Compare the best term deposit rates in Australia up to 5.15% p.a.

Mozo compares term deposit interest rates from 70 banks, mutual banks and credit unions in Australia, helping you find the best term deposit for your investment needs.

Fact Checked
term deposits

Term deposit comparisons on Mozo

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 91 term deposits.
Last updated 22 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • Term Deposit

    5.05% p.a.
    6 months

    $1,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Great rates and incentives incl. 0.10% added loyalty bonus at renewal. Option to have interest paid to another bank. Winner of the Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2024^ for Term Deposits.

    Compare
    Details
  • Term Deposit

    4.90% p.a.
    4 months

    $5,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Grow your hard-earned savings with a P&N Bank Money Maker Term Deposit. Enjoy competitive, guaranteed fixed term rates. Interest paid at maturity for terms between 2 and 12 months. Interest rates may vary depending on the terms you select. Minimum amount of $5,000. Maximum amount of $1 million.

    Compare
    Details
  • Term Deposit

    4.00% p.a.
    6 months

    $5,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Compare
    Details
Search now

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Term deposits 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.

Compare other savings options

Mozo may receive payment if you click products on our site. We don’t compare the entire market, but you can search our database of 252 savings accounts.
Last updated 22 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • 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.^

    Compare
    Details
  • Smart Saver Account

    4.50% p.a. (for $0 and over)

    0.05% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Increase account balance by any amount and make no more than two withdrawals

    Work towards your savings goals with this account. Earn bonus interest when you grow your balance and make no more than 2 withdrawals each month. Earn a guaranteed standard rate of interest each month on your savings. No monthly account keeping fees to pay. Use the app or internet banking to manage your account 24/7.

    Compare
    Details
  • MoneyMAX Account

    No Current Offer

    4.70% 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.

    Compare
    Details
  • Savings+Bonus

    5.00% p.a. (for $1 to $250,000)

    2.00% p.a.(for $1 to $250,000)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Minimum $100 monthly deposit and no withdrawals to earn bonus interest each month.

    Enjoy bonus interest when you deposit $100 or more per month and make no withdrawals. Access your money at any time via internet banking or our mobile app. Maximum balance $250,000 to receive bonus interest.

    Compare
    Details
  • Hi Saver

    5.00% p.a. (for $0 and over)

    0.50% p.a.(for $0 and over)

    Yes up to $250,000

    Bonus rate for the first 4 months from account opening

    Earn bonus interest on your savings for the first four months from the date you open the account, even if you make withdrawals. Transfer or make payments using our mobile app or internet banking. No minimum balance required. Rest easy knowing total deposits up to $250,000 are protected by the Financial Claims Scheme.

    Compare
    Details

Term deposit resources

Reviews, news, tips and guides to help find the best term deposit for you.

Term deposits snapshot: December 2024

While many providers continue to trim rates on longer-term fixed deposits in anticipation of forecast reductions in the cash rate for 2025, there are plenty of opportunities to secure expedited returns as banks elevate interest on short-duration terms.

However, interest rates aren’t expected to move until at least early next year. Commonwealth Bank (CBA) is the only Big Four bank predicting a February rate cut. ANZ, Westpac and NAB all expect rates to remain unchanged until May.

One of the primary reasons for the delay in cuts to the cash rate is the persistence of underlying inflation. Annual trimmed mean inflation was 3.5 per cent in October, up from 3.2 per cent the previous month, according to the latest monthly CPI indicator.

For those with cash to stash, locking in a short-term deposit now could be a sensible strategy to benefit from higher rates, while remaining flexible for potential rate changes in 2025.

Average vs best term deposit rates in December

1-year term deposit rates are currently the highest on average (4.48%) in our database. The average rate, across all deposit lengths, increased slightly month-on-month in December.

This month, rates are highest among term deposits that range from 6 – 12 months in length.

Heartland Bank offers the best returns on seven different term durations in December, including the highest rate available in Mozo’s database - 5.15% p.a. for a 9 month term.

Take a look at the list below to explore the updates, and use our comparison tables for term deposits to evaluate the various options available for saving your money.

Term deposit length

Average term deposit rates

Highest term deposit rates

3 months

3.98% p.a. 

4.95% p.a. from Heartland Bank

6 months

4.38% p.a. 

5.10% p.a. from Bank of Sydney

9 months

4.36% p.a. 

5.15% p.a. from Heartland Bank

1 year

4.48% p.a.

5.10% p.a. from Heartland Bank

2 years

3.93% p.a. 

4.70% p.a. from Heartland Bank

3 years

3.75% p.a. 

4.60% p.a. from Heartland Bank

4 years

3.61% p.a. 

4.45% p.a. from Heartland Bank

5 years

3.62% p.a. 

4.45% p.a. from Heartland Bank

Note: Interest rates listed above based on personal term deposits at $25,000 in the Mozo database. Figures accurate as at 17 December 2024.

If you’re comparing term deposits, make sure to keep the minimum deposit in mind. They generally vary from $1000 to $5000, and some are even as large as $25,000.

What are term deposits?

A term deposit is a savings product that offers savers a fixed rate of interest for a set period of time. These accounts offer an alternative to regular savings accounts, allowing you to put your money away and earn a guaranteed return. 

Term deposits can be anywhere from 1 month to 5 years and the interest rates offered on terms will vary between providers. Since your funds are committed to the term deposit, accessing your money usually requires advance notice to the bank (such as 31 days) or incurs an early withdrawal fee.

How to compare term deposits 

When you compare term deposits, you’ll want to keep a couple of factors in mind such as: 

  • Interest rates: the higher the rate the more interest you’ll earn

  • Deposit terms: the length of time your money will be invested for

  • Minimum deposit amounts: how much money you’ll need to invest up front.

While term deposits are typically pretty similar to one another, some have minimum and maximum deposit amounts. For example, some term deposits require you to have a minimum $1,000 deposit, whereas for others you need to have at least $25,000. 

Use Mozo’s term deposit calculator to find out how much interest you could earn on any given rate and term.

Are term deposits good in 2024?

Since the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has slowed down its interest rate push as inflation (CPI) eases, the highest term deposit interest rates have slowly been chipped down. Recent months have seen both short and long term rates performing better than most medium term (2 and 3 year) rates. 

Check out the term deposit snapshot above for a breakdown of the top rates across each term.

Are term deposits safe in Australia? 

All term deposits listed on Mozo’s website are covered under the Australian government’s Financial Claims Scheme, as they’re provided by Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs). 

This means the government will guarantee your deposit worth up to $250,000 per person, per deposit product, if the bank goes bankrupt or can’t pay you back.

Pros and cons of term deposits

Even if you find a good term deposit, there are a number of advantages and disadvantages you’ll want to consider before signing up.

Pros 

Cons

  • 1. Your money is locked away, helping you preserve your savings. 

  • 2. The interest you earn is virtually guaranteed 

  • 3. It’s a low-risk investment 

  • 4. Usually fee-free (unless you wish to make an early withdrawal) 

  • 5. If interest rates fall during your term, your rate will stay the same. 

  • 1. You can’t add to your term deposit balance if you wish to top it up

  • 2. You’ll have to pay a fee to withdraw your cash early (i.e. in case of emergency)

  • 3. If interest rates rise during your term, your rate will stay the same.

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out our guide on the pros and cons of term deposits.

Term deposits vs savings accounts

If you’re deciding between a term deposit or a savings account, it’s helpful to take a look at a side-by-side comparison of the two similar, but also very different, savings products.

Term deposits

Savings Accounts

Access your money at any time? 

Fixed rate of interest?

Guaranteed rate of return?

Make additional deposits? 

Safe (covered by FCS)? 

Typically requires a linked transaction account? 

Sometimes

Typically requires minimum starting deposit requirements?

Sometimes

For a full breakdown of the differences, check out our savings account vs term deposit guide.

Show transcript

What are the best term deposits?

The 2024 Mozo Experts Choice Awards uncovered the best term deposits in Australia, based on the banks that consistently offered the highest interest rates to their customers. Among the best in 2024 are:

Picture of Peter Terlato
Peter Terlato
Senior Money Writer

Peter Terlato is a content writer with nearly 15 years journalism experience. He's written extensively about finance, politics, technology, travel and lifestyle. His work has appeared in a number of publications including RateCity, finder, Business Insider and ETB Travel News. At Mozo Peter publishes news, guides and product pages across an array of topics; from credit cards and the cash rate to car loans and capital gains.

Picture of JP Pelosi
JP Pelosi
RG146
Managing editor

Managing Editor Jean-Paul (JP) Pelosi leads the editorial team, with over 20 years of experience writing for top outlets like The Guardian, The Sydney Morning Herald and News.com.au. JP's expertise in home loans and property is complemented by his rich background at major financial firms including CommBank, Suncorp and Amex. Holding a Master's in Communications and international experience in journalism, JP combines passion with skill and has a unique ability to apply this editorial experience and financial knowledge to advise the team on how to create engaging financial content for Australian consumers.

More term deposit FAQs

What happens if I break a term deposit account?

If you need access to your funds before the maturity date of your term deposit, it is possible to break the account. Firstly, you will need to give the bank 31 days notice and secondly you will likely be required to pay an early withdrawal fee.  For more detailed information, see our term deposit early termination guide

What does the 31 day term deposit notice period mean?

The 31 day notice period applies if you want to withdraw money from your term deposit prior to the maturity date. This is a regulation that was introduced by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) requiring customers to give banks 31 days advance notice.  Even if you provide 31 days notice, you may still need to pay an early withdrawal fee or penalty.  

Are there any restrictions to opening a term deposit?

You will generally need to be a resident for tax purposes to be able to open a term deposit with an Australian bank.  Banks will generally also require you to be at least 18 years old to open a term deposit. If you are under 18, it might be possible to open a joint account with a parent or guardian.   

Do I pay tax on the interest earned from my term deposit?

Yes, the interest earned on a term deposit is considered income and you’ll need to include this on your tax return for the financial year in which it was paid.  It is a good idea to speak with your accountant or financial advisor about your specific tax situation, especially if you are investing a large amount of money. 

Where can I get 5% interest on my money in Australia?

At the moment, some of the leaders in a few term categories are offering rates around 5%. To find out some of the highest rates of the month, check out our article on how term deposit rates are doing.

Is it worth putting money in a term deposit?

Term deposits can be worth considering if you're looking for a low-risk, guaranteed return on your savings. They can be good if you have a lump of cash you don't need to access for a while and want to lock in a good rate before rates fall. However, this is a double edged sword as you may miss out on rising interest rates too. 


Term Deposit Reviews

Commonwealth Bank Term Deposit
Overall 7/10
Keep more branches open

Like the bank but too many branches closing making it harder for senior people

Read full review

Like the bank but too many branches closing making it harder for senior people

Price
10/10
Features
10/10
Customer service
5/10
Convenience
4/10
Trust
7/10
Less
Sonia, New South Wales, reviewed 3 days ago
Judo Bank Term Deposit
Overall 10/10
Good service

I rang this morning to confirm that my account has been set up and the wait on the phone isn't too long and the person on the phone was quite informative and patient.

Read full review

I rang this morning to confirm that my account has been set up and the wait on the phone isn't too long and the person on the phone was quite informative and patient.

Customer service
10/10
Less
Celine, New South Wales, reviewed 11 days ago
ING Term Deposit
Overall 8/10
convenient and simple to understand

I like the convenience of online banking. However, some people would prefer to be able to go into a branch

Read full review

I like the convenience of online banking. However, some people would prefer to be able to go into a branch

Price
9/10
Features
9/10
Customer service
9/10
Convenience
9/10
Trust
9/10
Less
Jan, South Australia, reviewed 3 days ago

More term deposit reviews