Hostplus super review | Performance, features and fees

Hostplus is an industry super fund open to everyone to join. It offers members a history of strong long-term returns and a wide range of investment choices including low-fee indexed investment options.

Hostplus

Benefits of joining Hostplus

  • Top performance: Hostplus Balanced is one of the top-performing growth funds over the past decade.
  • Industry super fund: Hostplus is an industry super fund, which means it's run to benefit members rather than shareholders.
  • Finder Awards 2023 winner: Hostplus Balanced was named the Best Low Fee Super Fund in the 2023 Finder Awards. They also won the Best Balance Super Fund in 2022
  • Open to everyone: Hostplus began as a fund for the hospitality, tourism and sporting sector, however anyone is now free to join.
  • Wide range of investment options: Choose between a lifestage fund, 12 pre-mixed investment portfolios or 9 single asset class options.
  • Ethical investments available: There are three socially responsible options available that invest in companies with a positive social and environmental impact.
  • Default insurance cover: Eligible members receive automatic death and total permanent disablement (TPD) cover.
  • Consolidate your super online: You can opt to consolidate your existing super into your new Hostplus account when joining or any time after you've joined by logging into your online portal.
  • Insurance premiums waived for new parents: Eligible members can have their insurance premiums waived for 12 months while on parental leave (not available for self-employed members).

Hostplus super investment options

1 - 11 of 11
Name Last 1 year performance (p.a.) Last 3 year performance (p.a.) Last 5 year performance (p.a.) Last 10 year performance (p.a.) Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
Hostplus Indexed Balanced
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+20.61%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.56%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.57%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+7.82%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$135
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus Balanced
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.07%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.1%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.32%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.39%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$625
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus Diversified Fixed Interest
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+6.87%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
-0.63%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
-0.27%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+2.43%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$265
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus Conservative Balanced
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+11.39%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+4.42%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+5.3%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+6.29%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$510
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus Capital Stable
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+8.15%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+3.52%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+3.43%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+4.46%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$460
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus Australian Shares
Hostplus logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+23.07%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+7.66%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.9%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.32%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$350
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus International Shares
Hostplus logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+23%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+4.81%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+9.09%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+9.71%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$385
Go to siteMore Info
Hostplus - Cash
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+4.36%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+2.96%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+1.88%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+1.78%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$125
Hostplus - International Shares - Indexed
Hostplus logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+26.73%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+10.54%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+12.15%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$155
Hostplus - International Shares (Hedged) - Indexed
Hostplus logo
Industry fundHigher risk
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+28.9%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+6.11%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+10.16%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$140
Hostplus MySuper - Balanced
Hostplus logo
Industry fund
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.07%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+5.1%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+7.32%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.39%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$625
loading
Showing 11 of 11 results

The information in this table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 421445. In limited instances, where data is not available from SuperRatings for a product, the data is provided directly by the superannuation fund.

*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending October 2024

What do Australians think of Hostplus super fund?

  • 4.46/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — higher than the average of 4.06, and this was the highest score in the category
  • 4.64/5 for Trust — higher than the average of 4.45
  • 4.49/5 for Customer Service — higher than the average of 4.07, and this was the highest score in the category

Based on Hostplus super fund scores in Finder's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Awards.

Michael Lieu's headshot

"I've been quite pleased with my returns from Host Plus Super. The onboarding process was very simple plus it allows you to easily consolidate all of your super funds that you have from other providers directly within its platform. This way you don't need to worry about managing multiple super funds, which all charge their own fees and can be costly. "

Michael Lieu
Finder crew member

Hostplus fees for large super balances

You can see the fees based on a $50,000 balance in the table above. If you've got a larger super balance, the table below shows the fees based on balanced between $50,000 and $1 million.

Calculated Fees on $100,000Calculated Fees on $300,000Calculated Fees on $500,000Calculated Fees on $1,000,000
Hostplus Australian Shares$585.26$1,525.26$2,465.26$4,815.26
Hostplus Balanced$1,135.26$3,175.26$5,215.26$10,315.26
Hostplus Capital Stable$805.26$2,185.26$3,565.26$7,015.26
Hostplus Conservative Balanced$905.26$2,485.26$4,065.26$8,015.26
Hostplus Diversified Fixed Interest$415.26$1,015.26$1,615.26$3,115.26
Hostplus International Shares$655.26$1,735.26$2,815.26$5,515.26
Hostplus Shares Plus$1,022.02$2,835.02$4,648.02$9,180.52

Hostplus investment options in detail

You can choose from a range of pre-mixed investment portfolios, or build your own portfolio with the single sector options. After joining you're able to switch to another investment option at any time within the Hostplus app.

Option 1: Hostplus pre-mixed investment portfolios

Choose between a range of ready-made diversified investment portfolios and let Hostplus take care of the rest. Each portfolio offers a different mix of high-risk growth assets and low-risk defensive assets. As such, each portfolio carries a different risk level. You can see what assets are classed as growth and defensive below:

  • Growth assets: Australian and international shares, private equity, infrastructure and property, alternatives.
  • Defensive assets: Infrastructure, property, fixed income and cash (such as term deposits).

If you don't want to make a choice, you'll be placed in the Balanced option, which is the authorised MySuper option.

Portfolio Risk level Benchmark asset allocation*
Balanced (MySuper)

This is the default option. It invests in more growth assets and aims to deliver consistent, high returns over the long term.

Medium to highGrowth assets: 76%

Defensive assets: 24%

Capital Stable

This is the lowest risk portfolio option, offering more reliable returns.

Low to mediumGrowth assets: 38%

Defensive assets: 62%

Conservative Balanced

This portfolio invests in growth and defensive assets equally, offering some growth plus the safety of cash.

MediumGrowth assets: 57%

Defensive assets: 43%

Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Balanced

This portfolio invests in companies that make a positive social and environmental impact.

Medium to highGrowth assets: 71%

Defensive assets: 29%

Indexed Balanced

This portfolio invests in more growth assets than defensive assets, but unlike the Balanced option, it does not invest in property or infrastructure.

HighGrowth assets: 75%

Defensive assets: 25%

Shares Plus

This option invests heavily in Australian and international shares.

HighGrowth assets: 90%

Defensive assets: 10%

*Asset allocation is a guide and may change slightly from time to time.

Option 2: Hostplus Life

Hostplus Life is a pre-mixed fund that's managed for you, which changes your investment allocation according to your age. This fund will invest more heavily in growth assets while you're young, and introduce more defensive assets as you get older and closer to retirement.

Here's how the Hostplus Life product invests your money:

  • Under 40: You'll be 100% invested in Shares Plus.
  • Aged 40-49: Your super will be moved into the Balanced fund.
  • Aged 50-59: Your super will be moved into the Conservative Balanced fund.
  • Aged 60+: Your super will be invested in the Capital Stable fund.

Option 3: Sector investment options

You can create your own portfolio using a mix of these single asset class options.

Sector investment option Risk Benchmark asset allocation
Cash

This option includes term deposits and savings accounts.

Very lowCash: 100%
Diversified Fixed Interest

This option includes corporate and government bonds (actively managed).

MediumFixed income: 100%
Australian Shares - Indexed

This option includes only companies listed in Australia (passively managed).

Very highAustralian shares: 100%
International Shares - Emerging Markets

This option includes companies listed on stock exchanges in emerging markets, and is actively managed.

HighInternational shares: 100%
Diversified Fixed Interest - Indexed

This option includes corporate and government bonds (passively managed).

MediumFixed interest: 100%
Australian Shares

This option includes only companies listed in Australia (actively managed).

HighAustralian shares: 100%
International Shares

This option includes companies listed on international exchanges in both emerging and developed markets (actively managed).

HighInternational shares: 100%
International shares - Indexed

This option includes international shares via products like ETFs (passively managed).

HighInternational shares: 100%
International Shares (Hedged) - Indexed

This option invests in shares hedged against currency price movements.

Very HighInternational shares: 100%

Option 4: Choiceplus

If you want to be more hands on with your super, the Choiceplus option allows you to make direct investments in individual shares and ETFs yourself. There are a few requirements if you're planning to use this option:

  • You must have at least $10,000 in your Hostplus balance
  • You must maintain at least $2,000 in one of the other pre-mixed or single sector options
  • You must maintain a balance of at least $200 in your Choiceplus account

Hostplus insurance options

What insurance options are available with Hostplus?

You'll receive the following insurance automatically when you join Hostplus, provided you have no pre-existing conditions:

  • Death. This is paid to your beneficiary (usually your spouse or a member of your immediate family) in the event of your unexpected death or terminal illness.
  • Total and permanent disability (TPD). This is paid to you in the event you become permanently disabled and can no longer work again.

You can also add the following insurance cover if you wish to:

  • Income protection insurance. This is paid to you if you're injured and are unable to work temporarily.

How do you add insurance with Hostplus Super?

When you initially join the fund you'll automatically be eligible for the default insurance cover, unless you're in an excluded occupation or have a pre-existing condition. You'll receive a standard unitised level of cover, which is an amount of cover based on your age. If you'd prefer, you can choose to switch to a defined benefit limit level of cover instead.

You can also add specific life events cover for different stages of your life, such as starting a family.

You can increase, reduce or cancel your cover altogether at any time after joining Hostplus.

How much does insurance cost with Hostplus?

The cost of your insurance cover will depend on the type of cover you choose, your age and your occupation.

As an example, the standard level of Death and TPD cover for a member aged 31-35 will cost about $6.93 per week for a total combined cover of around $311,000. As you get older, your insurance cover will cost more and your cover payout amount will reduce.

How do I join Hostplus?

You can join Hostplus online on the Hostplus website. The application process is simple and should take you less than 10 minutes to complete.

As well as your full name and date of birth, make sure you have the following details handy before you start the application:

  • Your Australian residential address
  • Your phone number and email address
  • Your tax file number (TFN)
  • Your chosen investment option and insurance cover (you can change or update these later too)
  • Details of your existing super fund if you'd like to consolidate your funds during the application process

Once your application has been completed successfully, you'll receive your membership details by email.

Quick facts on Hostplus

  • Type of fund: Industry fund
  • Number of members: 1.7 million
  • Assets under management: $90.5 billion
  • Hostplus SFN: 268 350 944
  • Hostplus ABN: 68 657 495 890
  • Hostplus SPIN (USI): HOS0100AU

Frequently asked questions

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 625 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

  • Compound growth: What is it and how does it grow your super?

    Compound growth allows your super returns to be reinvested and generate their own returns, helping your balance grow much faster over time. Here's how it works.

  • What is superannuation?

    Superannuation is the main way of saving for your retirement in Australia. Your superannuation is one big investment portfolio in your name that's managed for you by your super fund.  

  • Conservative super funds

    Conservative super funds are designed to protect your superannuation savings. These funds have more money invested in low-risk, defensive assets like cash, fixed interest and bonds and less money invested in shares.

  • High growth super funds — more risk, more growth

    A high growth super fund invests more of your super into growth assets like shares, aiming for higher returns over the long term.

  • AustralianSuper vs Australian Ethical Super

    Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and Australian Ethical Super? We've compared their fees, performance and investments to help you choose.

  • AustralianSuper vs QSuper

    Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and QSuper? 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 – 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.

  • How to consolidate super

    Here’s why it’s so important to consolidate your super, and the steps you need to follow to roll over your super today.

  • Super co-contribution: What is the government co-contribution?

    Find out if you're eligible for the government's co-contribution scheme, potentially receiving up to $500 for making personal after-tax contributions.

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.

6 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    AndrewSeptember 9, 2024

    Hi Hostplus, How easy would it be to consolidate my 3 other super funds to hostplus?
    Thank you

      AvatarFinder
      AngusSeptember 15, 2024Finder

      Hi Andrew, It’s definitely a good idea to consolidate your super funds – otherwise you’re paying fees to multiple providers. If you want to consolidate with Hostplus, you can contact them to organise this on 1300 467 875.

    Default Gravatar
    MaryMarch 15, 2023

    I am 74 years old and I currently have a super fund in pension mode with a major bank. Is it possible for me to move this to Hostplus and set up a pension with the fund.

      AvatarFinder
      RajMarch 17, 2023Finder

      Hi Mary,
      Thanks for contacting Finder.

      Yes you can transfer your super over to Hostplus and have it set up as a pension account.

      Thanks
      Raj

    Default Gravatar
    TerencelOctober 17, 2019

    Most industry funds advertise an annual fee of roughly $550-650 for, say a balanced fund, based on an investment of $50,000. Can I rightly assume that larger amounts have fee scales as direct multiples of the number of $50K aliquots in the investment or is there some other form of sliding scale relative to the larger amounts?
    For instance, if an investment is $3M would the annual fee be automatically 60 times x the base figure (60×550=$33000)?

      AvatarFinder
      FayeOctober 19, 2019Finder

      Hi Terencel,

      Thanks for contacting Finder.

      It is best to contact and confirm with HostPlus directly to find out what they are charging you. You can also check with them other important factors like the fee scales, returns, risk and the services the fund provides.

      Kind Regards,
      Faye

Go to site