Compare super funds

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AustralianSuper - Pre-mixed, Balanced option

AustralianSuper is an award-winning industry super fund and the largest super fund in Australia. The Balanced fund invests in a mix of different assets like shares, property and cash.

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What are the different types of super funds?

Your employer pays superannuation into your chosen super fund, where it's then invested on your behalf to help it grow. The super fund you choose will impact how much that money will grow.

You have 2 main choices to make with your super: choosing a super fund, then choosing the investment option under that fund.

Types of super funds

These are the main types of super funds you can choose from:

• Industry super funds: These funds usually focus on a particular industry but are open to all Australians. Popular examples include AustralianSuper and Hostplus. They are not-for-profit, so all profits go back into the fund to benefit new and existing members.
• Retail super funds: These are funds that are owned by a bank, insurance provider or another type of large financial institution. Some examples are BT Super (owned by Westpac) and Colonial First State (owned by CommBank). They are for-profit funds so profits are split between members and shareholders. Because they're owned by large financial institutions, retail funds often offer financial advice services to members.
• Member-owned funds: These are similar to industry funds, however they're not part of the official Industry Super Funds group. Plus, some of these funds might be reserved for people in a particular state or industry.

Once you've chosen the type of fund you want, consider how you want the fund to invest your money with that fund. Yu might not be bothered which fund your with, which is completely fine. It's more important to compare the actual super investment products rather than the fund itself.

Your superannuation investment options

There are 2 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 is the most common option)

This option requires the least amount of your input 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.

When you join the fund you'll initially be placed in its default product option which is called the MySuper product. This is the standard super option that is designed to suit most members, and it's where the majority of Australians have their super invested. However, if you do want to choose a different super investment option you can easily do this once you've joined the fund (or any time after this!).

If you don't want to go with the default option, the alternative super investment options are usually based around risk level, for example:

• conservative
• balanced
• growth
• high growth

The default MySuper option is usually between a balanced and high-growth level of risk, which is ideal for most members.

Some funds offer a pre-made ethical investment option too.

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 that usually invests in 6 or 7 asset classes, you might just want to invest in shares and property and nothing else. 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 1 asset class if you wanted to with this option.

Why you should compare super funds

In a nutshell, a better super fund will help you retire with more money. The more money you have in your super, the more financially comfortable you'll be in retirement.

Each super fund charges 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.

How to compare super funds

Consider the following when you're comparing super funds in the comparison table above:

• Look for low fees. A general rule of thumb is to make sure the fees are less than 1% of the value of your super balance in fees per year (so for a $50,000 balance, annual fees around $500 or less are relatively low).
• Look for high past performance figures. When looking at past performance, make sure to look at the 5 and 10-year performance instead of only looking at the past 1 year's performance. You want to look for a fund that has high performance over the medium to long term.
• An investment strategy you understand and agree with. Some funds offer life stage investment options, meaning they'll adjust your investments for you as you get older so you're not taking on too much risk. Similarly, a balanced fund will invest your money in a range of different things to ensure you're not "putting all your eggs in one basket". These aim to provide good returns while still protecting your super from big market crashes. Choose whichever strategy you think is right for you and your super.
• Consider ethical investing (if it's important to you). Choose funds that offer a sustainable or ethical investment option if this is something you're passionate about.

Or for a little bit more help, take a look at our picks of the best super funds to see if any of these is right for you.

What should you look for in a super fund?

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."

How can you help your super grow?

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!"

Almost ready to switch? Here's what to do before switching super funds

Do you already have a super fund and you're looking to switch to a new fund? Here are a few things to do first.

• Check your super balance. When you're switching funds it's a great time to check your super balance and make sure all your recent super contributions have been made successfully. Take a look at your contributions over the last 12 months and make sure you've received all the payments you're entitled to from your employer. You should receive contributions from your employer at least 4 times a year.
• Check your insurance cover. Check the insurance cover you're currently receiving, and make sure the new fund you're switching to has a similar level of cover. Or, if you don't think you need any cover, you can opt out of insurance altogether when switching to the new fund.
• Check for any lost super. Now's a perfect time to look for any lost super you might have. You could have some missing super if you've worked at several different jobs. You can look for any lost super via myGov online, and bring it over into your new fund.
• Let your employer know. Lastly, once you've switched super funds make sure you let your employer know right away so they can pay your next super guarantee payment to the correct fund.

Comparing super funds and switching is a quick, easy process (we promise!)

The table above can help you compare super funds and find 1 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 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 transfer your super as soon as possible. You don't even need to contact your old fund. If you need a bit more help, see our guide on how to change super funds for a detailed process.

What next?

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.

Frequently asked questions

• How can I help my super balance grow?

  You can grow your superannuation in a number of ways, including employer contributions, concessional and non-concessional contributions, government contributions and salary sacrifice.

  If you want to grow your super balance, read our guide on the 6 ways you can help grow your superannuation.

• How do government super contributions work?

  If you are eligible for either of these, they will happen automatically if you meet the requirements. It is unnecessary for you to apply directly for them.

  The 2 main ways the government might help grow your super are:

  • Co-contributions. The government may pay up to $500 per year into your super fund, equal to an amount that is up to 50% of your voluntary super contributions. This may be available if you earn less than $51,813 per year (after tax), and might be especially beneficial if you earn less than $36,813 per year. See the full co-contribution eligibility requirement and how it works.

  • LISTO. This is the low income superannuation tax offset. Eligible individuals who earn less than $37,000 per year may get up to $500 per year bonus superannuation contributions, generally meant to make sure you aren't unfairly paying more tax on your super than your take-home pay.

• How is super taxed?

  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.

• How do I check my super balance?

  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 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 see your current super balance by logging into your myGov account online.

• I've just started a new job. How do I set up my super?

  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 1. 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 based on your age. Most major retail and industry funds offer a MySuper product.