Early access, super regret: 2.2 million Australians wish they didn’t touch their retirement savings
Key takeaways
- 24% of Australians say they have taken money out of their super before retiring.
- Medical expenses were the common reason for early withdrawal.
- Early access to super can provide much-needed relief, but it comes with a hidden long-term cost.
Millions of Australians who accessed their superannuation early now wish they hadn't, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,011 respondents found 1 in 4 Australians (24%) say they have withdrawn money from their superannuation before retirement.
Medical expenses were the most common reason, with 9% accessing their super to pay for treatment.
Another 9% withdrew funds for other reasons, while 8% say they tapped their retirement savings during the COVID pandemic.
Meanwhile, 4% admit they used their super to help fund a home deposit.
Alarmingly, 43% of those who accessed their super early say they regret doing so.
That's an estimated 2.2 million people who now wish they had left their retirement savings untouched.
Sarah Megginson, personal finance expert at Finder, said early access to super can provide much-needed relief, but it comes with a hidden long-term cost.
"When you're under financial pressure, dipping into your super can feel like the only option.
"But every dollar you withdraw today is a dollar that misses years – sometimes decades – of compound growth.
"What feels like a short-term solution can leave you significantly worse off in retirement, particularly if you access your super while you're still relatively young.
"It's essentially like stealing from 'future you'."
Finder's research shows 11% of Australians say they're considering accessing their super early.
Megginson said Australians should treat early access to super as a last resort.
"Super is designed to support you when you're no longer earning an income, not to solve everyday financial challenges.
"Before withdrawing your retirement savings, it's worth exploring every other option available.
"If you do qualify to access your super early, take the time to understand the long-term impact.
"Compare your options, seek financial advice if appropriate, and remember that replacing withdrawn super later can be much harder than people expect."
Have you withdrawn your super early to pay for a medical or housing opportunity? (e.g. IVF, a home deposit, etc)
| Yes, I took money out for a medical procedure | 9% |
| Yes, I took money out for something else | 9% |
| Yes, I took money out during COVID | 8% |
| Yes, I took money out for a house deposit | 4% |
| No, but I'm thinking about it | 11% |
| No, and I don't plan to do this | 65% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,011 respondents, July 2026 |  |
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Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
Sources
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