A savings account with bonus interest can help you save more money, faster. They offer extra interest each month you meet some conditions, like depositing money or limiting withdrawals.
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How the Finder Score helps you find a better savings account
The Finder Score is a simple score out of 10. The higher a savings account's score, the better we think it is for the average customer.
We score each savings account in our database of hundreds based on a data-driven methodology with 2 main criteria: Does the account offer a high interest rate? And is it easy for savers to actually earn that rate?
A bonus saver account is a high interest savings account that rewards you with extra interest when you meet the account conditions. These can also be known as incentive saver accounts or reward saver accounts as they incentivise you to save, and reward you with bonus interest.
They offer a standard interest rate which you'll get ongoing each month regardless, then a bonus interest rate which you'll get when you meet the conditions.
Bonus savings account conditions
Each bonus savings account will have different conditions to meet, some will be more complex than others. The conditions usually include one or a few of the following:
Deposit a minimum amount of money per month (this can range from $20 to $2,000)
Make no withdrawals from the account, or limit your withdrawals to a set amount
Link the savings account to an everyday transaction account with the same bank
Make a certain number of transactions per month
Keep your savings balance above a certain level
Grow your savings balance each month by a certain amount
The conditions to earn bonus interest vary greatly from bank to bank, so it's important to regularly compare savings accounts to ensure you're always getting the best deal.
What if you don't meet the conditions?
If you haven't met the conditions for one month, you'll earn the standard or base variable rate instead for that month.
This is usually really low – sometimes even 0% p.a.
For instance, the standard rate could be 0.35% while the bonus rate is 5.2%.
If you don't meet the conditions and you have a balance of $10,000 saved, you'd get $2.90 instead of $29.
Will I be eligible for the bonus interest again the following month?
Yes, every month your conditions reset, so any month you meet the conditions, you'll be able to receive the bonus interest.
If you find you're always failing to meet the conditions, a savings account with no conditions could suit you better and allow you to earn a better interest rate.
How I earn bonus interest
"My savings account requires I deposit $1,000 per month to earn the bonus rate. This is easy for me to achieve as I get my monthly salary into this account, so I don't have to think about it.
But if I wasn't earning a regular salary, for example if I was a freelancer, worked casually or a sole trader, I'd consider a savings account with a lower monthly deposit condition instead."
Features to look for in an bonus interest saver account
A high bonus interest rate
Each bank will offer different bonus interest rates, so look for one that offers a high bonus interest rate. The better the interest rate is, the quicker your balance will grow.
Deposit conditions you can easily meet
Sometimes the deposit conditions are quite strict, requiring you to deposit high amounts each month in order to earn the bonus interest rate. Others are a lot easier, with some accounts only requiring you to deposit $20 a month. Whatever the conditions are, make sure you're realistic when considering the deposit requirements. If you can't meet the conditions, you won't earn the bonus rate anyway.
Withdrawal conditions that suit you
Some banks will not allow any withdrawals in the month, while with others, you’re free to make withdrawals as long as you essentially return that money by meeting a monthly growth total. For example, if the goal is to save $200 in a month, and you withdraw $50, you will need to deposit at least $250 into the account before the month finishes in order to qualify for the bonus interest.
A good, no-fee linked bank account
Some of these accounts will be accessible only through a linked transaction account with the same bank, while others can be opened as a standalone account. If you do need to link the account to a bank account with the same bank, check that account doesn't charge fees.
A balance limit that works with your balance
Bonus saver accounts will only pay bonus interest on balances of a certain size. Some accounts pay bonus interest on balance up to $50,000, while others pay bonus interest on balances of $250,000 or even more.
Introductory versus ongoing bonus rates
There are two types of bonus savings accounts: introductory bonus offers or ongoing bonus offers. With an introductory bonus savings account, the bonus rate is offered for a set period of time after opening the account (usually the first 4 months). There are usually no conditions to meet to earn this bonus rate as it's only available for a limited time. After that, you'll get the standard rate and usually with no monthly conditions to meet.
Ongoing bonus rate accounts instead offer bonus interest ongoing each month that you meet the account conditions. So while there are conditions to meet to earn the bonus interest, you can continue to earn it month after month for as long as you have the account (and meet the conditions!).
Bonus saver accounts versus term deposits
Term deposits are another type of savings account, however they're quite different to a bonus saver account. Firstly, your money in a term deposit is locked away for the duration of the term length that you choose, which can be anywhere from 3 months to 5 years. If you want to access the money earlier you'll need to give 31 days notice, and will likely pay a penalty or lose some of your interest. Bonus savings accounts allow you to access your money instantly if you need it. However, depending on the account conditions, you might not qualify for bonus interest that month if you do make a withdrawal.
Another difference is that term deposit rates are fixed, meaning they won't change until your term length ends. Bonus savings accounts have variable rates, meaning they can change at any time. A term deposit is more of a 'set and forget' option that requires very little effort after it's opened, whereas a bonus saver will require you to meet ongoing conditions each month.
Pros and cons of bonus savings accounts
Pros
Higher interest rate. Bonus saver accounts give you a higher interest rate than standard savings accounts.
No fees. Savings accounts do not have monthly account keeping fees.
Motivation to save. You may find having a set monthly goal makes it easier to stay on track.
Cons
Conditions might be hard. You may find it hard to continually meet the terms of a bonus saver account on a month to month basis.
Avoid withdrawals. A lot of bonus saver accounts restrict withdrawals, which can be hard if unexpected expenses pop up.
Frequently asked questions
This is the same thing as a bonus saver account. It's often referred to as an incentive saver, because the bonus interest provides a good incentive to save.
Yes, with a bonus saver account each month starts fresh, which gives you the opportunity to earn the bonus interest the following month if you were unable to satisfy the conditions the previous month.
In most instances, you will need a transaction account with the same lender in order to apply for their bonus saver account. However, there are some that will allow the nominated account to be with an external bank. The transaction account allows you to transfer money to and from your account without having to visit a branch.
If you qualify, the bonus interest is applied to the balance of the month immediately following the one that met the conditions. So if you meet the account conditions in June, you'll be paid your bonus interest in July. However, please note that interest payments made do not count as a part of a deposit.
Currently, 8% interest rates on savings are not available from Aussie banks. High interest rates of this level are more common in riskier investment products rather than traditional savings accounts.
The bank with the highest savings interest rate can change frequently, so it is important to compare current offers. Finder regularly updates rates here.
Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards.
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