Best high-interest savings accounts Australia – compare rates up to 5.00% p.a.

Opening up a savings account is a pretty simple process, although there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep in mind. 

To start an account you’ll need to:

• Select a provider
• Apply online, by phone or at a branch
• Upload or present identification documents (birth certificate, ID, etc.)
• Choose whether you’ll get a single or joint savings account
• Link your bank account to your savings account.

In general, most savings accounts don’t have a specific limit on how much you can deposit. However, providers usually have balance tiers that determine the interest rate earned. This means that once your balance goes over a certain amount, the interest rate will either drop or increase depending on the provider.

Most savings accounts in Australia don’t charge ongoing account-keeping fees. Popular no-fee options include those from ING, Rabobank, AMP, and the Big Four banks. Always check for other potential costs, like withdrawal or transaction fees.

Yes, interest earned is considered the same as income and you’ll need to declare this on your annual tax return.   

No, high interest savings accounts are usually only available online or via an app. But you can (or may even be required to) have a transaction account when you sign up which should come with a debit or ATM card. 

Both savings and transaction accounts are options you have for keeping your money with a banking provider. Transaction or bank accounts are usually used for your everyday spending and as such these usually pay little or no interest. But they do come with a debit or ATM card. 

Meanwhile, savings accounts are designed to help you reach your savings goals. They usually have higher interest rates and are accessed via online banking or via a banking app. Keep in mind that they do not come with an ATM card.

High interest savings accounts are any account that has an above-average rate. Bonus saver accounts, meanwhile, are accounts where providers offer a higher interest rate as an extra incentive for fulfilling certain conditions.  

You may find yourself divided between investing your money in a savings account or a term deposit. Here are some key factors to consider: 

1. Interest rates: With a term deposit the interest rate will be fixed for the term of your investment. Term deposits are available for 3 months to 5 years. With a savings account, the interest rate is a variable rate which means that it can change at any time. 
2. Withdrawals: Term deposits have less flexibility as your interest rate and money are locked away for the fixed term. If you do make a withdrawal, penalties would apply.  Alternatively, savings accounts can be withdrawn at any time, although some bonus rate accounts will revert to a lower base rate if account growth is a condition. 
3. Bonus rates: With a savings account, you also have the option to earn higher bonus rates provided certain conditions are met. On the other hand, some term deposit providers offer a loyalty bonus if you roll your balance for a new term at maturity.  
4. Minimum balance: Most term deposits will have a minimum balance, where savings accounts will have much lower (if any) balance requirement.

Read our guide on term deposits vs savings accounts if you'd like a more detailed explainer. 

A kids savings account is a bank account designed specifically for children, often offering higher interest rates and features that encourage good saving habits from a young age. These accounts typically have no monthly fees and may include bonus interest if certain conditions are met, like making regular deposits. Want to compare top-performing kids accounts? Head to our kids savings account hub for the latest rates, features and expert picks.

Yes, the Australian government guarantees deposits of up to $250,000 with any one Authorised Deposit-taking Institution (ADIs) under the financial claims scheme. This means the government will reimburse any amount of $250,000 or under should the ADI (bank, credit union, etc.) fail.

If you’ve saved up more than $250,000, you’d need to keep smaller amounts of up to $250,000 in different banks for all your funds to be covered by the government's guarantee.