Australian Retirement Trust was a big winner in the 2026 Finder Awards.
Full list of 2026 super winners
When joining this fund you'll automatically be invested in the Lifecycle option which invests your super according to your age. After joining you can switch your investment option at any time.
The information in this table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 421445. In limited instances, where data is not available from SuperRatings for a product, the data is provided directly by the superannuation fund.
*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending September 2026
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There are 3 ways to invest depending on how hands-on you want to be with your super. These options are detailed below:
When you apply to become a member the fund will automatically place you in its Lifecycle investment strategy (MySuper) option. Your super will be managed for you, and will be invested in a High Growth fund for the majority of your working life. It'll then gradually reduce your exposure to growth assets as you get closer to retirement.
| Lifestage options | Risk | Asset allocation |
|---|---|---|
| High Growth Pool Members will be invested in the High Growth option until they're 50, which aims for high growth over the medium to long term. It invets almost entirely in growth assets, with only a very small exposure to cash. | Medium to high |
|
| Balanced Pool From age 50 to 60 your investments are gradually transitioned from the High Growth Pool to the Balanced Pool and Cash Pool on a monthly basis. | Medium |
|
| Cash Pool When you're aged 65 and over you'll be invested 80% in the Balanced Pool and 20% in the Cash option. The Cash option itself is a 100% defensive portfolio with no exposure to growth assets. | Very low |
|
If you'd prefer a bit more choice with your super, you can choose from one of these diversified options.
This is for members who want to be hands-on with their super. You can choose to invest your balance in just one single asset option, or a mix of up to 10.
Members will automatically receive access to death and total and permanent disability assist cover, and have the option to increase cover and add income protection insurance, provided you meet some basic criteria.
The amount of death and TPD assist cover you will receive with your account will depend on your age and the type of cover. You also have the option to increase your level of cover, should you wish to do so.
The cost of your cover will depend on your age and gender and the cost will change with your age over time. Premiums are calculated weekly and are deducted from your account each month. Once you are retired, you can continue your insurance cover as long as you continue to hold a Super-savings account (with a minimum account balance of $1,500).
Example Death and TPD Assist cover levels and cost (standard cover):
| Your age | Death cover | TPD Assist cover | Cost per week – Male | Cost per week – Female |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 -21 | $62,500 | $125,000 | $4.12 | $2.40 |
| 22-29 | $125,000 | $175,000 | $7.32 | $4.60 |
| 30-33 | $250,000 | $250,000 | $13.40 | $8.39 |
| 35 | $240,000 | $240,000 | $13.40 | $8.39 |
| 45 | $132,000 | $132,000 | $15.84 | $11.32 |
| 55 | $42,000 | $42,000 | $15.84 | $11.32 |
| 65-66 | $16,000 | $16,000 | $15.84 | $11.32 |
Insurance offered is provided by AIA Australia Limited.
Note: there may be exclusions and/or restrictions which apply to your insurance cover. Check the "Insurance Guide" available via the Australian Retirement Trust website.
You can join this fund by completing the online application form.
Make sure you have:
The average super balance is $154,350. Compare your super balance against the average balance for your age group to see if yours is on track.
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I have Australian super fund i like to change to a retirement fund with income from the earnings what are the steps to do that or what are the procedures thank you
Hi Fady,
To transfer your Australian superannuation fund to a retirement phase account, you’ll need to either start a Transition to Retirement (TTR) income stream or an account-based pension, depending on your retirement status. You’ll need to contact your super fund to arrange this so your best bet is to give them a call. Hope this helps!
I have been retired for a few years now and have been with my present super fund for quite a number of years. My super is with BT Panorama Super-Pension and being looked after by a company called Viridian Advisory.
How do I switch my super to another organisation because I feel my fees are extremely high?Is it quite an easy process?
Hi Melville,
Once you find a new fund it’s quite simple. Your advisor should be able to do it for you, but if not you can apply for a new super fund and then transfer the balance from your old fund to the new fund.
You can transfer your super balance to a new fund via the Australian Tax Office when you log in via MyGov. Or the new fund may have an online application you can complete and they will handle it for you.
I hope this helps.
Currently, my superannuation fund is with Macquarie Wrap. I requested an early release of lump sum for financial hardship, (within one calendar year), which was refused. I now want to switch superfunds. If I join your fund, is there a waiting period before I could draw the lump sum through your company?
Hi Sanjeewa,
You will need to contact ART directly to get more information about early release of funds. Please note that funds can only let you withdraw funds early in very specific circumstances, by law.
This guide from the ATO has more information.
I have been a member of QSuper since 1989
But it has really gone downhill since being taken over by ART
I particularly want the equivalent of the old QSuper Self Invest option which ART seem to be actively trying to shut down!
Is there another Australian Industry Fund that has an option to invest in your choice of Shares, ETFs, Fixed Interest etc?
Thanks
Andrew
Hi Andrew, While many funds will let you focus your investments in particular sectors, it’s rare to see a fund that actively lets you choose individual shares to invest in. If you’re keen on that strategy, you might want to consider a , though this will be more time consuming.
I have an SMSF that is not performing well. Can i transfer the fund to another fund
Hi Prasad,
Yes you can definitely change your super fund, this guide can walk you through the process.
Best of luck!