Australian Retirement Trust | Performance, features and fees
QSuper and Sunsuper have merged to create Australian Retirement Trust. It offers a large range of different investment options, including an ethical option and a MySuper product.
Sunsuper and QSuper merged on 28 February 2022 to create Australian Retirement Trust. Existing members of Sunsuper will remain part of Australian Retirement Trust, and the superannuation investment products will remain the same.
Australian Retirement Trust (formerly Sunsuper) performance and fees
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 investment options offered are the same as those previously offered by Sunsuper.
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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 2024
What do Australians think of Australian Retirement Trust super fund?
3.96/5 overall for Customer Satisfaction — lower than the average of 4.06
4.22/5 for Trust — lower than the average of 4.45
3.99/5 for Customer Service — lower than the average of 4.07
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged)
Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged) won the 2024 Finder Award for best shares super fund with an unbeatable combination of low fees and strong performance over the last 10 years. Finder Superannuation Awards 2024.
What are the key features of Australian Retirement Trust?
Merger between Sunsuper and QSuper. Sunsuper and QSuper merged on 28 February 2022 to create Australian Retirement Trust. Anyone can join Australian Retirement Trust, however there are some eligibility criteria in order to join QSuper (which is part of Australian Retirement Trust).
Lifecycle investment strategy. This strategy is an ideal set-and-forget investment option as it adjusts in line with your age throughout your working life.
MySuper authorised. The Lifecycle investment option is the authorised default MySuper investment option.
Flexible insurance cover. Access to death and total and permanent disability assist cover, with the option to increase or decrease your cover and add income protection insurance.
19 different investment options. You can choose from a Lifecycle investment option, between a number of pre-mixed diversified options or create a build-your-own option.
Manage your super online or via a mobile app. Enjoy easy access to your super online or when you're out and about via the mobile app.
Sustainable investing. A pre-mixed, balanced socially conscious investment option is available.
Earn a Retirement Bonus. When you're ready to retire and switch over to a Income account, a retirement bonus may be paid on funds moved into your new account.
What investment options does Australian Retirement Trust (formerly Sunsuper) offer?
The Super Savings product (previously Sunsuper for Life) offers 3 ways to invest depending on how hands-on you want to be with your super. These options are detailed below:
Option 1: Lifecycle investment strategy
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 Balanced 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
Balanced Pool
Members will be invested in the Balanced option until they're 55, which aims for medium to long-term growth with a mix of growth and defensive assets.
Medium to high
Growth: 70%
Defensive: 30%
Retirement Pool
From age 55 to 65 your investments are gradually transitioned from the Balanced Pool to the Retirement and Cash Pools on a monthly basis.
Medium
Growth: 50%
Defensive: 50%
Cash Pool
When you're aged 65 and over you'll be invested 90% in the Retirement Pool and 10% in the Cash option. This is a 100% defensive portfolio with no exposure to growth assets.
Very low
Defensive: 100%
Option 2 Pre-mixed investment options
If you'd prefer a bit more choice with your super, you can choose from one of these diversified options.
Pre-mixed investment options
Risk
Asset allocation
High Growth
This is the highest-growth option, with more than 80% asset allocation to growth investments including shares.
High
Growth: 85%
Defensive: 15%
Balanced
This option has less exposure to growth assets compared to the Growth option. It's designed for members who want to generate wealth over the long term.
Medium to High
Growth: 70%
Defensive: 30%
Balanced – Index
This option is similar to the Balanced option but has exposure to a range of publicly traded assets which are invested in line with standard market indicies.
High
Growth: 75%
Defensive: 25%
Socially Conscious Balanced
This option avoids investment in companies that generate more than 5% of revenue from alcohol, tobacco, gambling, pornography, coal or nuclear power manufacturing among other harmful industries.
Medium to High
Growth: 70%
Defensive: 30%
Diversified Alternatives
This option provides greater exposure to unlisted investments and trading strategies.
Medium
Growth: 65%
Defensive: 35%
Retirement
This option is designed for members who are close to, or have reached retirement and has less exposure to growth assets, meaning less short-term volatility.
Medium
Growth: 50%
Defensive: 50%
Conservative
This option is designed for members who seek less volatile returns for their super while maintaining some growth exposure.
Low
Growth: 31%
Defensive: 69%
Option 3: Single asset class 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.
What insurance options does Australian Retirement Trust offer?
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.
How do I join Australian Retirement Trust?
You can join this fund by completing the online application form.
Make sure you have:
A spare 10 minutes
Your personal details, including your name, address, date of birth and contact information
Your tax file number (it's not compulsory to give a super fund your TFN, but without it your fund won't be able to accept certain types of contributions from you and your benefit payments may be taxed at a higher rate than would otherwise apply)
Your employer's details
Go to site
DISCLAIMER: This article may contain general advice. You should consider your own personal circumstances before deciding if a superannuation product is right for you. Superannuation is a long term investment and past performance is not indicative of future performance.
Alison Banney is the money editorial manager at Finder. She covers all areas of personal finance, and her areas of expertise are superannuation, banking and saving. She has written about finance for 10 years, having previously worked at Westpac and written for several other major banks and super funds. See full bio
Alison's expertise
Alison has written 626 Finder guides across topics including:
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Superannuation is the main way of saving for your retirement in Australia. Your superannuation is one big investment portfolio in your name that's managed for you by your super fund.
Conservative super funds are designed to protect your superannuation savings. These funds have more money invested in low-risk, defensive assets like cash, fixed interest and bonds and less money invested in shares.
Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and QSuper? We've compared their fees, investment options, performance and extras side by side to help you choose.
Trying to decide between AustralianSuper and Sunsuper? We've compared their fees, investment options, performance and extras side by side to help you choose.
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
Finder
AngusDecember 2, 2024Finder
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.
PrasadJuly 27, 2024
I have an SMSF that is not performing well. Can i transfer the fund to another fund
If I have say $2000000 in the Australian Shares Fund, what are your annual fees?
Finder
SarahJune 11, 2024Finder
Hi Sam,
We’re a review and comparison site, so we aren’t able to provide this information. Your best bet is to contact ART directly to discuss the options and potential fee discounts they’re willing to offer you.
cheers,
Sarah
RobertNovember 6, 2023
I would like to change from my current fund to your Super Fund ?? I have been retired for some years now and I’m not satisfied with my current fund as I’m sick and tired of loosing money !! A reply at your earliest convenience would be appreciated !!
Finder
SarahDecember 14, 2023Finder
Hi Robert,
We’re a review site and not affiliated with ART. To contact them about transferring to their fund, you can click on the green “go to site” button in the table, or call 13 11 84.
JerryAugust 27, 2018
How long will takes for a payment to be made since l have made my application for my payments 5 months ago and nothing happen?
Finder
JoshuaAugust 28, 2018Finder
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
If you are referring to your Sunsuper payment, it would be a good idea to ask the company directly. You need to make a follow up as your request might have been overlooked. Checking the status of your request would help you better know what happened to the payment.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
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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!
If I have say $2000000 in the Australian Shares Fund, what are your annual fees?
Hi Sam,
We’re a review and comparison site, so we aren’t able to provide this information. Your best bet is to contact ART directly to discuss the options and potential fee discounts they’re willing to offer you.
cheers,
Sarah
I would like to change from my current fund to your Super Fund ?? I have been retired for some years now and I’m not satisfied with my current fund as I’m sick and tired of loosing money !! A reply at your earliest convenience would be appreciated !!
Hi Robert,
We’re a review site and not affiliated with ART. To contact them about transferring to their fund, you can click on the green “go to site” button in the table, or call 13 11 84.
How long will takes for a payment to be made since l have made my application for my payments 5 months ago and nothing happen?
Hi Jerry,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder. I hope all is well with you. :)
If you are referring to your Sunsuper payment, it would be a good idea to ask the company directly. You need to make a follow up as your request might have been overlooked. Checking the status of your request would help you better know what happened to the payment.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua