Best super funds for teenagers

How to pick the best super fund if you're under 18

Choosing the right superannuation fund as a teenager is a crucial step towards ensuring a comfortable retirement. Here are the key features to look for in a super fund (especially while you're young!):

• Low fees: Look for a fund that has low fees (ideally 1% or less of your annual balance). The lower, the better.

• Strong performance: Choose a top-performing super fund over the long term (5-10 years+). Keep in mind that past performance doesn't guarantee future results, but it can provide insights into how well a fund has been managed.

• Customer service and accessibility: Assess the level of customer service and accessibility provided by the super funds. Consider factors like online account management, customer support, and user-friendly interfaces.

• Growth investments: It's generally recommended that you choose a high growth super fund while you're young, as you have plenty of time to ride out any market falls. This could be a pre-mixed, high growth investment option with a major fund or an option that invests heavily in one asset (such as shares).

• Best low-fee super fund for teenagers: Hostplus Indexed Balanced
• Best high growth super fund for teenagers: Aware Super International Shares

Best low-fee super fund for teenagers

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

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Why we like it Hostplus Indexed Balanced has been named the best low-fee super product in the 2025 Finder Awards. This product has incredibly low fees of just 0.27%, which is lower than any other diversified option in our database.

Best high growth super fund for teenagers

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

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Why we like it Aware Super International Shares has been named the best high growth super product in the 2025 Finder Awards. It has low fees of just 0.31%, and has achieved high returns of 12.55% p.a. for members over the last 5 years.

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The super advantage of being young

"If you're under 18 or in your early 20s you have one major advantage with your super - time!

Choosing a fund with low fees and a focus on growth investments is important, but the huge amount of time you have for your super to grow and benefit from compound returns is the biggest advantage you have.

You can make the most of this advantage by choosing to add extra money into your super when you're able to."

Alison Banney

Editorial Manager, Money

Why should you pick a super fund?

You have the option to choose which super fund your employer pays your contributions to. If you don't choose, your employer will pay into either your existing super fund (stapled super fund) or their chosen default super fund.

Choosing your super fund provides benefits like:

• Greater control over your retirement savings
• Potential for better returns
• Lower fees
• The ability to tailor insurance and investments
• Allows alignment with your ethical values.

In contrast, your employers default fund may not suit your young age.

Expert insight

"If I told you at aged 18 that you could become a millionaire, you'd pay attention! Really, that's what your superannuation is: think of it as a bank account for future you...and by making as many contributions to your super, as early as you can, it is entirely possible to retire with over $1 million.

At 18, you have around 50 years of contributing to your super account before retirement. Your other advantage is that you have have fewer expenses and responsibilities compared to when you're older; so you should be saving as much as you can now for future you."

Pascale Helyar

Superannuation and wealth expert

Who is eligible to get paid super?

Superannuation guarantee contributions are mandatory for nearly all Australian workers, regardless of their employment status.

You are eligible to receive super contributions, if you are:

• working full-time, part-time, or even casually
• under 18 years old but work more than 30 hours in a week — hours are assessed week by week and can't be averaged across a fortnightly or monthly pay period
• receiving a super pension or annuity while actively working, including employees on a transition to retirement arrangement
• Temporary residents, such as backpackers, also qualify, as do company directors and family members working in a family business.

In essence, the vast majority of employees are entitled to super contributions, making it an essential component of your financial well-being.

Frequently asked questions

• What's the best super fund for teens?

  The best super fund if you're under 18 is one with low fees and strong exposure to growth assets like shares. Look for a fund that has high long-term returns (10+ years).

• What is Superannuation?

  Superannuation, often referred to as "super," is a mandatory savings plan for Australian workers. It serves as a financial safety net for retirement, even though retirement might seem like a distant future for young people just starting their careers.

  Your superannuation is a fund where a portion of your earnings is saved for your retirement, and it's managed on your behalf. In essence, it's a way to ensure that you have financial security and peace of mind when you eventually retire.

• What is the super guarantee?

  The super guarantee is the minimum percentage of your annual earnings that your employer is required to contribute to your super fund. Currently set at 12% of your annual income. Your employer is responsible for managing these superannuation contributions on your behalf, paying them into your chosen fund on each payday. The super guarantee is a valuable part of your financial future, helping you build a nest egg for your retirement years.

• What should you do if your employer isn't paying super?

  If you are concerned you are not receiving your correct super payments or just want to make sure you're receiving what is owed to you, first check your payments by logging onto the ATO's online portal or your super account. If you're not getting paid super correctly, speak to your employer as a first step. If this doesn't solve the issue, speak with the ATO to lodge a complaint and formal investigation.

• When can you access your super?

  You can access your super if you reach age 65, regardless of whether you are still working. You can also access it a bit earlier at age 60 if you're retired. Additionally, there are other conditions under which you might be able to access your super earlier, such as severe financial hardship or certain medical conditions.

• How can I grow my super fund balance?

  To grow your superannuation (super) fund balance, young individuals can take several steps. Regular contributions, whether through employer contributions, personal contributions, or salary sacrifice, provide a solid foundation. Exploring government co-contributions and consolidating multiple super funds to reduce fees are also smart moves. Reviewing and adjusting investment options for growth, minimising fees, and ensuring appropriate insurance coverage are key factors.

  Additionally, maximising employer contributions, making extra contributions when possible, and periodic reviews of fund performance keep the super balance on track. Planning for the long term and seeking professional advice when needed are crucial for securing a robust super fund balance for retirement.

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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Alison has written 592 Finder guides across topics including:

• Superannuation
• Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
• Budgeting and money-saving hacks
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