts. Deposits guaranteed up to $250K per customer.

    Compare
    Details

^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.