Retirement savings accounts are becoming increasingly rare, as the majority of Australians now open a superannuation account when they join the workforce. However, there are still some retirement savings accounts in the market, so this guide will outline how they work and how they compare to super funds.
A retirement savings account is a type of account provided by a bank, building society, credit union or life insurance company. It's run in a similar way to a regular savings accounts, however it's designed for your retirement savings and you can't access the money until you're retired.
Typically a retirement savings account awards a higher rate of interest in comparison to a regular savings account, as the purpose of the account is to help you save for retirement. Once you've met a condition of release or reach your preservation age, you can start drawing down on your fund.
Not many banks offer retirement savings accounts anymore, since superannuation funds became compulsory for employees.
Although they aren't superannuation accounts, retirement savings accounts do fall within superannuation regulations and the tax advantages that come with that. However with a retirement savings account even your tax-free portion can earn interest.
A super standard balanced or growth super fund will usually offer far higher returns than a retirement savings account. This is because super funds invest a large portion of your balance into shares, which are high return but also much higher risk.
Unlike the money in your super fund which is subject to the market performance, the money in your retirement savings account is covered by the bank guarantee scheme. While these accounts do sit within the superannuation regulations, they don't follow a trust structure, making it different from a superannuation fund.
According to APRA, these banks still offer retirement savings accounts (as of July 2020). Some aren't open to new customers.
As we said earlier, there are very few retirement savings accounts available today. If you do want to open one, look for the following:
A higher rate of interest will help your retirement savings work harder. This is especially true if it's compounded daily. However even with a high interest rate on your retirement savings account, you'll likely earn much better returns with a superannuation fund that is actively investing your balance.
To ensure that every dollar you deposit helps you save for your retirement, you should look for a retirement savings account that changes no account keeping fees and no annual fees.
Your retirement savings account provider should let you view your account details online or via a mobile banking app. Some service providers offer online tools that allow users to search for their lost super, which they can then transfer to their new accounts.
Make sure you go through the product disclosure statement (PDS) before signing up for any retirement savings account. The summary page of this document should give you a clear indication of any applicable fees and charges.
Before opening a retirement savings account, conduct a thorough super funds comparison in the market to ensure you're finding the most suitable account for your needs. It's also important to compare these accounts against standard superannuation accounts. In particular, you can gauge how competitive the interest rate on your retirement savings account is when compared to the sorts of returns super funds typically deliver to their members. It is worth noting, however, that the return on funds invested into a standard super account is in no way guaranteed. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide the which strategy works best for you and your retirement plans.
Use our free superannuation calculator to see your projected retirement balance, and how this could change by switching funds.
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How can a retiree over 80 join and transfer SMSF to Industry Super Fund? There appears to be many rules for retirees over 75.
Hi Linney,
You’re correct, the rules around superannuation for those over 75 are quite complex and will vary depending on your personal situation. It’s best to speak with a financial adviser who can offer you personal advice about transferring your super.
Thanks,
Alison
Which banks/institutes still have retirement savings accounts?
Hi Petra,
Thank you for reaching out to Finder.
You may refer to our list of savings accounts with compound interest. The page provides a list of banks that may assist you further in saving for your retirement. You can also check our guide about retirement savings accounts to know your other options. Hope this helps!
Cheers,
Reggie
which institutions offer Centrelink compliant Pensioner Deeming Accounts?
Hi Rodo,
Thanks for getting in touch!
We have a page that shows pensioner deeming accounts. The page has a table you can use to find the account that suits you. Hope this was helpful.
Best,
Nikki
Can a young worker with part-time employment arrange for Employer contributions to be remitted to a Retirement Savings Account? This would be to save administration costs which otherwise consume all the contributions over a year. If the answer is yes can the balance in the RSA be transferred later to a Super Fund when employment become full time, contributions more meaningful and the need for insurance more of an issue.
Hi Neil,
Thanks for your message and for visiting Finder.
To answer your question, – Yes, a young worker with part-time work can start saving for a retirement savings account and later on transfer to a super fund when the employee becomes full time.
RSA’s are in line with superannuation regulations and their tax advantages. Even your tax-free portion can earn interest, helping you through retirement. Once you’ve met a condition of release, you can organize for your super fund balance to be transferred to a retirement savings account, where you can start drawing down on your fund. A good RSA should ease your transition into retirement and it should provide you with a regular income when you retire.
Hope this helps! Feel free to message us anytime should you have further questions.
Cheers,
Nikki
Apart from a superannuation fund, are there any other options to create a private pension?
Hi John,
Thank you for your inquiry.
Regarding that matter, you may want to check directly with the Australian Government Department of Human Services for your options.
I hope this information has helped.
Cheers,
Harold