Superannuation for sole traders and self-employed

What's the best super fund for sole traders?

There are no specific funds that are dedicated to self-employed people. Instead, you're free to join any super fund that's open to the public. The best super fund for self-employed workers will have the the following features:

• Low fees. The less you pay your fund in fees, the bigger your balance will be at retirement.
• Good long-term performance. When comparing super fund performance, look for a fund that has consistently achieved high returns over the long term (that is, over the past 5,7 and 10 year periods).
• Insurance options. Depending on what industry you're in, you might have specific insurance needs. Compare the default insurance cover and the additional insurance options when choosing a fund.

Choose your own super fund

17 of 565 results

Finder Score	Last 1 year performance (p.a.)	Last 3 year performance (p.a.)	Last 5 year performance (p.a.)	Last 10 year performance (p.a.)	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
Promoted 9.2 Excellent Aware Super High Growth Indexed NewIndustry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk	9.2 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +6.95%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.99%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $172	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted 9.6 Excellent AMP Super Specialist International Shares Finder AwardHigher risk	9.6 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.31%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +16.95%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.77%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +12.92%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $611	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
Promoted 9.7 Excellent MLC MasterKey Super Fundamentals - MLC Low Cost Growth Higher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.94%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.34%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.23%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.84%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $328	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.9 Excellent Aware Super International Shares Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk	9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.29%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.66%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.99%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +13.14%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $167	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.9 Excellent Hostplus - International Shares - Indexed Industry fundHigher risk	9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.75%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.06%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.89%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $144	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.8 Excellent Vanguard Super SaveSmart - International Shares (Hedged) NewHigher risk	9.8 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +14.9%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +18.64%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $280	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.8 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 48 NewLifestageHigher risk	9.8 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.34%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.29%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $280	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 2014-2018 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.3%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.33%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.47%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1974-1978 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.31%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.35%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.43%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1979-1983 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.32%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.33%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.39%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1984-1988 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.26%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.27%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.4%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 47 and under NewLifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.59%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.6%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $280	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Hostplus Indexed Balanced Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.59%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +12.42%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.01%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +8.56%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $149	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1989-1993 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.24%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.2%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.38%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1994-1998 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.19%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.11%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.34%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Hostplus International Shares Industry fundHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +13.29%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +17.07%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.95%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.49%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $484	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading
9.7 Excellent Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1999-2003 LifestageHigher risk	9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +7.11%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.03%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +8.26%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $358	Go to siteView details Compare product selection Compare	loading

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How we picked these

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

Finder Score for super funds

Finder Score makes comparing superannuation products easier by scoring products out of 10 after assessing their performance, fees and features.

We assess products from over 40 providers based on their risk profile.

Read the full methodology

Here is a refresher on what you should be looking for when choosing a super fund. You can also take a look at Finder's best super fund picks to get you started.

Superannuation rules when you're self-employed

If you're an employee, your employer is legally required to pay your super guarantee payments. But if you're self-employed, for example a sole trader, freelancer or contractor, you don't have an employer to pay you super. You're not legally required to pay yourself super, but it's a good idea to do so. Think of your superannuation as your bank account for 'future you'; if you don't add to your super each month, quarter or year, then your retirement will likely be compromised.

Employers are required to pay employees super at a rate of 11.5% on their qualifying earnings. If you're self-employed and choose to pay yourself super, you don't have to meet this same amount and can instead pay yourself less (or more) than this. However, the same contribution limits apply to self-employed workers.

It's a good idea to be across all the ways in which you can grow your super, so that you leverage as many of these as possible.

What are the benefits of paying super for the self employed?

There are tax benefits to paying yourself super.

Super is taxed at the lower rate of 15% which, depending on what you earn, could be a lot lower than the standard rate of tax you pay. Because of this, you can actually claim tax deductions when you contribute to your super as a self-employed worker.

Note: You also need to remember to lodge a 'notice of intent to claim a tax deduction' form with your super fund before the end of the financial year when you're doing your tax return. This is to ensure your super fund is aware that they need to tax your contributions within the fund.

Save for retirement.

The biggest benefit of paying yourself super is that you're saving for your retirement. Superannuation is designed to ensure Australians have enough money saved to fund their lifestyle when they're no longer earning a regular income. The more you have saved in super, the more comfortable your retirement will be.

You'll be less reliant on the Age Pension.

Superannuation was created so Australians weren't relying on the Age Pension to fund their lifestyle after they've stopped working. The Age Pension is designed as a safety net or back up, but it shouldn't be relied on as an income source and it has strict eligibility criteria. If you pay yourself super while you're self employed, you're less likely to need to apply for the Age Pension.

Expert insight

"As your own employer, the buck stops with you when it comes to your super contributions. When quoting or preparing invoices for your clients, make sure you've factored in an extra 12% so you can contribute comfortably to your super without shortchanging yourself elsewhere. Another good tip is to contribute to your super on the same day your invoice is paid, so you're not tempted to spend that money on other business expenses."

Pascale Helyar

Superannuation and wealth expert

What are super contribution limits for self-employed?

The same super contribution limits apply to self-employed workers that apply to all super fund members.

For the 2026-27 financial year, you can pay yourself up to $32,500 in concessional super contributions each year. Concessional contributions are the contributions you can claim as a tax deduction if you're self employed. This means the money will be taxed in the super fund at the rate of 15% instead of your income tax rate.

If you want to contribute even more to your super you're welcome to do so, however you won't be able to claim any more than the $32,500 as a tax deduction. You can contribute up to an additional $130,000 to your super each year as non-concessional contributions. If your total super balance was under $1.84 million at 30 June 2026, the bring-forward rule lets you contribute up to $390,000 in non-concessional contributions over 3 years - handy if your sole trader income is lumpy. This means the money will be invested with the rest of your super balance and will benefit from investment returns, but, it'll be taxed at your incomes tax rate.

How to pay yourself super when you're self employed

Paying yourself super is similar to making a standard bank-to-bank transfer online. You'll need to log into your online portal for your super fund to access your account. From here, you can select 'make a contribution' and simply enter how much you'd like to send to your super.

It's a good idea to set regular payment dates that suits you and your business. For example, most employers now have to pay super on each payday, since Payday Super started on 1 July 2026, so this could be a good idea for you too. But depending on your cash flow, you might decide to pay yourself super more or less requently instead.

Frequently asked questions

• Can a sole trader be eligible for government co-contribution?

  Yes, a sole trader can be eligible for the government co-contribution, provided they meet the income and contribution criteria set by the government. Read more about here.

• What if I have employees do I need to pay their super?

  Yes, if you have employees, as a sole trader, you are required to pay their superannuation contributions according to the Superannuation Guarantee legislation. Since Payday Super started on 1 July 2026, this means paying SG on each payday rather than quarterly. This is a separate obligation from managing your own super as a self-employed individual.

• Can a sole trader set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF)?

  Yes, a sole trader can set up a self-managed super fund (SMSF). This allows for greater control over investment choices and flexibility in managing retirement savings. However, it also involves additional responsibilities and compliance requirements.

Written by

Alison Banney

Editorial Manager, Money

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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

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