AustralianSuper vs Rest Super

AustralianSuper and Rest have more than 5 million members combined - but is either fund the right choice for you? Let's find out.

Alison Banney's headshot

By

Alison Banney

Reviewed by

Pascale Helyar

Updated

Fact checked

Key takeaways

  • AustralianSuper's default MySuper option has achieved higher performance returns than Rest's default MySuper option.
  • Looking at both MySuper options, AustralianSuper charges lower fees.
  • Both funds offer an ethical investment option and an indexed option, as well as a few single asset class options.

AustralianSuper vs Rest Super

AustralianSuperRest Super
Type of fundIndustry super fund and Australia's largest super fundIndustry super fund aligned to the retail sector
Number of members3.4 million members2 million members
Funds under management$341 billion$86 billion
Default investment optionAustralianSuper Balanced

This is a pre-mixed, diversified fund that invests your super in a range of assets with a strong allocation towards Australian and international shares, direct property and infrastructure. Investment allocation is the same for all members in the Balanced fund, regardless of age. It's an authorised MySuper product.

Rest Super - Growth

Similar to AustralianSuper Balanced, this is a ready-made investment portfolio with a strong focus on shares, bonds, private equity and infrastructure. Investment allocation is the same for all members, regardless of age. It's an authorised MySuper product.

PerformancePast performance of AustralianSuper Balanced:
  • 10 years: 8.17% p.a.
  • 5 years: p.a.
  • 3 years: p.a.
Past performance of Rest Super Growth:
  • 10 years: p.a.
  • 5 years: 6.75% p.a.
  • 3 years: 8.27% p.a.
FeesHere's how much you'd pay in fees for one year if you had the following amounts invested in AustralianSuper Balanced:
  • $5,000 balance: in fees
  • $50,000 balance: in fees
  • $100,000 balance: in fees
Here's how much you'd pay in fees for one year if you had the following amounts invested in Rest Growth:
  • $5,000 balance: $115.50 in fees
  • $50,000 balance: $453 in fees
  • $100,000 balance: $828 in fees
Additional diversified investment optionsIf you don't want to invest in the default option (AustralianSuper Balanced), you can choose to invest your super in one of the following pre-made investment options instead:
  • High Growth
  • Socially Aware
  • Indexed Diversified
  • Conservative Balanced
  • Stable
If you don't want to invest in the default option (Rest Growth), you can choose to invest your super in one of the following pre-made investment options instead:
  • High Growth
  • Sustainable Growth
  • Balanced
  • Balanced - Indexed
  • Capital Stable
Single asset class investment optionsIf you want to design your own investment mix, you can invest your super in one or more of the following individual asset classes:
  • Australian Shares
  • International Shares
  • Diversified Fixed Interest
  • Cash
If you want to design your own investment mix, you can invest your super in one or more of the following individual asset classes:
  • Overseas Shares - Indexed
  • Australian Shares - Indexed
  • Cash
Mobile appThe AustralianSuper app has a 3.1-star rating from users in Google Play and a 2.6 star rating in the Apple App Store.The Rest mobile app has a 3.5 star rating from users in Google Play and a 4.5 star rating in the Apple App Store.
Read moreMore InfoMore Info
Richard Whitten's headshot
Our expert says: Choosing a super fund

"Choosing super funds can feel overwhelming, but it gets easier once you've narrowed it down to a couple of options. If you can't decide between two similar funds, compare the fees and fund performance. Don't just look at the last year, but look at 5 and 10-year performance. And make sure you're comparing similar fund options. A high growth fund will have different performance to a balanced fund. "

Richard Whitten's headshot
Senior Money Editor

How do the default MySuper products compare?

Both funds are popular industry super funds, though AustralianSuper has significantly more members and more funds under management than Rest.

The two default MySuper options are AustralianSuper Balanced and Rest Growth. These two products are very similar; both are MySuper products and both are pre-mixed, diversified funds.

Looking at their investment allocation, AustralianSuper Balanced has more exposure to international shares than Rest Growth and is slightly higher risk overall. Rest Growth has a greater allocation to lower-risk, defensive assets than AustralianSuper.

How do their fees and performance figures compare?

Looking at the default options, AustralianSuper has lower annual fees than Rest Growth. AustralianSuper Balanced has also delivered higher returns than Rest Growth over the long term.

How do the additional investment options compare?

AustralianSuper and Rest offer very similar additional, diversified investment options. Both offer a diversified, indexed balanced option which invests in index funds. Both funds also offer an ethical investment option.

If you want to design your own investment mix using the single asset class options, you have litle choice with with funds compared to others in the market. Rest offers 3 individual asset class options, while AustralianSuper only offers 4.

If you're unsure how these different options work with your super fund, here's a guide on superannuation investment options that will help you choose the best fund for yourself.

Pascale Helyar's headshot
Expert insight

"Again, Australian Super and REST are another two of the giants in the superannuation industry. Noting that REST is the super fund for the retail sector, they typically have a younger member demographic which demands an excellent digital experience, and is reflected in the app star ratings accordingly."

Pascale Helyar's headshot
Pascale Helyar
Superannuation and wealth expert

Want to keep comparing?

If you're not yet convinced that either AustralianSuper or Rest is right for you, or you simply want to see how they compare to others in the market, you can compare super funds with our guide.

Sources

Pascale Helyar's headshot
To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been reviewed by Pascale Helyar, a member of Finder's Editorial Review Board.
Alison Banney's headshot
Written by

Editorial Manager, Money

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. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 673 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living
More resources on Finder

Get rewarded $$ for switching with Finder Rewards

Find a better deal, save on your bills and get a free gift card. Sign up to be the first to hear about new Finder Rewards.

Ask a question

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms Of Service and Finder Group Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

2 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    LucyJuly 14, 2023

    Hello, I am currently with Essuper. I am not happy with my current return. Are you able to help me with choosing the right super fund for myself?

More guides on Finder

Go to site
Compare super fund performance in seconds