The best savings account is one that has a high interest rate and doesn't make you jump through too many hoops to get it. Our data-driven Finder Score ranks savings accounts based on rates, fees, account conditions and restrictions.
Finder's best savings accounts for May 2025
Our best savings accounts this month all suit different types of saver and have Finder Scores of at least 8.7 out of 10. Of the hundreds of accounts we assessed, less than 10% earned a score above 8.5.
You earn no interest if you don't meet the bonus criteria each month
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 9.4. It has a high 5.1% p.a. ongoing variable rate. All you need to do is deposit $500 a month. That's pretty simple.
This account was named the best savings account in our 2025 Finder Awards as it consistently had one of the highest total variable rates in the market over the 12-month judging period, with very minimal conditions.
Best ongoing savings account rate
ING Savings Maximiser
5.4% p.a. maximum bonus rate
Deposit $1,000, make 5+ card purchases and grow your balance each month to earn bonus interest
Ongoing bonus rate of 5.4% p.a. is one of the highest in market
Make withdrawals and still earn bonus interest (as long as you replace the money by end of month)
Linked ING Orange Everyday account offers rebates on international fees
More monthly conditions to meet to earn the bonus rate than other accounts
Bonus interest rate only applies up to balances of $100,000
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 9.7. This makes it the highest scoring savings account in our database.
It offers a high, ongoing bonus rate of 5.4% p.a. which is the highest in the market (in comparison, the average savings account rate is less than 2.95% p.a.). Some accounts offer their bonus rate for the first few months only, however ING's bonus rate is available ongoing each month you meet the conditions.
You can make withdrawals during the month if you need to and still be eligible for bonus interest as long as you replace the money by the end of the month, to make sure your balance grows.
Maximum interest rate only applies to the first $50,000
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 9. This is higher than 95% of scores in our database.
This account won the best no-conditions savings account in our 2025 Finder Awards, as it offers one of the highest ongoing variable rates in the market for an account with no conditions to meet. You don't need to meet a monthly deposit requirement, there's no restriction on withdrawals, nothing! It's just a great rate with no strings attached.
Highly commended: No-conditions savings account runner up
After intro period ends, ongoing standard rate is still very competitive
No monthly account keeping fee
No monthly deposit conditions to meet
Make withdrawals and still earn interest
Earn interest on balances up to $1 million
Bonus interest only available for 4 months
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 8.8. This is higher than 90% of scores in our savings account database.
You'll get 5.1% p.a. for the first 4 month, and then 4.75% p.a. ongoing after the intro period ends with no conditions to meet. This is a great rate considering the average rate for a savings account with no conditions to meet is less than 2.40% p.a.
Unlike most savings accounts, you don't have to deposit a set amount each month, you don't have to grow your balance or make a set number of purchases and you aren't restricted from making withdrawals at all. Plus, you'll earn interest on balances up to $1 million, which is much higher than many competing accounts which only pay bonus interest on the first $100,000.
The monthly growth requirement of $200 to earn bonus interest is lower than what's required with many other savings accounts available
No balance limit for interest
Standard interest rate of just 0.35% if account conditions are not met
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 8.7. This is higher than 90% of scores in our savings account database.
You can get a decent ongoing, total variable rate of 4.8% p.a. on your entire balance - there is no balance limit for earning the bonus interest. This makes the account ideal if you've got a large amount of cash.
To earn the bonus rate you need to grow your balance by $200 each month (excl. interest), which is lower than many other accounts, and make no more than 1 withdrawal per month.
Round up extra cents on eligible card transactions and send them to your savings
Set and track up to 99 savings goals
Track savings progress in the ANZ Plus app
You need to grow your balance by $100 or more each month to earn the bonus interest
Only available via ANZ Plus mobile app (not regular ANZ banking app)
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 8.8. This is higher than any other savings account without age restrictions offered by one of the Big Four banks. It's also a higher score than 95% of savings accounts in our database.
You can earn an attractive 4.75% p.a. bonus rate when you simply grow your balance by $100+ during the month. This makes the account very flexible as you can still make withdrawals when needed - as long as your balance grows by $100 by the end of the month.
You don't need to make a certain number of purchases during the month, and there is no balance limit for bonus interest. It's a great, ongoing rate with very few hoops to jump through to get it.
Best kids savings account
Great Southern Bank Youth eSaver Account (0-17 year olds only)
Max interest rate only available on balances up to $5,000
Why we like it
This account has a Finder Score of 9.7. This is one of the highest scores in our savings account database.
This account was named the best kids savings account in our 2025 Finder Awards as it had the highest ongoing variable rate for under 18s over the judging period. Plus, there are no conditions to meet to earn the full interest rate, making it ideal for young savers.
How we choose our top savings account picks
Each month we assess hundreds of savings accounts in our databse and assign each a Finder Score out of 10. Put simply, the savings accounts with the highest Finder Scores allow you to earn the most amount of interest on your money, for the least amount of effort.
Once we get the accounts with the highest scores (8+), we then look at these to select the account that we feel best suits each of the different savings account categories featured above.
In sereral categories the account was chosen as it was a winner in the 2025 Finder Awards.
Finder Score levels
9+ Excellent: Only 5% of savings accounts in our database earned a score of 9 or above.
7+ Great: These savings accounts have quite competitive interest rates, but they're not the best in the market.
5+ Satisfactory: Usually these savings accounts offer average or slightly above average rates.
Less than 5 – Basic: These accounts have poor interest rates, lower than the industry average.
Digging deeper into the Finder savings account score
The Finder Score is a simple way for you to compare savings accounts at a glance.
Here's how the scores work:
We analyse hundreds of savings accounts in our database, from the Big Four banks to online banks and local credit unions.
We assess each savings account based on how competitive the interest rate is.
We also evaluate each account based on what kind of conditions and restrictions the account has (some banks make it easy to earn the max rate, some don't).
To calculate how much interest a hypothetical customer could earn with each account we use the following scenario:
The account has a starting balance of $36,000 (this is roughly how much money Australians have in their savings, according to Finder data). We assume you meet any monthly conditions required to get the bonus rate where applicable.
Interest is calculated daily and accrued monthly over a 2 year period.
The Finder Score methodology is designed by our insights and editorial team. We review products objectively. Commercial partnerships do not affect the scores.
The Finder Score uses 8 data points to evaluate savings accounts. Each data point is weighted differently based on their importance to the customer.
Finder Score weightings - savings accounts
Component
Weighting
Interest earned
90%
Min deposit condition
2.50%
Temporary restrictions
0.50%
Age restrictions
0.50%
Withdrawal restrictions
3.00%
Purchase restrictions
2.00%
Max balance restrictions
0.50%
Notice restrictions
1.00%
How to pick the best savings account
These are the 4 main things to look for when you're choosing a savings account:
1. A high interest rate
Put simply, the higher the rate, the more interest you can earn. The best savings rates at the moment all start with a 5.
Check if the high interest rate on offer is an ongoing rate available each month, or if it's an intro rate only on offer for a few months. If it's the latter, set yourself a reminder to consider switching accounts after the intro period is over when the rate drops down to the lower, standard rate.
2. Conditions you can easily meet
Most of the best savings rates will require you to deposit a set amount each month (anywhere from $20-$2000) and perhaps also limit withdrawals or make a number of purchases.
Make sure you can comfortably meet the monthly conditions before opening the account. If you can't, you'll only earn the variable base rate which is often very low.
3. Balance limits that suit your savings
Some savings accounts only offer the maximum interest rate on smaller balances up to $10,000, while others are up to $5 million. Depending on the size of your savings balance, make sure that the account you choose pays interest on your entire balance (or at least most of it).
4. A low-fee, linked transaction account
If you're planning to open a transaction account along with your savings account with the same bank (a lot of these are opened as a pair automatically), don't forget to check out the fees and charges for that account too. Because savings accounts don't charge fees, but some transaction accounts do. For example, if you open a transaction account with the same bank in order to move money in and out of your new savings account, make sure the transaction account doesn't have any monthly account fees.
Our expert says: The highest savings rate isn't always best
"Of course the interest rate is important when choosing a savings account, but I always tell people that the account conditions are just as - if not more - important. There's no point choosing the account with the highest rate if you're going to be pushed to your limit meeting the deposit conditions each month.
Savings account rates change quite frequently - what's best one month might not be best the next. So you're better off choosing a good account with conditions you can easily meet and other features that suit you. Because if you opt for the account with the highest rate but then you can't meet the conditions, you'll likely earn no interest at all.
You still want to make sure you have an account with one of the best rates in the market as this will make a huge difference to the amount of interest you can earn - it just doesn't have the be the absolute highest rate available."
How much difference does the interest rate on your savings account make, really? It's actually more than you might think!
Let's assume you have a savings balance of $40,000 and you're able to deposit $1,000 per month. Here's how much interest you'll earn over 1, 3 and 5 years if your savings account has a below-average rate (2.00% p.a.), an above-average rate (3.50% p.a.) or a market-leading rate (5.50% p.a.).
Bonus interest rate
Interest after 1 year
Interest after 3 years
Interest after 5 years
2.00% p.a.
$938
3,603
$7,356
3.5% p.a.
$1,653
$6,432
$13,295
5.50% p.a.
$2,620
$10,380
$21,825
As you can see, you could earn quite a lot more money by simply switching to one of the best savings account rates in the market.
FAQs on best savings accounts
No, it's unlikely that savings account rates will go up in 2025. Now that inflation is back towards target levels the RBA has already made one cut to the cash rate, which means we've started to see savings rates drop too.
Introductory savings rates can be a great way to earn a higher return in the short term, but remember, they're not permanent. If you're only planning on saving for a few months or don't mind switching accounts later, they can be a solid option. Otherwise, you'll likely be better off choosing an account with a strong, ongoing bonus rate instead.
ING's savings account is popular, and became even more so after Scott Pape recommended it in his book The Barefoot Investor. ING's savings rate has been one of the best in market since 2016. However, ING's account does come with several conditions to earn that rate. You need to despoit $1000 per month, grow your balance and also make 5+ transactions during the month, which some people may find too difficult.
No Australian banks offer 7% p.a. interest on savings account, currently the best rates are around 5.50% p.a. If there is a product offering 7% p.a., it is likely to be in investment product not a savings account.
Currently, any savings rates above 5% are good. The highest rates are around 5.40%, and the average rate is closer to 2.5-3% p.a. But remember, a good savings rate is one that you can easily earn by meeting the account conditions. There's no point opting for the highest rate in the market if you can't meet the account conditions.
Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards. See full bio
Alison's expertise
Alison has written 639 Finder guides across topics including:
What would be the best bank to invest around $400,000? A high interest rate savings account or a term deposit?
Finder
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
BenJanuary 15, 2019
Can I invest $1,000,000.00 over 12 months with 3.1% interest giving a straight $31,000.00 return?
Thanks.
Finder
JeniJanuary 20, 2019Finder
Hi Ben,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
This maximum variable rate of 3.10% from HSBC is an introductory rate for 4 months only and for balances below $1,000,000. If you are planning to invest your $1,000,000 for 12 months, you may consider putting the funds into a 12-month term deposit account. You can use our table to help you find the account that suits you. When you are ready, press the “Go to site” button to apply. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the account to help consider whether the product is right for you.
Please note that the government guarantee covers deposits up to $250,000 only.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
JohnDecember 6, 2018
Thanks for your website – very informative!! I notice that there is one question
you haven’t covered anywhere that I can see ie. Is there a penalty for closing
an account after the ‘bonus’ period of 3 or 4 months on a Savings account has
finished? This area seems to be kept very quiet!!
Finder
MayDecember 12, 2018Finder
Hi John,
Thanks for your inquiry.
For on-call accounts (or high savings accounts), usually, it doesn’t charge you anything when you close them (anytime) even after you’ve earned the ‘bonus’ interest rate, say after the 4-month period. This information is typically mentioned in the terms and conditions of the account, so best to check it out.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
CraigNovember 20, 2018
What’s the best account for me. I will deposit $700 per month $175 per week and leave it alone for 12 months.
Finder
JohnNovember 20, 2018Finder
Hi Craig,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
You may consider putting the funds into a 12-month term deposit. Please use our table to help find the provider that suits you. When you are ready, press the “Go to site” button to apply. Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
RBOctober 13, 2018
Which savings bank accounts are open to those applying for Australian citizenship?
Finder
JeniOctober 13, 2018Finder
Hi RB,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you are not an Australian resident or citizen yet, you may refer to our list of migrant bank accounts and saving accounts for temporary residents. You can use our comparison table to help you find the account that suits you. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
If you need help getting your savings back on track, a bonus saver account with competitive interest may provide you with the incentive and features you need.
The ING Savings Maximiser is a high interest savings account with a competitive interest rate when you meet the account conditions. Here's how to earn the top bonus rate with this account.
How you can get your money back just for spending.
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Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own.
Finder is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stand by our editorial principles.
We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.
Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.
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When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.
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We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
What would be the best bank to invest around $400,000? A high interest rate savings account or a term deposit?
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
Can I invest $1,000,000.00 over 12 months with 3.1% interest giving a straight $31,000.00 return?
Thanks.
Hi Ben,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
This maximum variable rate of 3.10% from HSBC is an introductory rate for 4 months only and for balances below $1,000,000. If you are planning to invest your $1,000,000 for 12 months, you may consider putting the funds into a 12-month term deposit account. You can use our table to help you find the account that suits you. When you are ready, press the “Go to site” button to apply. Please make sure that you’ve read the relevant T&Cs or PDS of the account to help consider whether the product is right for you.
Please note that the government guarantee covers deposits up to $250,000 only.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Thanks for your website – very informative!! I notice that there is one question
you haven’t covered anywhere that I can see ie. Is there a penalty for closing
an account after the ‘bonus’ period of 3 or 4 months on a Savings account has
finished? This area seems to be kept very quiet!!
Hi John,
Thanks for your inquiry.
For on-call accounts (or high savings accounts), usually, it doesn’t charge you anything when you close them (anytime) even after you’ve earned the ‘bonus’ interest rate, say after the 4-month period. This information is typically mentioned in the terms and conditions of the account, so best to check it out.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
What’s the best account for me. I will deposit $700 per month $175 per week and leave it alone for 12 months.
Hi Craig,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
You may consider putting the funds into a 12-month term deposit. Please use our table to help find the provider that suits you. When you are ready, press the “Go to site” button to apply. Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Which savings bank accounts are open to those applying for Australian citizenship?
Hi RB,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
If you are not an Australian resident or citizen yet, you may refer to our list of migrant bank accounts and saving accounts for temporary residents. You can use our comparison table to help you find the account that suits you. When you are ready, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the bank’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni