Signed and swindled: Utilities loyalty is costing Australians $6.7 billion
Failing to shop around is quietly draining household budgets, according to new research by Finder.
Finder crunched the numbers on energy, broadband, and mobile costs and found that Australians paid a collective $6.7 billion in loyalty tax in 2025.
That's $569 per household.
Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, said too many families are leaving money on the table.
"With cost-of-living pressures still biting, households are spending more on essential services including energy, internet, and mobile.
"While these are non-negotiable expenses, the price you pay for them absolutely is.
"Remember, providers typically reserve their best prices for new customers."
Finder's analysis shows Aussies are on average paying $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for energy, $2.8 billion for mobile data, and $986 million for NBN.
Gabaji said the start of the new year is a great time to see if you can get better bang for your buck.
"Many of us set bills and forget them, but that inertia is exactly what providers count on.
"If you haven't switched providers – be it energy, broadband or mobile – in the last 12 months, chances are you're paying too much.
"Most people don't realise just how much they're missing out on. Taking the time to shop around can put hundreds of dollars back in your pocket each year," Gabaji said.
For more information, visit Finder's Utilities Loyalty Tax Report here.
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