An online savings account is an account that you can open and manage online, without needing to go into a bank branch or physical store. You can access your savings balance via Internet banking or the mobile banking app provided by the bank. Plus, you get the flexibility of the internet, so you can access your money 24/7.
Most savings accounts today can be classed as an online savings account, as the majority offer Internet banking and mobile banking. Generally speaking, the best online savings account for you is one with a great interest rate, monthly account conditions you can meet and a mobile app or Internet banking platform that has the features you're looking for.
Online savings accounts are designed to help you save money, offering interest on your balance when you keep it in the account. Most accounts will have some monthly conditions to meet to earn a higher interest rate, for example a monthly deposit goal. You can deposit money into your savings account online by transferring it from your everyday bank account. You can also set up direct debits into your savings account if you want to, for example your pay.
Online savings accounts do not come with a debit card, so the only way to access your money is by transferring it to your transaction account using Internet banking or mobile banking. Once you've moved the money to your bank account you can then make purchases using your debit card, shop online or withdraw cash at ATMs.
It's a good idea to link a bank account to your savings account with the same bank. This way, you can easily see both accounts side by side in your mobile banking app, and easily move money between accounts.
Online accounts usually don't attract any transfer fees or monthly account-keeping fees, so they offer an inexpensive way to build savings. However, you might be charged account keeping fees on your linked transaction account so be sure to watch out for this.
Online savings accounts have variable interest rates, meaning they can change at any time with little or no notice. They usually offer a standard interest rate (which you'll earn each month as a minimum), and a bonus interest rate (which you'll earn on top of the standard rate when you meet the conditions). Take a look at the comparison table above to see some of the current interest rates offered on online savings accounts.
Interest on the balance is calculated daily, and deposited into the account at the beginning of the following month.
There are a few ways to deposit money into your account:
Online savings account offer a range of benefits, including:
Many online banks make it easy to transfer money to and from your linked account. However, some will only let you link a bank account from the same institution. This means that you might have to open a new bank account just for your online savings account.
One of the best aspects of an online savings account is that you can usually access your money whenever you like. While the accounts are all accessible online via a web browser, most banks make it even more convenient with mobile banking apps. These allow you to monitor your savings activity even when you are on the go.
Your deposit up to $250,000 in a savings account with an Australian bank is guaranteed by the Australian Government, under the bank guarantee scheme.
High interest savings accounts usually offer a higher interest rate than standard savings accounts, helping your balance grow. Some of these accounts offer bonus interest each month you meet the account conditions.
Generally, an online savings account does not attract any monthly account-keeping fees or transaction fees. Avoid accounts that charge monthly maintenance fees, statement fees and ATM charges.
Some banks may require that you make a minimum deposit when first opening the account, or on an ongoing basis. Understand what you can and can't commit to in terms of deposits to choose the account that's best for you.
Check how many withdrawals you can make per month and how much you can take out. Your daily transfer limit may be capped around the $10,000 mark; you may be able to adjust this by calling the bank.
There are plenty of benefits, but there are also some drawbacks of an online savings account.
If your online savings account is linked to a transaction account from the same institution, then you generally do get instant access. However, if the money comes from a different financial organisation, it usually takes up to three business days for the funds to appear in your account.
No. Even though the account is based online, the account holder must be a resident of Australia with an Australian residential address.
There are business savings accounts designed specifically for businesses. Business owners need to apply for one of those rather than an account which is structured for personal use only.
Yes, interest is considered income and must be included in your annual tax return. Whether you will have to pay tax on it depends on the amount, your income and your personal circumstances.
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Hi Shabnam,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
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May
Which bank will give me interest on an account with a large amount that I simply want access to at any time?
Hi Christy,
Thanks for getting in touch! A high interest-earning savings account will be able to give you a bonus interest rate when you meet their bonus criteria such as no withdrawals or minimum deposits for a certain period of time. You can participate in this bonus criteria otherwise you are set to earn the standard variable rate as offered by the banks.
It would be a good idea to compare your options on the page above, starting by entering the amount you wish to deposit and period of commitment on the calculator found on the table above. Hit calculate and it will show the interest earned per bank. Note that the longer you keep the money in the bank, the more interest you earn. You can also click the compare box beside each bank option and compare up to 4 options side by side for easier comparison. If you need further help, “how to find the best online savings account” is also stated on the page.
As a friendly reminder, review the eligibility criteria, fees, interest rates, and terms & conditions of this account before applying. You may also contact the bank should you have any questions about their product.
Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
Why don’t you have Ubank as a comparable option?
Is there some downside with Ubank that I haven’t noticed?
Hi Bev,
Thanks for reaching out.
The offers compared on this page are chosen from a range of products Finder has access to track details from and is not representative of all the products available in the market.
Moreover, it doesn’t mean that products not featured on this page are subpar to those listed here neither does the product arrangements signify order or ranking. That said, you may check UBank USaver’s rates and features for further details.
Cheers,
Liezl
I applied for iSaver account. I have account number,there is no answer for my application.
Hi Laya,
Thanks for your question.
During your application for the NAB iSaver, you’ll need to link it to an everyday bank account.
If you’ve opened your account online, you’ll be able to select the option of having your ID verified electronically.
Otherwise, you’ll need to visit a NAB branch to complete the standard 100-point ID check.