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The best savings accounts make budgeting feel like fun (ish)

Make your cash more interesting, with options that give you a high five.

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1 - 12 of 144
Name Maximum Variable Rate p.a. Standard Variable Rate p.a. Intro/Ongoing Government Guarantee Monthly Max Rate Conditions
Ubank High Interest Save Account
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.50%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.00%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $500
  • Savings up to $100,000
Go to siteView details
Newcastle Permanent Smart Saver Account - Under 25s
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.00%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.05%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Grow balance
  • No more than 2 withdrawals
Go to siteView details
ING Savings Maximiser
Finder Award
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.50%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.55%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $1,000
  • 5 transactions
  • Grow your balance
  • Balances up to $100,000
Go to siteView details
Get $50 cashback when you open an Orange Everyday and a Savings Maximiser account and make 5 settled transactions. T&Cs apply
Newcastle Permanent Online Savings Account
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.20%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
1.00%
Intro/Ongoing
3 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • N/A
Go to siteView details
ING Savings Accelerator ($150,000 - $500,000)
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.20%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
4.70%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Welcome rate applies up to $500K
Go to siteView details
Macquarie Savings Account
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.35%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
4.75%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Balances up to $250,000
Go to siteView details
ME HomeME Savings Account
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.55%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.55%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $2000
  • Grow balance
  • Balances up to $100,000
Go to siteView details
IMB Reward Saver Account
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.25%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
0.00%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Deposit $50
  • No withdrawals
  • Balances up to $1,000,000
Go to siteView details
Earn up to 3.25% p.a. after the introductory period ends.
BCU Bonus Saver
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.00%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
1.00%
Intro/Ongoing
4 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • N/A
Go to siteView details
St.George Maxi Saver
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.35%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
1.10%
Intro/Ongoing
3 months
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • N/A
Go to siteView details
Max Variable Rate includes 0.35% p.a. for 3 months for new customers who apply online
Westpac Life (18-29 year olds only)
Maximum Variable Rate p.a.
5.20%
Standard Variable Rate p.a.
2.00%
Intro/Ongoing
Ongoing
Government Guarantee
Monthly Max Rate Conditions
  • Make a deposit
  • Grow your balance
  • 5 debit card purchases
  • Balances up to $30,000
Go to siteView details
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Showing 12 of 13 results

Which are the best savings accounts in July 2024?

AccountTotal interest rate p.a.
Bank of Queensland Future Saver (14-35s)5.5%
ING Savings Maximiser5.5%
MOVE Bank Growth Saver5.5%
Rabobank High Interest Savings Account5.75%

To get this list of best savings accounts we are looking at the total bonus rate only. Each month, we pick the 4 accounts in our database with the highest total interest rate, regardless of the account conditions.

What to look for when you compare savings accounts

***ALT HERE***

High interest rate

The higher the interest rate, the more interest you'll earn and the more your balance will grow. This is the most important feature to consider when choosing your account.

Savings no fee icon

No fees

Savings accounts shouldn't charge you any fees. If you're getting charged a fee, know that this is not common and there are plenty of fee-free accounts.

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Conditions you can meet

Savings accounts typically have monthly deposit requirements or spend conditions in order to earn the high bonus rate. Make sure you can meet these.

How to find the best savings account

The best savings account for you will depend on your age, financial situation, savings goals and spending habits. Here are a few different hypothetical examples of how you might pick a savings account based on your personal savings style.

You earn a regular income and are able to meet a monthly deposit condition

The best savings account for you will likely be one with the following:

  • An ongoing bonus interest rate: Because you earn a regular income and are confident in your ability to save, a savings account with an ongoing, high bonus rate would offer the best rate for you.
  • A monthly deposit condition: Usually the accounts with the best bonus rates have a monthly deposit condition, often $1000 per month, which is ideal for people with good savings habits and a regular income.

You have a short-term savings goal

Let's say you want to give your savings a boost for 3-5 months only to help you save for an overseas holiday or another large purchase. Because you're saving for a specific goal in the near future, you aren't planning to keep your cash in the account for too long and you don't want to have to meet any ongoing monthly conditions.

The best savings account for you will likely be one with the following:

  • An introductory bonus interest rate: Accounts with an introductory bonus rate offer a higher rate for the first 3-5 months only, with no conditions to meet.
  • A term deposit: A term deposit allows you to lock your money away for a set period of time and earn a fixed return, with no monthly conditions to meet.

Can't commit to a monthly deposit condition

Let's say you don't earn a regular income, or you're currently not in a position to meet a monthly deposit condition. Plus, perhaps you're also prone to dipping into your savings from time to time for impulse purchases or unexpected expenses.

The best savings account for you will likely be one with the following:

  • An ongoing bonus interest rate: An account with an ongoing bonus interest rate will give your balance the best chance at growing (just make sure you check the conditions!)
  • No (or low) monthly deposit condition: Look for a bonus saver account that doesn't have a monthly deposit condition. Or, look for one that you can comfortably meet (some accounts only ask you to deposit $20 per month).

More ways to earn interest and save

Did you know you can earn more than 4% p.a. with a term deposit? Here are a few accounts offering above 4% p.a. when you lock your savings for a fixed term length.

Why keep your cash in a savings account?

  • Savings accounts are safe - your deposit up to $250k is protected by the Australian government
  • Savings accounts offer compound interest, so you can earn interest on your interest
  • The money in your savings account is quick and easy to access if you ever need it
  • Interest rates on savings accounts are going up!

The role of a savings account

Although shares historically offer better long-term returns, people often ask why keep cash in a savings account. The answer is simple: a savings account offers certainty, security, and acts as a financial safety net. Unlike volatile shares, you won't lose money, and you can quickly access your cash when needed.

Alison Banney

Alison Banney
Finder's banking editor


How does a savings account work?

Usually savings accounts are connected to transaction accounts and instead of the money sitting in your bank account, you can transfer it to your savings account and it'll earn interest (if you meet the account conditions, of course). The special thing about savings account interest is it's compound interest, meaning you'll earn interest on your interest.

Is it best to stick with the Big Four or go with a smaller bank?

Wondering which bank is best to open up your savings account with? Chances are you may be thinking of joining the Big Four. We've put together this pros and cons list of the Big Four VS smaller banks to help you make a decision easier.

ProsCons
Big Four
  • May offer better customer service as they operate 24/7
  • Easy access to ATM's (and no-fee withdrawals) due to large distribution
  • Can easily manage other loans through the same network
  • Better funding to these banks mean more advanced banking technology
  • Comprehensive range of products offered
  • Able to operate in person and online
  • Depersonalised customer experience due to large customer base – can get "lost in the noise"
  • Interest rates may not be as competitive
Smaller Banks
  • May offer more competitive interest rates
  • May offer more personalised customer service
  • Some banks may offer advanced banking technologies like app banking
  • You may be able to negotiate waiving fees on a case-by-case basis
  • Not likely to have in-person support – may be online only
  • Limited access to ATM's due to low distribution

How do I open an Australian savings account?

In most cases you can apply and open the savings account online, as long as you're able to provide documentation that confirms your identity and residency. If you're a new customer to the bank, you'll need to verify your identity for legal reasons. For the online savings and bonus saver accounts, some banks will allow an Australian as young as 12 years old to have an account opened in their name.

FAQs on best savings accounts

Why you can trust Finder's banking experts

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by David Gregory as part of our fact-checking process.
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Written by

Editor

Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 652 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living

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