Need a change of scenery for your rainy day fund? Here’s how to choose a savings account that’s right for you

With a global health crisis ongoing and the future of a lot of jobs on the line, it’s understandable if you’re feeling anxious about your rainy day fund. Savings rates are changing all the time, so if you haven’t looked around for a while you may find your current account isn’t giving you the interest you deserve. 

To help you with a search for a new savings home, here’s a rundown of three different types of savings accounts you can get and who they might be suited to.

Bonus rate savings accounts

Whether you’re an expert saver keen to get a little something in return for your diligence, or you need a bit of a nudge to remind you to top up your savings stash each month, a bonus saver account could just be what you’re looking for.

This type of account comes with two different interest rates - a base rate and a bonus rate. The base rate is the interest rate you’ll get each month no matter what and the only way it would change is if your bank decides to put it up or down, but this usually doesn’t happen too often. 

Bonus rates, on the other hand, are conditional - this means that you will usually have to meet a list of criteria each month to achieve them. This is often stuff like not making any withdrawals throughout the month, depositing a certain amount regularly or making a number of transactions with a linked everyday transaction account.

Bonus saver accounts to put on your shortlist

AccountInterest                       rateConditions
MOVE Bank’s Bonus Saver2.00% p.a. (0.80% p.a. base rate)Minimum $200 deposit each month with no withdrawals.
MyState Bank’s Bonus Saver Account2.00% p.a. (0.30% p.a. base rate)Minimum $20 deposit plus 5 debit card transactions each month, through a linked everyday transaction account.
86 400 Save Account2.00% p.a. (0.40% p.a. base rate)Minimum deposit $1,000 per month into your Save or Pay Account.

No-strings savings accounts

Unlike the bonus saver, a no-strings-attached savings account comes with no conditions to meet and just one interest rate to worry about.

Average interest rates for these types of accounts are usually lower than bonus rates, but if you don’t want the hassle of having to tick off a load of criteria, then they are a good savings choice.

The only thing you may want to watch out for is the maximum balance amount you can earn the full base rate on. Maximum balances to earn the full base rate could vary from anywhere between $25,000 and $245,000.

So, if you’re worried about your income right now and you’re not sure you would be able to meet all the conditions that come with a bonus saver account, a no strings attached savings account might just be a better option for you.

Competitive no-strings accounts

AccountInterest rateConditions?
Volt Bank Savings Account1.65% p.a.None!
MOVE Bank Express Saver1.50% p.a.Zilch!
Southern Cross Credit Union Star Saver1.50% p.a. (1.75% p.a. introductory rate for 6 months)Nada!

Introductory rate savings account

Savings accounts with introductory rates often come with some of the most competitive rates around - the catch being that the high interest rate you get when you sign up is only for a limited period of time. 

Think of it as a sort of honeymoon period; for the first three to six months that you have the rate, you’ll earn a high amount of interest without having to put in any effort. After the introductory period is up your savings rate will drop to a lower variable base rate. 

The great thing about this type of account is that, even though the more competitive rate is only for a limited period of time, you usually won’t have to meet any conditions to get it. So if you’re worried about your job security for the next few months and you don’t mind swinging between different savings accounts to keep on getting a competitive rate, then these accounts are worth checking out.

Introductory rates worth saying hello to

AccountInterest rateConditions
AMP Saver Account2.65% p.a. introductory rate (reverts to 1.05% p.a. base rate after 6 months)Only available for new AMP Saver Account customers.
Macquarie Savings Account2.65% p.a. introductory rate (reverts to 1.35% p.a. base rate after 4 months)Welcome rate only available for customers who have not had a Macquarie Savings Account before.
Heritage Bank Online Saver2.30% p.a. introductory rate (reverts to 0.90% p.a. base rate after 4 months)Only available for new customers with balances under $100,000.

Next steps

The great thing about most online savings accounts is that they don’t come with any fees and can be set up online without having to visit a branch or completing lengthy paperwork - perfect in this time of physical distancing.

Well now that you have all this knowledge under your belt, check out Mozo’s compare savings accounts hub for more options, or take a look at the interest rates on offer below.

Compare high interest savings accounts - last updated 29 March 2024

Search promoted savings accounts below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • 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.

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  • 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.

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    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.

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  • 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.

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  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    AMP Saver Account

    5.40% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)

    1.20% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Enjoy a bonus rate when you deposit at least $1000 per month with the AMP Saver Account.

    No account fees. Unlimited transactions when linked to an AMP Bank transaction account. Easy online access to your money. Option to link your savings account to an everyday transaction account. 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Award winner.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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