AustralianSuper vs Rest Super

AustralianSuper and Rest have more than 5 million members combined - but is either fund the right choice for you? Let's find out.

Alison Banney's headshot

By

Alison Banney

Updated

Fact checked

Key takeaways

  • AustralianSuper's default MySuper option has achieved higher performance returns than Rest's default MySuper option.
  • Looking at both MySuper options, AustralianSuper charges lower fees.
  • Both funds offer an ethical investment option and an indexed option, as well as a few single asset class options.

AustralianSuper vs Rest Super

AustralianSuperRest Super
Type of fundIndustry super fund and Australia's largest super fundIndustry super fund aligned to the retail sector
Number of members3.4 million members2 million members
Funds under management$341 billion$86 billion
Default investment optionAustralianSuper Balanced

This is a pre-mixed, diversified fund that invests your super in a range of assets with a strong allocation towards Australian and international shares, direct property and infrastructure. Investment allocation is the same for all members in the Balanced fund, regardless of age. It's an authorised MySuper product.

Rest Super - Growth

Similar to AustralianSuper Balanced, this is a ready-made investment portfolio with a strong focus on shares, bonds, private equity and infrastructure. Investment allocation is the same for all members, regardless of age. It's an authorised MySuper product.

PerformancePast performance of AustralianSuper Balanced:
  • 10 years: 8.02% p.a.
  • 5 years: 6.84% p.a.
  • 3 years: 4.35% p.a.
Past performance of Rest Super Growth:
  • 10 years: 6.78% p.a.
  • 5 years: 6.45% p.a.
  • 3 years: 4.82% p.a.
FeesHere's how much you'd pay in fees for one year if you had the following amounts invested in AustralianSuper Balanced:
  • $5,000 balance: $85.50 in fees
  • $50,000 balance: $387 in fees
  • $100,000 balance: $722 in fees
Here's how much you'd pay in fees for one year if you had the following amounts invested in Rest Growth:
  • $5,000 balance: $113.50 in fees
  • $50,000 balance: $433 in fees
  • $100,000 balance: $788 in fees
Additional diversified investment optionsIf you don't want to invest in the default option (AustralianSuper Balanced), you can choose to invest your super in one of the following pre-made investment options instead:
  • High Growth
  • Socially Aware
  • Indexed Diversified
  • Conservative Balanced
  • Stable
If you don't want to invest in the default option (Rest Growth), you can choose to invest your super in one of the following pre-made investment options instead:
  • High Growth
  • Sustainable Growth
  • Balanced
  • Balanced - Indexed
  • Capital Stable
Single asset class investment optionsIf you want to design your own investment mix, you can invest your super in one or more of the following individual asset classes:
  • Australian Shares
  • International Shares
  • Diversified Fixed Interest
  • Cash
If you want to design your own investment mix, you can invest your super in one or more of the following individual asset classes:
  • Overseas Shares - Indexed
  • Australian Shares - Indexed
  • Cash
Mobile appThe AustralianSuper app has a 3.1-star rating from users in Google Play and a 2.6 star rating in the Apple App Store.The Rest mobile app has a 3.5 star rating from users in Google Play and a 4.5 star rating in the Apple App Store.
Read moreMore InfoMore Info
Richard Whitten's headshot
Our expert says: Choosing a super fund

"Choosing super funds can feel overwhelming, but it gets easier once you've narrowed it down to a couple of options. If you can't decide between two similar funds, compare the fees and fund performance. Don't just look at the last year, but look at 5 and 10-year performance. And make sure you're comparing similar fund options. A high growth fund will have different performance to a balanced fund. "

How do the default MySuper products compare?

Both funds are popular industry super funds, though AustralianSuper has significantly more members and more funds under management than Rest.

The two default MySuper options are AustralianSuper Balanced and Rest Growth. These two products are very similar; both are MySuper products and both are pre-mixed, diversified funds.

Looking at their investment allocation, AustralianSuper Balanced has more exposure to international shares than Rest Growth and is slightly higher risk overall. Rest Growth has a greater allocation to lower-risk, defensive assets than AustralianSuper.

How do their fees and performance figures compare?

Looking at the default options, AustralianSuper has lower annual fees than Rest Growth. AustralianSuper Balanced has also delivered higher returns than Rest Growth over the long term.

How do the additional investment options compare?

AustralianSuper and Rest offer very similar additional, diversified investment options. Both offer a diversified, indexed balanced option which invests in index funds. Both funds also offer an ethical investment option.

If you want to design your own investment mix using the single asset class options, you have litle choice with with funds compared to others in the market. Rest offers 3 individual asset class options, while AustralianSuper only offers 4.

If you're unsure how these different options work with your super fund, here's a guide on superannuation investment options that will help you choose the best fund for yourself.

Want to keep comparing?

If you're not yet convinced that either AustralianSuper or Rest is right for you, or you simply want to see how they compare to others in the market, you can compare super funds with our guide.

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 resources on Finder

More guides on Finder

  • Hostplus vs HESTA

    Hostplus and HESTA are two popular industry super funds, but which is right for you? We've compared their fees, investment options and performance side by side to help you choose.

  • AustralianSuper vs Hostplus

    Can't decide between AustralianSuper or Hostplus? We've compared their fees, performance and investment options side-by-side to help you choose.

  • AustralianSuper vs HESTA super

    Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and HESTA? We've compared their fees, investment options, performance and extras side by side to help you choose.

  • AustralianSuper vs Australian Retirement Trust

    Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and Sunsuper? We've compared their fees, investment options, performance and extras side by side to help you choose.

  • Best super funds Australia – 5 expert picks

    We've analysed Australian super funds to find the best-performing super funds, the best industry super funds and the best super fund for low fees. Find the right super fund for you.

  • Superannuation investment options

    Here’s how to choose between the different investment options offered by your super fund, including balanced, growth and ethical options.
  • 6 ways to grow your super balance

    There are many ways you can grow your super, including salary sacrifice, making extra personal contributions and reducing your fees. Here are six easy ways to increase your super.

  • Superannuation for sole traders and self-employed

    Self-employed super contributions are a great way to boost your retirement savings, but there are some rules. See rules for contributions and compare super funds if you're self employed.

  • Best superannuation for under 18s

    When you start your first job you'll need to open a bank account, a super fund and understand what your tax obligations are.

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.

2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LucyJuly 14, 2023

    Hello, I am currently with Essuper. I am not happy with my current return. Are you able to help me with choosing the right super fund for myself?

Go to site