What is a savings account?
A savings account is a secure bank account that earns you interest over time. Unlike an everyday transaction account or standard bank account, a savings account is designed to help you save money rather than use the account for day-to-day transactions and spending. You usually need to deposit a set amount of money into the account each month to earn the high interest rate on your balance, although the conditions do vary between banks.
How do I open a savings account?
- Compare savings accounts until you find 1 that meets your needs.
- Apply online. You'll need to provide certain ID with proof of your residential address, such as your passport and/or drivers license.
- Transfer money into your new account for it to become officially activated.
- Done! Start earning interest and putting your savings to work.
How is a savings account different from a bank account?
Bank accounts are designed for your daily spending, and come with a debit card to access your money at shops, ATMs and online. A savings account isn't designed to help you spend, but to help you save, so there's no debit card attached. Savings accounts pay interest on our balance each month, as an incentive to save, while bank accounts typically pay no interest.
It's not an either or situation: you can have both a savings account and a bank account (in fact it's encouraged that you do!).
Savings account interest rates
Savings accounts include a couple of different types of interest rates, and understanding how these work will help you in your savings account comparison. Note that the term 'variable' means the rate can change at any time if the bank chooses to change it - it's not a fixed rate.
Savings rates explained
- Standard variable rate: This is the base interest rate that you'll earn each month, whether you meet the conditions or not.
- Bonus variable rate: This is the additional interest you'll earn on top of the standard rate when you meet the account conditions (such as meeting a monthly deposit amount).
- Total or maximum variable rate: This is the standard rate plus the bonus rate, and is the total interest rate you'll earn when all the conditions are met.
- Introductory rate: Some savings accounts offer a special, higher introductory rate for the first few months after you open the account. This is an incentive to open the account, but after the introductory period ends the rate will drop to a standard variable rate that's usually much lower.
Will savings account rates rise in 2022?
Thanks to the RBA lifting the official cash rate, we've already seen a number of banks lift their savings rates this year. Even the Big four banks have increased their savings rates, however not by much. The RBA is expected to lift the cash rate several more times this year and next, so we can expect to see savings account rates increase more as well.
How to compare savings account rates
Looking at the maximum variable rate is the best way to compare savings accounts, if you're planning to meet all the account conditions to earn it. This is because it's the maximum interest rate you stand to earn. The higher the rate, the more interest you'll earn on your savings.
However, you should take a look at the account conditions too and not the rate on its own. If you don't think you can realistically meet the monthly conditions with one account, you're probably better off going with a savings account with a slightly lower maximum variable rate but conditions you can more easily meet. Because if you can't meet the account conditions you'll only earn the standard variable rate, which is often very low.
Use our savings calculator to see how much you could earn
See how much you can earn on your savings over time with different interest rates.
Benefits of savings accounts
- Savings accounts are a safe investment and are covered under the Government Guarantee.
- They're a great tool to help you save and budget.
- Savings accounts are liquid, meaning you can easily access the cash. It's harder to withdraw your money from a term deposit, or share trading account (when it's invested in shares).
- You earn a higher interest rate than your everyday transaction account.
- You can use a savings account to help you save up for your house deposit.
Drawbacks of savings accounts
- You are usually required to deposit a set amount each month and make no or minimal withdrawals to receive the high bonus interest rate.
- Savings accounts do not come with a debit card so you're unable to access your cash as easily as transaction accounts.
- Interest rates for savings accounts are currently quite low.
How do I withdraw money from a savings account?
Savings accounts usually don't come with a debit card like everyday transaction accounts, so you can withdraw money from the account at ATMs.
To access the money in your savings account, simply transfer your money from your savings to your linked everyday account using your mobile banking app or via Internet banking. If you've got your bank account and savings account with same bank (this is a good idea!), the money will be transferred instantly which you can then access with your debit card.
Keep in mind that, depending on the savings account you choose, there may be restrictions as to how often you can withdraw from the account before you forfeit your bonus interest. If you know you want to lock away your funds for a longer period, you may want to consider a term deposit instead of a savings account.
How to compare savings accounts
There are certain features to keep in mind when comparing savings accounts, including fees, interest rates and your personal savings goals. Read below to find out how these factors can help you compare savings accounts and choose the right one for your needs.
No fees
Most banks don't charge a monthly fee for maintaining a savings account. If you're looking at a savings account that does charge a monthly account fee, know that this is not the norm and most accounts have no fees.
Good interest rates
Getting the highest interest rate means your money can work harder for you and you'll earn more interest. But you'll want to check the conditions involved in receiving the bonus or introductory rate. If the conditions are too hard for you to meet, there's no point choosing that account as you won't earn the bonus rate anyway.
Savings goals (short-term vs long-term)
You might want a different type of savings account depending on your savings goals. If you are saving to buy something in the short term (a few months or a year), high bonus rates and a lower standard rate may be great. However, if you are saving to buy something over the long term (a few years), you might benefit more from an account with slightly lower rates but more manageable, easier conditions to meet.
Easy access
Some savings accounts allow you to withdraw money a few times each month, while some require you make no withdrawals at all. If you anticipate needing regular access to your savings, you won't want an account that will restrict you for doing so. However, sacrificing bonus interest for accessing your account is also a great incentive for not touching your money and letting it grow. Compared to term deposits, savings accounts offer relatively easy access to your money.
Linked accounts
Some banks require you to link your savings account with an everyday account in the same bank to qualify for their interest rate or bonus rate. Even if this isn't a requirement, it's helpful to do so as it'll allow you to see both accounts side-by-side in your mobile banking app. If you do need to get a bank account with the same bank, make sure the bank account doesn't charge high fees.
Deposit requirements
Some savings accounts will require you deposit just $20 each month in order to earn bonus interest, while others will require much higher monthly deposits (some up to $2000 a month). Choose one that fits in with your ability to save regularly. For example, if you're a casual worker and your income changes a lot month to month meting a larger monthly deposit condition of $2000 might be more challenging.
What type of savings account is right for you?
The type of savings account you choose will depend on the type of saver you are and what you're trying to achieve.
I'm a regular saver: If you can regularly save money each month a bonus saver account with an ongoing bonus rate might be best for you.
I'm just looking for the highest rate: Check out high interest savings accounts (and remember to check the account conditions)
I'm a business owner: There are dedicated business savings accounts for you.
I'm looking for a set-and-forget account with no conditions: Perhaps a term deposit could be suit you better, as these don't have any ongoing conditions to meet and are locked until the term expires.
Are there any ethical savings accounts?
If you want to make sure your savings account is ethical and aligns with your values, consider the following when choosing an account.
- Check your current bank's values. If you already have a savings account, check its website to examine what the bank's investment values are now. If this information is not disclosed you can call or visit a branch to get more information.
- Look at how your money is being invested. Once you understand what your bank's investment policies are, you can find out where your savings are being invested in now. In most cases, banks that provide ethical savings accounts will disclose this information openly.
- Your personal beliefs and values. Think about the causes that you are passionate about and how you can make a positive difference to society or to the environment. Then narrow down your choices based on those.
- Make the switch if necessary. If you are not comfortable with the investing principles of your current bank, or find one that is more suited to your morals, it is typically easy to switch your accounts by providing your new bank with the details of your current accounts.
How do I get the bonus interest rate on my savings account?
There's a difference between a headline rate and base rate. For an Introductory Bonus account, the bonus interest rate is only awarded for the first couple of months (normally up to 4) and you need to be a new customer.
For a Bonus Saver account, the bonus interest is usually awarded when you're able to deposit a certain amount per month and make no withdrawals. It doesn't matter if you're a new customer or not, but there may be restrictions on the number of accounts you can have.
You will also need to be within the balance your bonus rate applies to. In most cases, any balance beyond $250,000 usually earns the standard variable rate.
How to apply for a savings account online
It's easy to apply for a savings account online and the process only take 15 minutes. The process involves filling in an online application, verifying 100 points of ID if you're a new customer and depositing funds into the account to get your savings plan started. Items such as a passport or birth certificate are worth 70 points while secondary documents such as driver's licences are worth 40 points. If you already have an account with the same bank you will not have to satisfy the 100-point check.
Not an Australian resident? Don't worry, you can still apply for a savings account if you're an expat or intend to move to Australia permanently.
You'll need the following documents to apply online:
- Your personal details. This includes your full name, address, phone number and email address.
- Your tax file number. This ensures that you get taxed the correct rate when earning interest and not at the highest marginal rate.
- Identification. A driver's licence, passport or birth certificate will do.
