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Compare Bank First savings accounts
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Bank First, formerly Victoria Teachers Mutual, is a mutual which means their customers own the organisation. Profits are reinvested back into the Bank First to provide continuing value through highly competitive interest rates, low fees and superior customer service.
You don’t have to be a teacher to join this customer owned bank, anyone can become a customer and access leading savings and investment products.
Bank First is regulated in the same way as the big four banks, and its deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Government up to $250,000.
Awards that Bank First has earned
Bank First has been consistently recognised by both their customers and those within the financial community for an outstanding range of investment, insurance and banking products and services, including:
- 2015 Money Magazine's Best of the Best awards Winner – Cheapest Personal Loan – Bank and Best Term Deposits – Long Term – Bank.
- Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Awards 2014 – Mutual Bank of the Year.
Who is Bank First?
Bank First, formerly Victoria Teachers Mutual, is an award-winning bank with over 100,000 customers and $2 billion in assets. Anyone can open an account with them.
Rather than profits being distributed to external shareholders (like they do with the big four banks), profits are reinvested back into Bank First to provide continuing value to customers.
Its range of banking products includes transaction and savings accounts, term deposits, credit cards, home loans, personal loans, insurance and financial planning advice.
Bank First gives you secure, online access to your accounts 24/7 through their internet and mobile banking facilities. Make one off and recurring BPAY payments to your billers, transfer funds, view electronic account statements and more.
Bank First is regulated in the same way as the big four banks, and its deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Government up to $250,000.
Notable features include:
- Set up a PIN for mobile banking for easy access to your online account.
- Schedule payments to billers and other accounts.
- Make instant transfers to other Bank First accounts.
What about the mobile app?
Image Source: App Store| Login | Summary | Transfers |
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What transaction accounts are provided by Bank First?
- Everyday Account
This is a basic everyday interest bearing transaction account ideal for managing your day to day finances. Get free a free Visa Debit Card with this account and make free ATM withdrawals at non-Commonwealth Bank ATMs.
- Budget Account
This account is used as a companion to the Bank First Everyday Account. Allows you to set up direct debits and credits so you can save and budget for your everyday and big ticket purchases.
- First Access Account
A transaction account for under 18’s. This account is used as a day to day account with ATM, internet and telephone access. There is no minimum balance requirement. Bank First reward First Access Account holders with interest.
- Pension Account
Eligible pensioners can apply for the Pension Account, a transaction account that offers two rates of interest depending on the Pension Account balance. Get a Visa Debit Card, ATM card or cheque book to access funds and this account includes the option to add an overdraft facility.
- Student Banking Account
A full access student transaction account with features to save money on related products such as car finance, health insurance, student and personal loans and a complimentary financial planning consultation.
Back to topWhat high interest savings accounts are offered by Bank First?
- Bonus Saver
An high interest savings account that gives you an incentive to grow your savings balance. Earn up to 0.45% when you deposit of more than $1 and make no withdrawals each month.
- Online Saver
A online savings account that offers a high rate of interest for maintaining a minimum balance of $2,000. This account allows you to make withdrawals and there's no minimum deposit requirement to earn the full rate of interest.
- First Saver
A savings account for kids that offers a tiered rate of interest. Balances greater than $2,000 earn more interest. There's no minimum requirements or deposit requirements to earn the full rate of interest, funds are available via internet and telephone banking.
- Cash Management
The Cash Management offers a higher interest rate for balances greater than $20,000. The more you save the more interest you earn. The minimum opening deposit is $5,000. You can withdraw your money at any time.
- Christmas Club
A savings account just for Christmas, make deposits whenever you want and access your money in time for the holidays. Set up direct credits so part of your wage can be paid directly into this account.
- First Home Bonus Saver
The First Home Bonus savings account rewards you with bonus interest when you deposit more than $100 each month and make no withdrawals. You'll also receive $60 cash back, and they'll waive the establishment fee on any Bank First Home Loan.
Back to topWhat term deposits are offered by Bank First?
- Bank First Term Deposits
Enter into a fixed term deposit investment for periods of 30 days through to 5 years. Term deposit interest rates are tied to the investment term, longer terms get higher returns. Your money is locked in till the investment matures.
What are the pros and cons of banking with Bank First?
Pros
- A customer-owned bank. Bank First is a mutual, which means their customers own the organisation. Rather than profits being distributed to external shareholders (like they do with the big four banks), profits are reinvested back into the organisation to provide continuing value to customers through highly competitive rates, fees and products.
- Wide range of products and services. A range of loans, savings accounts, term deposits, insurance and financial planning services are available to help customers make the most of their money.
- Give back to the community. Bank First supports the education community through a wide range of events, donations and sponsorships, does not invest in fossil fuels and implements a range of environmentally friendly practices.
- Award-winning bank. Bank First has won a wide range of awards from independent organisations for its products and service.
- Secure. Bank First is regulated in the same way as the big four banks, and its savings deposits are guaranteed by the Federal Government up to $250,000.
Cons
- Transaction fees can apply. While customers can bank fee free, fees do apply to certain transactions or when transactions exceed a maximum limit.
- Branch access. There are a limited number of Bank First branches, however you can still access your funds online using Internet Banking, Mobile Banking app, ATMs and via Phone Banking.
How do I apply for a Bank First account?
You can open an account online with ease. The application should take 10 minutes to complete. You'll be asked to provide your contact information.
You can also open an account over the phone by calling Bank First on 1300 654 822.
More guides on Finder
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Bank First Term Deposit
With competitive interest rates and terms ranging from one month to five years, a Bank First Term Deposit can provide consistent, reliable returns.
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Bank First Pension Account
If you’re receiving a government pension and looking for an easy way to manage your day-to-day finances, this Pension Account could be an ideal fit for you.
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Bank First Christmas Club Account
With a competitive interest rate and no access to your funds until November, the Bank First Christmas Club Account can help you put money aside for the festive season.
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Bank First First Saver Account
With competitive interest rates and no account-keeping or transaction fees, the Bank First First Saver Account can teach your kids how to start saving.
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Bank First Bonus Saver Account
Not only will you be supporting your savings with this account, but the teaching community also.
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Bank First Cash Management Account
With competitive interest rates and easy access to your funds whenever you need them, the Bank First Cash Management Account helps you save for the future.
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Bank First First Home Bonus Saver Account
With a generous bonus interest rate and access to competitive home loan discounts, the First Home Bonus Saver Account from Bank First is worth a look for anyone saving for a deposit.
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Bank First First Access Account
Ideal for kids and teenagers who are new to banking.
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Bank First – Budget Account
A Bank First Budget Account restricts spending and allows for easy direct debits and credits to and from your Everyday Account, helping you stick to your budget. However, the interest rate is not as competitive as alternative savings accounts.
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