
What is a savings account?

Chances are you’ve been told sometime in your life that it’s important to have a savings account.
Unlike an everyday account that you use to pay bills or cover expenses, a savings account allows you to deposit money for safekeeping for future needs while earning some interest.
But why should you get one? And how do you pick one that fits exactly what you need? Below we have answered some of those pressing questions.
Reasons to use a saving account

A savings account is a good way to keep your money safe and could earn you some extra cash while it sits there.
People have a savings account for different reasons. I personally have three accounts going: an emergency fund, a sinking fund and a general savings account. There is no limit on how many accounts you can have or what you use them for.
Below are some ideas on why to open a savings account.
- Prepare for emergencies
- Buy big-ticket items or goals
- Reduce temptation to spend
- Help grow your credit score
What should I look for in a savings account?

Choosing a savings account is a personal endeavour that depends on your individual needs and situation. However, there are some pretty universal things that a good savings account should have. Check below to know what to keep in mind when looking for a new savings account.
No monthly fee:
It is rare to find a savings account that charges a fee these days. However, there could be things like minimum requirement fees, withdrawal penalties and transaction fees tied to an account. It's possible to find an account with absolutely no fees.
A good ongoing interest rate:
One of the main points of using a savings account instead of a regular everyday account is that you’ll earn more interest. So make sure to look for an account with a high interest rate. Just don’t forget that savings accounts usually have a variable interest rate so they are subject to fluctuation and change.
Withdrawal flexibility:
Most savings accounts let you withdraw money as you like, but that’s not always the case. 48 of the savings accounts in Mozo’s database will drop the bonus offers rate if you make a withdrawal in the month.
A linked transaction account:
Typically savings accounts offer a linked everyday transaction account, and some even require them. While some savings accounts require a transaction account with the same bank, others will let you link to an account with any bank.
What are some savings account options?

There are many saving account options available in Australia, each with pros and cons. Below is a quick rundown of the main savings options you’ll find in the banking world.
Bonus saver
Who doesn’t love being rewarded? With bonus saver accounts you get conditional bonus interest rates if you meet specific criteria. This could be a minimum monthly deposit, not making a withdrawal in a month or having a certain balance in the account.
Long term savings
If you’re looking for a place to keep your rainy-day fund, then a long term savings account could be ideal for you. These accounts tend to have high ongoing interest rates, so you could leave your savings there for a couple of years. Alternatively, you could look into term deposit accounts.
High interest
High interest savings accounts offer some of the best rates around and could help to grow your money stash. Most of these accounts tend to offer fee-free withdrawals, but keep in mind that some require you to maintain a minimum balance or make a monthly deposit of a certain amount.
Kids account
It’s always a smart move to get your kids to start saving at a young age. Generally, kids saving accounts are for those under 18, but some go up to 25 years of age. Parents have full control of the account until the child is 16. Kid accounts don’t come with too many restrictions and tend to offer fun graphics and charts to keep little saver motivated.
If you are looking for the cream of the crop in savings accounts, check out the Mozo Expert Choices Awards for Bank Accounts. If you want to get started looking for your new savings account check out our savings account comparison chart below and get saving.
Savings Accounts Comparison Table - last updated 11 December 2023
-
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.
CompareCompareReward Saver Account
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.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $1,000,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- 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.
- Access
- ATM, EFTPOS, Visa Debit, Cheque book, BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking, Bank@Post
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the IMB Bank Reward Saver Account
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- No Strings Savings - 2023
Savings Account
5.50% 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.
CompareCompareSavings Account
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.
- Maximum rate
- 5.50% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 4.75% p.a.(for $0 to $1,000,000)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus variable rate is available for the first four months.
- Access
- BPay, Branch access, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must have a Macquarie Transaction Account to link with.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Macquarie Savings Account
-
Reward Saver
5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
0.30% p.a.(for $0 and over)
Yes up to $250,000
Earn a high interest bonus rate if you hold an eligible transaction account and meet the bonus rate conditions (T&Cs apply). Only requires $1 to open. Free e-banking transactions. No monthly service fees to pay. Access your account via e-banking or the Bendigo Bank app. Not applicable to business customers.
CompareCompareReward Saver
Earn a high interest bonus rate if you hold an eligible transaction account and meet the bonus rate conditions (T&Cs apply). Only requires $1 to open. Free e-banking transactions. No monthly service fees to pay. Access your account via e-banking or the Bendigo Bank app. Not applicable to business customers.
- Maximum rate
- 5.25% p.a. (for $0 to $100,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.30% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Grow your balance each month and must have linked Bendigo Everyday or Student Account to be eligible.
- Access
- BPay, Phone banking, Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- -
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Bendigo Bank Reward Saver
-
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.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Save Account
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.
- Maximum rate
- 5.10% p.a. (for $0 to $250,000)
- standard interest rate
- 0.10% p.a.(for $0 and over)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Deposit at least $200 to either Spend or Save account from an external source each month.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Bank and saving account only accessible through iOS or Android app.
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the ubank High Interest Save Account
-
Mozo experts choice awards won:
- Kick Start Savings - 2023
- No Strings Savings - 2023
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.
CompareCompareHigh Interest Savings Account
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.
- Maximum rate
- 5.75% p.a. (for $0 to $250,001)
- standard interest rate
- 4.40% p.a.(for $0 to $250,001)
- Govt Deposit Guarantee
- Yes up to $250,000
- account fee per month
- $0.00
- Maximum rate conditions
- Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening, reverting to standard variable rate. Rate shown is for Personal customers and is subject to change. Different rates apply to Business/SMSF customers.
- Access
- Internet banking
- Minimum balance
- $0.00
- Other restrictions
- Must link to a transaction account
Read our Mozo Review to learn more about the Rabobank High Interest Savings Account
^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.