Best savings accounts Australia – expert picks

The one time a high rate is awesome. We crunched the numbers on November 2024 savings offers.

Find the best savings account in Australia

If the best savings accounts we have selected are not what you're looking for you can compare over 180 accounts in our database to find the right one for you.

1 - 10 of 184
Name Finder Score Maximum Variable Rate p.a. Standard Variable Rate p.a. Intro/Ongoing Government Guarantee Monthly Max Rate Conditions
Rabobank PremiumSaver
Rabobank logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.35%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
1.45%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Grow your balance by $200+ each month
  • Balances up to $250,000
Go to siteView details
Suncorp Bank Growth Saver Account
Suncorp Bank logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.05%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.35%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Grow balance by $200 each month (excl. interest)
  • Only 1 withdrawal
  • No balance limit on earning interest
Go to siteView details
Ubank High Interest Save Account
Ubank logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.50%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.00%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $500
  • Savings up to $100,000
Go to siteView details
ING Savings Accelerator ($150,000 - $500,000)
ING logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.40%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
4.70%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Welcome rate applies up to $500K
Go to siteView details
Macquarie Savings Account
Macquarie Bank logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.50%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
5.00%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Balances up to $250,000
Go to siteView details
Newcastle Permanent Smart Saver Account
Newcastle Permanent logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
4.50%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.05%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Grow balance
  • No more than 2 withdrawals
Go to siteView details
ING Savings Maximiser
ING logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.50%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.55%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $1,000
  • 5 transactions
  • Grow your balance
  • Balances up to $100,000
Go to siteView details
Get 6 months free delivery and $50 Menulog credit with a new Orange Everyday & Savings Maximiser account. New ING customers only. Use code INGMENU1 and activate accounts by 24 Nov 2024. T&Cs apply.
IMB Reward Saver Account
IMB logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.25%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.00%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $50
  • No withdrawals
  • Balances up to $1,000,000
Go to siteView details
Earn up to 3.25% p.a. after the introductory period ends.
First Option Bank Savings+Bonus Account
First Option Bank logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.00%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
2.00%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $100
  • No withdrawals
  • Balances up to $249,999
Go to siteView details
BCU Bonus Saver
BCU logo
Finder score
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.00%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
1.00%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • N/A
Go to siteView details
loading
Showing 10 of 10 results

How the Finder Score helps you find a better savings account

The Finder Score is a simple score out of 10. The higher a savings account's score, the better we think it is for the average customer.

We score each savings account in our database of hundreds based on a data-driven methodology with 2 main criteria: Does the account offer a high interest rate? And is it easy for savers to actually earn that rate?

Read the full Finder Score breakdown

Finder's best savings accounts for November 2024

Best overall savings account

Ubank High Interest Save Account

What we like about Ubank High Interest Save Account:

This account has a Finder Score of 9.7.

  • High ongoing rate. Ubank has a very high ongoing variable interest rate of 5.5% p.a.
  • Simple conditions. To get the maximum variable rate on this account each month you only need to deposit $500. That's a simpler requirement than most high interest savings accounts.
  • Interest on balances up to $100,000. You can earn the maximum variable rate on balances up to $100,000.

Best ongoing rate

ING Savings Maximiser

What we like about ING Savings Maximiser:

This account has a Finder Score of 9.7.

  • Great rate. ING offers one of the highest maximum ongoing variable rates in the market at the moment with 5.5% p.a.
  • Ongoing rate. ING's maximum variable rate is ongoing, as long as you deposit $1,000 into a linked transaction account and make 5+ transactions each month.
  • Interest on balances up to $100,000. You can earn the maximum variable rate on balances up to $100,000.

Best no-conditions savings rate

Macquarie Savings Account

What we like about Macquarie Savings Account:

This account has a Finder Score of 9.18.

  • Great intro rate. This account offers a high rate of 5.5% p.a. for the first 4 months after opening the account.
  • No conditions for bonus interest. You don't need to meet any monthly deposit conditions or spend requirements to earn the bonus intro rate.
  • No ongoing conditions. After the 4-month intro period ends, you'll still earn an ongoing variable rate of 5% p.a. with no conditions to meet.

Best Big Four bank savings account

Westpac Life (18-29 year olds only)

We examined every savings account in Finder's database from the Big Four banks. That's CBA, Westpac, NAB and ANZ, and their subsidiaries. We looked at the highest rate for the big 4 banks. Any monthly conditions to earn the ongoing bonus rates were presumed to be met.

What we like about Westpac Life (18-29 year olds only):

  • Competitive rate. This account has the highest savings rate offered by the Big Four banks. While some accounts may have slightly higher rates as part of temporary special offers, Westpac's rate is a high ongoing rate.
  • Ongoing rate. Westpac Life's savings rate is an ongoing rate. You just need to meet the conditions.
  • Reasonable conditions. To get the maximum rate you just need to grow your balance each month and make 5+ eligible debit card purchases.

Best savings account for under 35s

Bank of Queensland Future Saver Account - 14 to 35 years

This account is chosen as part of our annual Finder Awards. First, we filtered for the accounts in our database that have an ongoing bonus interest rate and only available to customers aged 18-30. We then looked at 12 months' worth of rate data, with more weight applied to the most recent quarter, to determine the account with the highest bonus rate for the most amount of time. Any monthly conditions to earn the ongoing bonus rates were presumed to be met.

What we like about Bank of Queensland Future Saver:

This account has a Finder Score of 9.7.

  • Great rate for under 35s. This account currently offers one of the highest maximum variable rates in the market with 5.5% p.a. for customers aged 14-35. p.a.
  • Ongoing rate. Bank of Queensland's maximum variable rate is ongoing each month if you meet the account conditions.
  • Make withdrawals. As long as you've deposited $1000 monthly, you can withdraw while still being eligible for bonus interest.
  • Finder Awards winner. This account won the Best Young Adult Savings Account in this year's Finder Awards.

Best youth (under 18) savings account

Great Southern Bank Youth eSaver Account (0-17 year olds only)

This account is chosen as part of our annual Finder Awards. First, we filtered for the accounts in our database that have an ongoing bonus interest rate and only available to customers aged 17 or under. We then looked at 12 months' worth of rate data, with more weight applied to the most recent quarter, to determine the account with the highest bonus rate for the most amount of time. Any monthly conditions to earn the ongoing bonus rates were presumed to be met.

What we like about Great Southern Bank Youth eSaver Account:

This account has a Finder Score of 3.65.

  • Great rate for under 17s. This account currently offers 5.5% p.a. for customers aged under 17.
  • Ongoing rate. The maximum variable rate of 5.5% p.a. is available ongoing each month.
  • No conditions. There are no monthly deposit conditions to earn interest, so it's an easy account for kids to use.
  • Finder Awards Winner. This account won the Best Kid Savings Account in this year's Finder Awards.

What to look for when you compare savings accounts

***ALT HERE***

High interest rate

The higher the interest rate, the more interest you'll earn and the more your balance will grow. This is the most important feature to consider when choosing your account.

Savings no fee icon

No fees

Savings accounts shouldn't charge you any fees. If you're getting charged a fee, know that this is not common and there are plenty of fee-free accounts.

People celebrating win

Conditions you can meet

Savings accounts typically have monthly deposit requirements or spending conditions to earn the high bonus rate. Make sure you can meet these.

How to find the best savings account

The best savings account for you will depend on your age, financial situation, savings goals and spending habits. Here are a few different hypothetical examples of how you might pick a savings account based on your personal savings style.

You earn a regular income and can meet a monthly deposit condition

The best savings account for you will likely be one with the following:

  • An ongoing bonus interest rate: Because you earn a regular income and are confident in your ability to save, a savings account with an ongoing, high bonus rate would offer the best rate for you.
  • A monthly deposit condition: Usually the accounts with the best bonus rates have a monthly deposit condition, often $1000 per month, which is ideal for people with good savings habits and a regular income.

You have a short-term savings goal

Let's say you want to give your savings a boost for 3-5 months only to help you save for an overseas holiday or another large purchase. Because you're saving for a specific goal in the near future, you aren't planning to keep your cash in the account for too long and you don’t want to have to meet any ongoing monthly conditions.

The best savings account for you will likely be one with the following:

  • An introductory bonus interest rate: Accounts with an introductory bonus rate offer a higher rate for the first 3-5 months only, with no conditions to meet.
  • A term deposit: A term deposit allows you to lock your money away for a set period of time and earn a fixed return, with no monthly conditions to meet.

You can't commit to a monthly deposit condition

Let's say you don't earn a regular income, or you're currently not in a position to meet a monthly deposit condition. Plus, perhaps you're also prone to dipping into your savings from time to time for impulse purchases or unexpected expenses.

The best savings account for you will likely be one with the following:

  • An ongoing bonus interest rate: An account with an ongoing bonus interest rate will give your balance the best chance at growing (just make sure you check the conditions!)
  • No (or low) monthly deposit condition: Look for a bonus saver account that doesn't have a monthly deposit condition. Or, look for one that you can comfortably meet (some accounts only ask you to deposit $20 per month).

Why keep your cash in a savings account?

Alison Banney's headshot
Our expert says: The role of a savings account

"People often ask why keep cash in a savings account when shares can offer better long-term returns historically. There are several answers: a savings account offers certainty, security, and acts as a financial safety net. It is safer and delivers a more predictable return than shares, and you can quickly access your cash when needed."

Editor

How does a savings account work?

Usually savings accounts are connected to transaction accounts and instead of the money sitting in your bank account, you can transfer it to your savings account and it'll earn interest (if you meet the account conditions, of course). The special thing about savings account interest is its compound interest, meaning you'll earn interest on your interest.

Is it best to stick with the Big Four or go with a smaller bank?

Wondering which bank is best to open up your savings account with? Chances are you may be thinking of joining the Big Four. We've put together this pros and cons list of the Big Four VS smaller banks to help you make a decision easier.

ProsCons
Big Four
  • May offer better customer service as they operate 24/7
  • Easy access to ATM's (and no-fee withdrawals) due to large distribution
  • Can easily manage other loans through the same network
  • Better funding to these banks mean more advanced banking technology
  • Comprehensive range of products offered
  • Able to operate in person and online
  • Depersonalised customer experience due to large customer base – can get "lost in the noise"
  • Interest rates may not be as competitive
Smaller Banks
  • May offer more competitive interest rates
  • May offer more personalised customer service
  • Some banks may offer advanced banking technologies like app banking
  • You may be able to negotiate waiving fees on a case-by-case basis
  • Not likely to have in-person support – may be online only
  • Limited access to ATM's due to low distribution

How do I open an Australian savings account?

In most cases, you can apply and open a savings account online, as long as you're able to provide documentation that confirms your identity and residency. If you're a new customer to the bank, you'll need to verify your identity for legal reasons. For the online savings and bonus saver accounts, most banks will allow an Australian to have an account opened in their name from birth.

FAQs on best savings accounts

Richard Whitten's headshot
Serina Bird's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Richard Whitten and reviewed by Serina Bird, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
Alison Banney's headshot
Written by

Editor

Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 626 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living

More guides on Finder

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

61 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    CliveMay 29, 2022

    Hi
    the app is not for Aust is there an Aust app? for Virgin Savings

      AvatarFinder
      AlisonJune 20, 2022Finder

      Hi Clive,

      Virgin Money Australia has a mobile app where you can link and access your Virgin Money savings account. You can download it on their website or via the App Store or Google Play store.

      Best,
      Alison

    Default Gravatar
    elaineJanuary 28, 2022

    i would appreciate more information on your top picks for larger balances (over $250,000)

    with tha

      AvatarFinder
      AlisonFebruary 13, 2022Finder

      Hi Elaine,

      Of the accounts featured in our comparison table, usually for balances over $250,000 you’ll earn the standard variable rate. There are a few accounts that offer the total variable rate on large balances. Some examples include:

      – Citibank Online Saver pays 1.1% p.a. on balances up to $500,000 for 4 months
      – Macquarie Bank Savings Account pays 0.70% p.a. on balances over $250,000
      – ING Savings Accelerator Account pays 0.65% p.a. on balances over $100,000
      – Suncorp Growth Saver Account pays 0.45% p.a. on the entire balance

      These are just a few examples, and might not be right for you. Don’t forget to check the product’s terms and conditions and eligibility requirements to make sure that it would suit your needs.

      I hope this helps!

      Alison

    Default Gravatar
    BernardOctober 30, 2021

    What about compound interest for 10,000 where is the best place to invest , what Bank
    Thanks,
    Bernard

      AvatarFinder
      AlisonNovember 3, 2021Finder

      Hi Bernard,

      When it comes to choosing the best bank, it would depend on the factors that are most important to you and your current circumstances. There’s no one account that is considered best.

      Most savings accounts come with compound interest. Look for an account with a high interest rate, but make sure to check the account conditions you need to meet to get that high rate.

      Thanks,
      Alison

    Default Gravatar
    SarahAugust 6, 2019

    Hi guys, when was this page last updated? I feel like these rates are changing on a daily basis.

    Thanks,
    Erin

      Default Gravatar
      NikkiAugust 7, 2019

      Hi Sarah,

      Thanks for getting in touch! This page was updated last August 7th, 2019. Hope this was helpful. Don’t hesitate to message us back if you have more questions.

      Best,
      Nikki

    Default Gravatar
    KylieApril 25, 2019

    What would be the best bank to invest around $400,000? A high interest rate savings account or a term deposit?

      AvatarFinder
      MaiApril 26, 2019Finder

      Hi Kylie,

      Thank you for reaching out.

      In most cases, term deposits will give you the highest interest rate than a savings account. Generally, a high-interest savings account requires some conditions before you are able to receive a high-interest rate such as required monthly deposit, no withdraw, etc.

      But regardless, it will depend on you how you wish to deposit your money. I suggest that you use the estimate calculator on this page to have an idea of what savings account can give you the highest interest and if you are good with the terms set. Alternatively, you can also check our term deposit page to check on the term deposit interest rates. You can use the term deposit calculator to know your estimated interest rates.

      Hope you find this useful.

      Kind Regards,
      Mai

Go to site