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Westpac, NAB, Commonwealth Bank and ANZ are called the Big Four, because they're the biggest banks in Australia. The Big Four each offer a range of bank accounts, but they're not your only choice. All Australian banks are regulated in exactly the same way and are just as safe as the Big Four.
The table below allows you to compare bank accounts, savings accounts and term deposit rates from the Big Four as well as accounts from other major banks in Australia like HSBC, UBank, ME, ING, Citi and CUA.
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In Australia, ANZ, Westpac, CommBank and NAB are known as The Big Four banks. These four banks hold the largest majority of loans in Australia and many consumers choose to do some or all of their banking with one of them. The Big Four offer a wide range of deposit products including transaction accounts, savings accounts and term deposits and together offer the largest ATM network in Australia. CommBank is the largest bank, and Westpac is the oldest.
Commonwealth Bank currently has the largest market share out of The Big Four while NAB currently has the smallest market share. Since The Big Four hold such a large market share, borrowers tend to think it's safer to apply for a loan with one of them, or to deposit their savings with one of these banks. Even if you feel more comfortable with keeping your savings with one of The Big Four, keep in mind that most banks in Australia are covered by the Government Guarantee, insuring your savings up to $250,000 per person, per institution should there be a financial crisis.
| Bank | Market capitalisation* (2017) |
|---|---|
| Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) | $139.216 billion |
| Westpac Banking Corporation. | $106.821 billion |
| Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) | $83.599 billion |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | $79.465 billion |
*Source: ASX200 List
HSBC, JPMorgan, National Nominees Ltd and Citicorp collectively own a minority share in each of The Big Four banks.
| Bank | Share in Big Four banks |
|---|---|
| HSBC | 6.91% of Westpac; 16.83% of NAB; 18.48% of ANZ; 14.80% of CommBank |
| JPMorgan | 12.75% of Westpac; 12.03% of NAB; 14.40% of ANZ; 11.57% of CommBank |
| National Nominees Limited | 9.93% of Westpac; 10.14% of NAB; 11.76% of ANZ; 8.5% of CommBank |
| Citicorp | 4.94% of Westpac; 4% of NAB; 4.15% of ANZ; 4.47% of CommBank |
*Source: Credit Card Compare
Here's some points of difference among the Big Four that may help you decide which is right for you.
| Big Four Bank | Phone | Live Chat |
|---|---|---|
| CommBank | Available 24/7 | Yes |
| NAB | Mon-Fri 8am - 7pm (AEST/AEDT)Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm (AEST/AEDT) | Yes |
| Westpac | 8am - 8pm, 7 days a week from anywhere in Australia | Yes |
| ANZ | 7am - 10pm your local time in Australia | Yes |
Choosing the right bank for you depends on your personal financial needs. The Big Four banks all offer a similar range of products and services but there are differences. To find the bank that suits your needs, consider the accounts and services you wish to use, for example, a high interest savings account and a low-fee everyday transaction account, and then compare what each bank has to offer.
When you are looking at savings accounts offered by The Big Four, make sure you take the following features into account:
Interest rates will help determine how quickly your savings can grow. Look at the base variable rate of the account to determine which ones have the best value. With The Big Four, each one offers a savings account that pays bonus interest for meeting specific terms. Check this rate as well, and add it to the base to see how much interest you will really be earning.
| Bank Account | Savings account variable interest rate | Account conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Westpac eSaver | Maximum variable rate of 1.66% | First 5 months only, then reverting to 0.10% p.a. |
| ANZ Online Saver | Maximum variable rate of 1.60% | First 3 months only, then reverting to 0.10% |
| NAB Reward Saver | Maximum variable interest rate of 1.50% | Must make no withdrawals and at least one deposit a month. |
| CommBank NetBank Saver | Maximum variable interest rate of1.65% p.a. | First 5 months only, reverting to 0.10% |
The terms for earning the bonus rate should play a big role in the account you choose because if you don’t meet them, you will only earn the base rate for that month. For example, with Westpac, you need to make at least a $50 deposit and have no withdrawals to get the bonus rate, while CommBank requires that you grow your savings by at least $200 but allow one withdrawal. Since the base rates are typically very low, you will want to ensure that you are able to meet these terms before investing your savings.
The Big Four banks all have Internet and mobile access, so it comes down to who offers the simplest online or mobile banking experience. CommBank's NetBank has arguably been voted the best. Look into the apps as well to ensure that they are compatible with your mobile device if you like banking on the go.
The easiest way to stop receiving telemarketing phone calls from banks or any other company is by joining the Do Not Call Register. This service, run by the government, adds your home and/or mobile phone number to a blacklist that prohibits companies from calling them unsolicited.
finder.com.au provides up-to-date reviews of these accounts, highlighting the features and benefits to help make your comparisons easier.
That depends on the institutions and their policies.
You have to look closely at the fine print. Some banks will lump the two together when advertising, but the base rate will usually be listed as a low variable rate, with the bonus rate significantly higher.
Our CBA business bank account has been cmpromised by online fraud more than once and I am not satisfied with the bank. Which bank is the most secure in this area please?
Hi David,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Sorry to hear your experience with CBA. Each banks have their own unique way of securing their customers’ accounts. And while the chances of a major Australian bank going bust are a lot rarer than they may have been in the past – the Australian Government even guarantees deposits of up to $250,000 in authorised deposit-taking institutions – in a world where online-only banks and lenders are on the rise, it’s just as important as ever to make sure you deal with a bank you can trust.
I suggest that you contact your chosen bank about their security feature to help you decide on changing banks then.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am now resident in the UK but have inherited funds in Australia – presently sitting in an account at 0.5%. I have relatives in Australia but no permanent residential address. Are there any accounts that will give a better return for a non-resident? Term deposits are not allowed by my present bank.
Hi Tecmanarthur,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
Please click on this link to be routed to our Finder page on “Compare savings accounts for expats and residents on a temporary visa”. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
Hi, we want to invest $150,000 in a term deposit to give us the best interest rate, prefer 6 monthly, don’t mind if it is an advance notice etc.
Hi Rsibs,
Thank you for leaving a question.
You may click on this link to compare a panel of banks that offer a 6 month term deposit account. You may also compare the different interest rates that each bank provides via this page. Kindly review and compare your options on the table displaying the available providers. Once you have chosen a particular provider, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with the application or get in touch with their representatives for further inquiries you may have.
Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
I’m referring to the NAB’s savings interest rate, this appears to be an introductory rate for 4 months. Can’t find what it reverts to after.
Hello Lyn,
Thank you for your comment.
You may be referring to the NAB iSaver wherein the Maximum Variable Rate is 2.55% p.a. (combined Standard Variable Rate of 0.50% p.a. and Bonus Variable Rate of 2.05% p.a.) for the first 4 months on balances up to $20,000,000. This will revert to 0.50% p.a. after the introductory period.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hi
Which one of the big 4 banks offers easiest bank opening procedure, with no service service charges on having a current (no interest ) account? I only wish to open an account with no long list of documents requirement, a debit card and no fee for keeping current account . Thanks
Hi MN,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Typically, opening a bank account is free and simple. You can either do it via online and in-person. Just be prepared with the docs like proof of identification and TFN. But best to check with the bank first the full requirements so you can open the account quickly. As to bank accounts with no fees, please refer to this page to compare your options and click on the ‘Go to site’ button to find out the requirements.
Cheers,
May
How do I find out which banks and building societies covered by the ADI are the same brand. For example I want to invest $200,000 in 4 places in term deposits or savings accounts so that the $800,000 will be covered by the ADI. Would it be ok to go for Commonwealth Bank, Ing, Bankwest and St George or are some of these the same brand?
Hi Anne,
Thank you for your inquiry.
We have a handy guide that might help you. This guide explains which brands are owned by the big 4 banks in Australia. As for ownership of building societies, it’s not common for multiple credit union brands to be owned by the one holding company. Acquisitions and mergers are common, but usually one company rebrands as the other.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Which banks, both the big 4 and outside the big 4, are the best for home-loans?
Hi Kim,
Thanks for your question. As a comparison website, we are unable to name a bank that stands out for its home loan products since banks as well as non-bank lenders have different home loan offers packed with benefits and features. It’s up to you to decide which one works best for you based on the features your looking for, purpose of your home loan, your eligibility and the costs that you have to pay. You may refer to our guide here for some tips on choosing a home loan that suits your needs.
Cheers,
Liezl
I currently have an account with ANZ, but speaking with various people, apparently, there are other banks that offer higher interest rates for accounts such as progress savers.
Hi Em,
Thanks for your inquiry.
You can find and compare High Interest Saving Accounts here. Upon arriving at the page, you can search for the best option by filling in information such as Initial Deposit, Monthly Deposit and Period. You may now hit the calculate button to view the results of your search.
Hope this information helped.
Cheers,
Arnold
HI there
I am thinking to buy a house in 3-4 years time and want to change bank but now sure which bank is best for small money.
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Should you have long term plans you may want to consider a long term deposit.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
what bank is best out of the top 4 to open up a securities account?
Hi David,
Thank you for contacting finder. We are a comparison website and general information service, we’re more than happy to offer general advice.
All 4 of these banks hold over 80% of loans in Australia and many borrowers perceive banking with them as completely safe. I would suggest ticking the boxes for all four options on the table and then click on “compare”, that way you can see a side-by-side comparison of all their features making it easier to choose which one would suit your needs.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Danielle