
AustralianSuper is an industry super fund and Australia's largest super fund. Its Balanced option is one of the top-performing funds for 10-year returns.
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There's no better time than the present to get your super sorted. Your superannuation is your money, and it's up to you which super fund you're with. There are more than 100 super funds to choose from, and they all charge different fees and achieve different investment returns on your money. This means you can save a lot of money by comparing.
Use our table below to compare a range of leading super funds by looking at their past performance returns and annual fees. In terms of performance figures, you want these to be high. And for fees, the lower the better.
You want to look for a super fund with low fees and high returns. But it's easier to do this when you have a better sense of what fees are considered low and what performance figures are considered to be high.
As a point of reference when you're comparing funds, here are the average fees and returns for default MySuper funds:
This data is based on a member aged 35 as of June 2020, and is according to leading superannuation research firm Chant West.
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*Past performance data is for the period ending June 2020.
Superannuation is likely to be your most-valuable financial asset when you retire. If you're not exactly sure what it is, don't worry, you're certainly not alone.
Finder data shows that 40% of Australians have little or no understanding of what superannuation is and how it works. Less than one quarter of us say we understand it perfectly.
In fact, the terms 'superannuation' and 'what is superannuation' are searched in Google 60,000 times a month by Australians looking for clear, helpful information on getting their super sorted (perhaps that's how you got here yourself!). We've put together this guide to help you do just that; get your super sorted.
Superannuation is the main way of saving for your retirement in Australia. we won't all be able to rely on the aged pension when we retire, so you need to make sure your super is enough.
The idea is by putting aside a small chunk of your earnings throughout your working life from the day you start your first job, you should have enough money to live on when you retire without needing government assistance. Without superannuation, you'll need to rely on your personal savings and investments when you retire, which may not be enough money to live on.
However, this isn't to say that everyone will retire with the same amount of super. A number of factors will impact how much super you have including the fund you're with, if you make extra contributions or not, how much money you earn and whether or not you take extended time out of the workforce.
Employers are legally required to pay a certain percentage of your annual salary or earnings into your super fund each year. Currently it's set at 9.5% of your annual earnings. So for example if you earn $100,000 a year at your job your employer must contribute $9,500 to your chosen super fund. This money in your super fund is then invested into a range of different assets like shares, commodities, property and cash on your behalf by the super fund investment team.
Your super benefits from compounded investment returns over your working life to help it grow. When you're retired you can start withdrawing the money to fund your lifestyle and expenses when you're no longer earning an income from work.
There are a few situations where employees are not legally required to pay you any superannuation, including:
You have two main choices to make with your super; which fund to go with and what investment option to choose within that fund. Let's take a look at the types of funds available, and then the different investment options within them.
The main types of super funds you can choose between are:
Once you've chosen the type of fund you want, you need to consider how you want your money invested by that fund.
There are two main options available for how your super is managed. The option you choose will depend on the level of day-to-day control you want to have over your super, and how hands on you wish to be.
Option 1: Pre-made investment portfolio
This option requires the least amount of work to manage. It's also the option where the majority of Australians have their super invested, and all the funds in our comparison table above are pre-made super investment portfolios.
Super funds offer a range of pre-made investment portfolios to members that are completely managed for you by their investment teams. These portfolios will invest in a mix of different assets including local and international shares, property, unlisted assets, fixed interest and cash. All you need to do is select which pre-made option to go with and your fund will do the rest.
The different super investment options are usually based around risk level, for example 'balanced', 'growth', 'high growth' or 'conservative'. Some funds also offer a pre-made ethical investment option too. Most funds even offer a default pre-made investment option (often called a MySuper option), so you don't even need to choose between the different options if you don't want to.
Option 2: Build-your-own investment portfolio
If you want to be more hands-on with your super (but don't want to go so far as opening a self managed super fund), this is a good option. Many super funds will allow you to build your own investment portfolio by selecting a range of single asset classes to invest in.
For example, instead of a pre-made portfolio which usually invests in 6-7 asset classes, you might just want to invest in shares and property. So, you'd select the individual asset classes for shares and property, and the investment manages would do the rest (that is, they'd still pick the actual stocks to buy, not you). Or, you could even opt for 100% of your super to be invested in one asset class if you wanted to with this option.
There are lots reasons to compare super funds. Basically, a better super fund will help you retire with more money. The more money you have in your super, the more comfortable retirement you'll be able to live.
You need to compare super funds as they all charge different fees, and they all invest your super in different ways. This is why some super funds have better long-term performance than others. Comparing super funds early on in your working life can save you thousands of dollars in fees and help you retire with a lot more money.
Consider the following when you're comparing super funds in the comparison table above:
Or for a little bit more help, take a look at our picks of the best super funds to see if one of these is right for you.
Each super comparison site takes a slightly different approach to superannuation comparison. Finder gives you the total annual fee on a $50,000 balance in a dollar figure to help make it easier to compare super funds; presenting the fees in a percentage figure is less transparent and doesn't always make it clear what you'll be paying. The fees and performance figures in Finder's superannuation comparison table are powered by leading superannuation research firm Chant West, ensuring the information is always accurate and up-to-date.
Finder offers a detailed overview of each fund we compare completely free of charge, by clicking on the fund name in the comparison table. Finder does make money when you click through to some of the super funds listed (learn more about this here), however we've also showcased a number of leading and smaller funds that we have no commercial partnership with at all, to help you compare and find the right fund for you.
Noel Whittaker is a leading personal finance expert, author and journalist.
"You should be looking to join a super fund which will be your friend for life, so as well as high performance, look at the range of options available in every aspect.
The more transparent the fund, and the more simple the process, the better it is. Make sure your account will be online so you can look at your fund and change strategies any time you wish."
Nicole Pederson-McKinnon is a leading personal finance expert, author and journalist.
"Your super needs looking after like your plants but, better still, YOU don't even have to supply the water... your employer does that! What you need to supply is the perfect growth conditions, which is easy.
You need a fund with low fees and a decent long-term track record, and you need to choose the investment option that is right for your age and risk appetite: the younger you are, the more growth assets you can safely hold. And a bit of extra water / money when you can afford it sure wouldn't hurt!"
Do you already have a super fund and you're looking to switch to a new fund? Here's a few things to do first.
The table above can help you compare super funds and find one that's right for you. Once you've decided on a new fund, you'll be pleased to know that switching is quick and easy to do.
You can apply to join a new fund by completing the online application form. You'll need to fill in your personal details, select your investment option (you only have to do this if you want to, most Australians are in the default option) and the insurance cover you want. you'll also need to give the details of your employer and your old super fund, if you want to bring your super over into the new fund. This shouldn't take you any longer than 30 minutes to do.
Once you've submitted the form, the super fund will take it from there and do all the work for you. They'll set up your new fund and even contact your old fund to make sure all your super is transferred over as soon as possible. You don't even need to contact your old fund. If you need a bit more help, see our how to change super funds guide for a detailed step-by-step process.
Now that you understand how superannuation works and the different types of funds available, it's time to compare. Head to our comparison table at the top of this page to compare super funds, and click "Go to Site" if you'd like to open an account or learn more about the fund.
You can grow your superannuation in a number of ways including employer contributions, concessional and non-concessional contributions, Governmnet contributions and via salary sacrifice.
If you want to grow your super balance, read our guide on the six ways you can help grow your superannuation.
The two main ways the government might help grow your super are:
Superannuation is designed to help Australians save for retirement, so it’s taxed at a much lower rate than your regular income. Super is taxed at 15%, compared to your regular income which can be taxed as high as 45% depending on your income.
You gain the tax benefit through concessional contributions, such as your employer paying you the superannuation guarantee or if you choose to contribute extra to your super out of your pre-taxed income. However, the amount you can add to your super each year to get the tax benefit is capped.
At the very least, super funds are required to send you account statements twice a year which will outline all the contributions made into your account, the fund’s performance and the fees you’ve paid.
However, it’s important to look at your super more than twice a year. Most funds will have an online portal you can log into and see an up-to-date transaction history for your account. This is also where you can make any changes to your insurance cover or investment strategy, if you’re not satisfied with how it’s performing. Some funds also offer a dedicated mobile app so you can keep track of your super on the go, like you would a normal bank account.
You can also see your current super balance by logging into your myGov account online.
When you start a new job, you’ll need to supply your new employer with your Tax File Number, and they will provide you with a form to fill out your superannuation fund details. You can find all the necessary details, such as your fund account number and membership number on your latest account summary or via the online portal. If you’re not sure how to access this, give your fund a call and ask for some assistance getting the details you need.
If you don’t yet have a super fund (for example if it’s your first job) you’ll have the opportunity to select one. If you don’t wish to select your own, employers are required to offer a default fund option called a MySuper fund. A MySuper fund is a basic super fund, with relatively standard fees and an investment strategy that is based on your age. Most major retail and industry funds offer a MySuper product.
Alison Banney is the banking and investments editor at Finder. She has written about finance for over seven years, with her work featured on sites including Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine and Dynamic Business. She has previously worked at Westpac, and has written for several other major banks including BCU, Greater Bank and Gateway Credit Union. Alison has a Bachelor of Communications from Newcastle University, with a double major in Journalism and Public Relations. She has ASIC RG146 compliance certificates for Financial Advice, Securities and Managed Investments and Superannuation. Outside of Finder, you’ll likely find her somewhere near the ocean.
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Where does Equip rank with the other super funds?
Hi Phil,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
As of this writing, we do not have a review page about Equip Super. In one of their blogs in 2016, they were ranked 2nd in Australia for super transparency. Some of the most well known industry super funds include, AustralianSuper, HESTA, Sunsuper and Hostplus.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
My daughter is a member of 2 super funds. Both have insurance for death and TPD. Are both funds obliged to pay out in the case of death? She is looking at consolidation into one super fund as well in the future to save on fees and insurance costs.
Hi Gary,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Yes, she can receive payment from both policies if your daughter satisfy the conditions of both policies.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am 80 yo and not satisfied with the fees and retuins from my current super and am looking to change to an Inddustry fund and am looking at Hostplus , Aust super and Virgin . What do you suggest.
Hi Wayne.
Thanks for getting in touch! As each person has unique situations, we are not able to suggest one industry fund for you. Our page above shows a list of superfunds and as you have chosen your top 3, the next step you can take is review what they offer as well as their terms and conditions to make sure it fits your needs. To read about the brand, click their name and it will direct you to our review page about them and if you want to go directly to their page, you may search their brand name on any web browser. Hope this helps!
Best,
Nikki
I will be retiring in 3 months, and my superannuation is with a major bank. Can I move to an industry fund at the same time as I change from accumulation to pension phase?
Hi Grahame,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Pension phase or retirement phase is the period during which a super fund pays a superannuation income stream or pension, and the earnings (including capital gains) on those pension assets are exempt from tax. The alternative to a retirement phase is the accumulation phase (and earnings are subject to 15% earnings tax in accumulation phase).
You can move your superannuation to an industry fund and just verify with them if you can have it to a pension phase.
You may want to go through our guide to learn more about choosing the right super fund.
I hope this helps.
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any other enquiries.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
I am with legal super, they have taken close to $100,000 out of my account since I stopped working 4 years ago. This seems to be excessive considering I know I selected low risk investments. How should I approach this issue?
Hi Rebecca,
Thanks for getting in touch.
If you think you’re paying high fees and costs, it would be best to contact and confirm with Legal Super directly to find out what they are charging you. You can also check with them other important factors like returns, risk and the services the fund provides.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Do all super funds have transition to retirement and if not is there anything that can be done about it?
Hi Sonny,
Thank you for your comment.
Not all super funds have a transition to retirement features. You may check our guide on returning to work after retirement for more details.
Types of accumulation funds are listed above.
If you currently have a defined benefit fund and wish to get an accumulated one, you can change the fund. Please seek professional advise before switching because once you get out, you can’t switch back to a defined benefit fund. I hope this helps.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Hi, I am going through a little bit of research about finding a good super fund for my son who is just starting in the workforce, and have already realized we need advise. He is a BC as he is working in landscaping and I was wondering if anyone could help us with this complicated decision. Is there a super that looks after young investors with low fees and low insurance premiums allowing their money to grow? Who could help us out? Kindly appreciate any response.
Hi Vanessa,
Thank you for your inquiry.
You can check our superannuation guide for those who are starting their first job. While it’s important to look for a fund that charges low fees, it may also be good to consider what insurances you need, if any, included in your son’s super.
You can use the table on that page to compare each provider based on past performance for 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years including calculated fees p.a on a $50,000 balance. You may click the “More info” link to read further details about the key features of the super fund provider, their investment, and insurance options including the information you need if you want to join. If you want to see a side by side comparison for each, simply tick the “Compare” box below the logo. Once you are ready, just click the ‘Go to site’ button and open a super account from the main page of the provider.
When comparing your options, 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 before making a decision on which product is right for you.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold
Hi I’m wondering if you could help me out I’m in a bad position for a long time now and I’m not having any luck in being able to get out of it I’ve got a crappy credit rating and at the moment well for about 3 1/2 years I’ve been unable to secure work so my hole just keeps getting bigger I’ve got 2 super funds both with the same sort of amount in them
So I’m wanting to have about $8,000 released from one of them but Centerlink is more concerned with putting me further in debt and on the street with my daughters who are 11 years old and 14 years old and in doing this we would loose everything we have to our names and truthfully we can not go through that again as we lost every thing we had and we also have had to Come to terms with loosing my baby boy who was 3 years old this all happened in a house fire and now since the break down of my marriage and my ex wife leaving and abandoning my daughters we are on the verge of being homeless and with out any thing I’ve had to sell my tools of my trade my vehicle has given up andblue
Thanks for your time I
And I’m hoping for mine and my daughters sake I hope that you are able to help us with this
Hi Glen,
Thanks for reaching out and I’m sorry to hear about your difficult situation right now.
Basically, your super fund cannot be accessed early if you have not reached the preservation age, not unless your reason for access is one of the following:
– Certain compassionate grounds, like to prevent the foreclosure of your home, paying medical bills, disability expenses or covering funeral costs
– Serious financial hardship, including to cover reasonable immediate living expenses for your family, such as loan repayments, rent arrears, car repairs, medical costs and overdue bills
– In the event of you being temporarily or permanently incapacitated
– If you are diagnosed with a terminal disease or injury
In the meantime, in case you may want to reconsider looking for a lender who might offer you a loan, please check our list of loans for unemployed applications. Though the amount you can borrow and your approval would be on a case by case basis depending on the lender, so best to get in touch with them before you submit your application to discuss your options/eligibility.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May
Hi – are you able to send me a list of all Brisbane based super funds? I can see all fund but can narrow the search to Brisbane based only. I am interested in funds that have a head office in Brisbane only.
Thanks very much for your help.
Hello David,
Thank you for your question.
Unfortunately, listings can’t be filtered by state. But rest-assured the ones we provided on the website can be opened by anyone in Australia.
I hope that helps.
Cheers,
Harold
Hi i ‘ve got a problem that i transfer my money error to my superannuation when i’m doing online transfer. Could you please help me to find out any solution? If you need more detail, i can provide you.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thanks
Regard,
Elly
Hi Elly,
Thanks for your enquiry.
I’ve sent you an email to gain further clarification regarding this transfer.
Thanks,
Belinda