Savings rates set to plummet further as October RBA cut looms

The Reserve Bank’s monthly meeting takes place tomorrow, and homebuyers and mortgage holders are waiting with bated breath for another reduction to official interest rates.

Of course, the inverse of all this is that savings rates are also set to drop. Assuming banks reduce their rates by 0.25%, an October cut would bring the average interest rate for savings accounts down to 0.90%.

“With a third, and possibly a fourth cut likely this year, there is significant downward pressure on savings rates,” said Mozo interest rate expert Peter Marshall.

“A 25 basis point cut next week could sound the death knell for some of the most popular standard savings accounts in the country.”

How much have the big banks cut already?

Since June’s cut, we’ve seen reductions to savings accounts from all 77 deposit-takers in our database. Even some of the highest interest savings accounts have lost some of the glimmer they had earlier in the year.

The big banks have certainly been leading the charge. All up, ANZ, CommBank, NAB and Westpac have hacked off between 0.30% and 0.45% from their average savings rates following both June and July’s rate cuts:

  • ANZ cut 0.30%
  • CommBank cut 0.35% 
  • NAB cut 0.45%
  • Westpac cut 0.35%

It’s safe to say the interest rate environment isn’t going to change course any time soon, so savers are going to have to settle in for the long haul. 

Right now, it pays to know what kinds of rates are out there so you can switch if you’re getting subpar returns from your current account. Our savings account comparison page is a good place to start.

“If you are looking for a savings account, currently the leading ongoing bonus rate in our database is 2.50% available through the Bank of Queensland or online banks 86 400 and Up. That’s 1.35% higher than the average,” said Marshall.

“If you don’t need to access your savings on a regular basis you could also consider hedging against a further official rate cut by switching to a fixed term deposit.” 

So if you’re eyeing term deposits - which are a good way to guard against falling rates - our term deposit comparison page can help you find the right one.

Savings account comparisons on Mozo

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 13 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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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Account Awards

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