Spending is on the rise as the year rounds out, says CommBank
Australians are looking to spend more across retail, entertainment, motor vehicles and home buying, according to the November instalment of the Commonwealth Bank’s Household Spending Intentions series.
This monthly assessment uses consumer behaviour and Google search activity to gauge spending trends across a range of areas.
In November the report saw a jump in home buying intentions based on an increase in home loan applications, after a less notable rise in October. This may in part be due to further interest rate reductions after the RBA cut the cash rate yet again in November.
There were also considerable increases in actual spending and search volumes for retail items like clothing and footwear, household furniture and equipment, and personal care. Very strong spending was seen across supermarkets and department stores, hardware shops, florists, pet shops and digital apps during November.
As social restrictions ease across the country, entertainment has seen a marginal boost, especially in areas like restaurants, boat rentals, bowling alleys and video game stores. However, potential spending is still sluggish in cinema, live theatre and music events.
Where are we spending less?
The decline in education spending continued in November, as did intentions to fork out cash on health and fitness activities and equipment. However, compared to this time last year Aussies have made more room for fitness in their budgets, with the most significant spending happening at bicycle shops and other sporting goods stores.
Travel spending has levelled out, with slight gains or drops seen in specific areas. Holidaymakers are dedicating more cash to camp gear, caravan equipment and stays at holiday parks, but steering clear of airlines, hotels, travel agencies and car rentals. CommBank expects this divide will lessen as confidence increases about state borders remaining open.
Before you head out on a spending spree, read our guide on how COVID-19 has impacted personal finances in 2020. Then, make sure you’re making the most out of the cash you’re keeping tucked away by comparing your savings account benefits with the options below.
Compare savings accounts - last updated February 27, 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 $250,000Bonus 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.
CompareCompareBonus 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*
CompareCompareSerious 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
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
CompareCompareOnline 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
Flexi Saver
Maximum rate
standard interest rate
Govt Deposit Guarantee
0.25% p.a. (for $0 to $5,000,000)0.05% p.a.(for $0 to $5,000,000)Yes up to $250,000Increase balance by at least $300 in the month
CompareCompareFlexi Saver
No upfront or ongoing fees. Unlimited free transactions. Great for regular contributions.
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Increase balance by at least $300 in the month (excluding interest)
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Flexi 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.
CompareCompareHero 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
^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Savings Accounts Awards
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