If you find yourself in between investment opportunities, a $100,000+ term deposit could keep your money growing at a competitive rate.
With investment amounts of $100,000 or more, you may find that the fixed rate of high interest fosters growth with minimal risk.
You should keep in mind that only balances up to $250,000 are protected by the Australian Government Guarantee Scheme.
Term Deposit Offer
ME Term Deposit
fixed for 6 months
Term Deposit Offer
Invest your money in a ME Term Deposit for a term length that suits you, from one month to five years, and enjoy a fixed interest rate on your funds.
Choose to have interest paid monthly, quarterly, six monthly, annually or at maturity.
- Minimum investment: $1,000.00
- Monthly fees: $0.00
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 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 savings account. Terms can range from anywhere between one month to five years, giving you the choice in when the account will mature.
- Interest payments. Compound interest is a way in which you could grow your savings exponentially. Look for an account where you have the option of monthly interest payments into your account so that each month you are earning interest on the principal and previous interest payments.
- 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 savings balance.
- Incentive. As your funds are "locked in" an account, it could be an incentive to not spend your savings.
- Flexibility. 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.
- Still 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.
What are the risks?
In addition to the risk of losing your investment in the event of a financial crisis, there are other habits you should avoid in order to ensure that you are maximising the benefit of a $100,000 term deposit:
- Choosing inappropriate terms. Make sure that you carefully consider what your future needs may be and when before you're locked in a term that you will need to break later on. Opting to exit and withdraw your cash before maturity may incur penalty fees.
- Lower rates. This is a very non-aggressive method of increasing your wealth. If you want to earn a higher return on your savings you may want to consider investment opportunities like stocks or real estate.
See also: ideas for investing
You may also be interested in
UBank launches world’s first green term deposit
Money invested in the UBank Green Term Deposit supports green energy projects such as solar, wind and marine energy, and low carbon buildings. Read more…
Banks altering term deposit rates
Modest revision of savings investment interest rates. Read more…
Term deposit rates scaled down slightly
Banks cut savings rates ahead of RBA decision. Read more…
More questions about $100,000 term deposits?
Q. How are penalties calculated for an early withdrawal on a term deposit of $100,000?
A. The financial institution will generally charge an administration fee, which will vary as well as adjust the interest payments. For example, if you initially chose a term of five years but need to withdraw after three, the interest rate will be changed to the lower three year rate.
Q. Can this type of account be used for my SMSF?
A. Yes, so long as it meets the terms of your SMSF, you can use a term deposit to help accelerate its growth. Learn more about SMSFs.
Q. Will my retirement savings be safe in a $100,000 term deposit?
A. A term deposit is a good investment for retirement savings, although keep in mind that at any amount over $25,000, you will not be protected by the Australian Government Guarantee Scheme. For more information you can read our guide on how much you need to retire comfortably in Australia.
Q. I want to deposit more than $100,000 in my term deposit. Which accounts will give me the best returns?
A. Read our guide on $250,000 term deposits which includes accounts that provide the best returns for deposits over $250,000.
