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Key takeaways
- Term deposits give you a guaranteed return for a certain period, making them a good option for larger balances.
- If interest rates drop, using a term deposit could mean you lock in a higher rate than you can get with a savings account.
- Balances up to $250,000 in a term deposit are protected by the Australian Government Guarantee Scheme.
How does a $100,000 (and over) term deposit work?
If you have recently inherited a large amount of cash, have proceeds from a home sale with no new home to buy yet, or are an investor who is in between opportunities, a $100,000 term deposit provides a safe solution for holding onto your cash. This is also a good account to consider if you want to ensure that your retirement funds will be available for when you are ready to start spending them.
How do I compare $100K term deposits?
- Interest rates. A term deposit works like a high interest savings account, allowing you to earn a form of income from your account balance. With some banks you will find that you are paid higher rates when your balance is over $100,000.
- Terms. Consider carefully how long you want to have your balance locked into a term deposit account. Terms can range from anywhere between one month to five years, giving you the choice in when the account will mature.
- Interest payments. Most term deposits earn simple interest, meaning you don't earn interest on the interest. Compound interest, like that earned in a savings account is a way in which you could grow your savings exponentially.
- Fees. Look at the details of each term deposit to ensure that you are not being charged any monthly fee.
- Penalties. Banks will often charge you a penalty if you are in a position where you need to withdraw your savings balance before the terms end.
Notice saver accounts
Some banks in Australia have added the option of notice term savers accounts, where instead of choosing a length of time for the deposit, you choose how much notice you need to provide before withdrawing the money. Depending on the institution, you may find that the interest rates are slightly lower, but this is worth considering if you want a little more flexibility.
Compare the pros and cons of a term deposit with a high balance
Pros
- High interest earnings. Term deposits give you the chance to passively earn a higher yield on your balance than you would with a standard bank account.
- Incentive to save. As your funds are "locked in" an account, it could be an incentive to not spend your savings.
- Choice of length. You have the chance to set the terms that work best for you, as well as the way in which your interest payments are made.
- Your deposit is guaranteed. The Australian Government Guarantee Scheme covers up to $250,000 per person, per ADI. If your deposit surpasses this limit, it is no longer protected by the Government Guarantee.
Cons
- Restrictive. If you do find that you need the money sooner than you thought, not only may it take some time to get it, but you could be facing additional fees and penalties for early withdrawals.
- Interest rates are lower than some savings accounts. Many bonus savings accounts offer a higher interest rate than term deposits do, however they'll usually have some monthly conditions to meet.
Savings accounts versus term deposits for balances over $100,000
Bonus savings accounts often offer higher interest rates than term deposits, but you'll need to be willing to meet a few ongoing monthly account conditions (such as a monthly deposit condition).
If you're happy to meet some ongoing requirements like making regular deposits, making a set number of purchases or limiting your withdrawals then you can get a higher rate with a bonus saver. But if you simply want an account you can 'set-and-forget' your deposit, a term deposit will be the way to go.
Take a look at Finder's savings account comparison to see how much interest you can earn with a bonus savings account instead of a term deposit. Remember to note the different monthly account conditions for each account in order to earn the maximum bonus rate. You can use the calculator above the table to change your initial deposit value and the term length.
FAQs about $100,000 term deposits
More guides on Finder
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UniBank Term Deposit
Lock in a fixed rate on a range of term lengths between 3 months and 3 years for deposits $1000 or more.
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Heartland Bank Term Deposit
Earn a competitive interest rate on terms between 1 month and 2 years with a Heartland Bank term deposit.
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When will term deposit rates go up?
When can you expect term deposit interest rates to increase? Find out in this handy guide.
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Term deposit maturity options
When your term deposit matures it's time to decide the next move for your money. Here are your options, including term deposit rollover (tdr).
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Term deposit penalties
Want to withdraw money from your term deposit before it matures? Penalties apply, so check out this guide to term deposit penalties and how they will affect you.
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Compare term deposits with loyalty bonuses
Term deposits with loyalty bonuses reward customers for their ongoing business by offering a bonus interest rate on term deposit balances.
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People’s Choice Credit Union Term Investment
Set your own terms and conditions for how your money grows with a flexible investment account that rewards you with higher interest earnings.
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Historical term deposit interest rates
If you trying to decide on the best time to invest in a term deposit, start here. See the past interest rates on term deposits from 1985 until now.
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Notice Savers: A mix between a savings account and term deposit
The added level of control coupled with the high interest earning potential of notice savers makes this a savings account worth considering. Ensure that you understand exactly how it works, and if it will fit in with your financial goals before making a final decision.