Are shorter term deposits worth a look right now?

Term deposits have reached some great levels in recent months. But, while it can be tempting to lock your savings away for some time, it’s possible that you can miss out on some rates that are actually highest in the short term.

Below, we’ll have a look at what rates currently look like for shorter terms in a 3-6 month range.

What are the highest short term deposit rates?

The Mozo database tracks 81 term deposits across a range of terms, and we calculate how much the rates in each category average out to. As you’ll see below, the highest rates of each category^ sit above the averages for the 1 year rates at 4.62% p.a, 2 year rates at 4.08% p.a, 3 year at 3.89% p.a, 4 year at 3.78% p.a, and 3.81% p.a for 5 year terms.

3 month terms
Provider
Rate
Minimum Deposit
Bank of Sydney  
5.00% p.a.
$1000
Judo Bank
5.00% p.a.
$5,000
Gateway Bank
4.90% p.a.
$1,000
4 month terms
Provider
Rate
Minimum Deposit
South West Slopes Credit Union (special 4 month term)
5.00% p.a.
$500
Goldfields Money
4.95% p.a.
$5,000
Southern Cross Credit Union
4.80% p.a.
$5,000
5 month terms
Provider
Rate
Minimum Deposit
MOVE Bank
5.10% p.a.
$5,000
Goldfields Money
4.95% p.a.
$5,000
AMP Bank
4.75% p.a.
$5,000
6 month terms
Provider
Rate
Minimum Deposit
Heartland Bank 5.30% p.a.$25,000
Judo Bank
5.25% p.a.
$1,000
Bank of Sydney
5.30% p.a.
$1,000
G&C Mutual Bank
5.20% p.a.
$1,000

So in the short 3-6 month range, rates of 5.00% and above are available from a few providers. The 6 month term deposit category has the most 5% and over term deposits with 14 providers on our database offering rates at these ranges.

Locking in for a short 3-6 month term at these high rates could make sense to take advantage of the current rate environment while retaining the flexibility to reinvest at a later date. 

Ready to compare? Check out some term deposits on our hub page or some of the providers in the tables below. 

Term deposit comparisons on Mozo - last updated 29 June 2024

Search promoted term deposits below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Online Term Deposit

    4.60% p.a.
    6 months

    $5,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    No set-up or account keeping fees. Deposits up to $250,000 per customer are guaranteed by the Australian Government. Mozo Experts Choice winner for Term Deposit 2022.

    Compare
    Details
  • Mozo Expert Choice Badge
    Term Deposit

    5.05% p.a.
    6 months

    $10,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Minimum $10,000 deposit. No account keeping fees. Terms from 3 months up to 2 years. Interest can be paid into a different bank. Balances up to $250,000 are guaranteed by the Australian Government. Mozo Experts Choice Awards Everyday & Savings Bank of the Year winner for 2024.^

    Compare
    Details
  • 6 Months Term Deposit Special

    5.00% p.a.
    6 months

    $50,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Boost your savings with a 6 month Illawarra Credit Union term deposit. Minimum deposit of $50,000. Deposits up to $250,000 per account holder are secured by the Government’s Financial Claims Scheme.

    Compare
    Details

^Based on a term deposit with a balance of $25,000. Up to date as of 14 May 2024.

* Different interest rates apply to different amounts or different interest payment frequencies.

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