New to term deposits? Here’s the reason why you should try one

term deposit timed piggy bank

Knowing what kind of savings vehicle to park your cash in can be overwhelming , especially for those who are just getting started. However, term deposits are one kind of savings vehicle that should be on your radar.

What is a Term Deposit?

A term deposit is a fixed-term investment held at a financial institution. You invest a lump sum of money for a predetermined period, which could range from a month and up to 5 years. During this term, your money earns interest at a fixed rate, which is usually higher than a regular savings account.

One of the main draws of a term deposit is its predictability. The interest rate is fixed, meaning you know exactly how much your investment will earn over its term. This can be particularly appealing in times of economic uncertainty, where other investments might be subject to market fluctuations.

Why is now a good time for Term Deposits?

At the moment, some of the best term deposit rates on offer are sitting at or above 5%. However, the financial conditions that led to these rates are beginning to cool, with recent CPI data showing a slowing rate of inflation. 

So why is this important? Basically, the Reserve Bank is likely to hold rates for the next few meetings. This means that many savings and term deposit providers are likely to adjust rates downward. By locking in a good rate now, you’re ensuring that your money is earning a guaranteed fixed rate for however long you need it to.

How to find a good term deposit rate

There are a couple of ways of finding good term deposit rates, however there are many providers. So, to make the process easy, you can use our term deposit comparison tools to find a provider with the features and rates you’re looking for.

Next up, getting a good idea about the average market rates can help you contextualise rates on offer. Using our database, the Mozo data team has put together some handy averages for all the term deposit rates we compare by term length.

Term
Rate
Term 
Rate
3 month
3.76%
2 years
4.09%
6 month
4.27%
3 years
3.93%
9 month
4.26%
4 years
3.81%
1 year
4.60%
5 years
3.85%

If you’re looking to get started now, you can head over to our term deposit hub page. Alternatively, you can check out some of the providers in the tables below… 

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 9 December 2024 Important disclosures
  • Term Deposit

    5.15% 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
  • Standard Term Deposit

    4.90% p.a.
    6 months

    $1,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Invest from as little as $1000. No monthly fees. Interest is paid at maturity. Range of terms available from 1 month to 3 years. Manage via online banking or via app.

    Compare
    Details
  • Term Deposit

    4.00% p.a.
    6 months

    $5,000

    Yes up to $250,000

    Compare
    Details

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

^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Term Deposit 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.