What's the best super fund for uner 18's?

The best super fund if you're 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 each quarter. 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.

Best super fund picks for under 18s

17 of 489 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.)
Finder Score 9.6 Excellent Aware Super High Growth Indexed NewIndustry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk	Finder Score 9.6 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +14.69%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $162	This is a high risk investment option that invests heavily in Australian and international shares and aims for higher returns over the long term.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 8.2 Great Australian Ethical Super - High Growth EthicalHigher risk	Finder Score 8.2 Great	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +11.4%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +13.32%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.24%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +9.3%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $748	This is a high-risk, high-growth option that invests in Australian and international shares, property and alternatives to provide long term growth.	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.5 Excellent Hostplus International Shares Industry fundHigher risk	Finder Score 9.5 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +20.33%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +18.01%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +10.81%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.49%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $349	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 47 and under NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +14.02%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent Hostplus - International Shares - Indexed Industry fundHigher risk	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +20.69%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +20.44%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +14.84%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $154	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 61 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.75%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.9 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 48 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.9 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +13.68%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 49 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +13.35%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Aware Super International Shares Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +21.55%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +21.26%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +15.07%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +12.54%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $162	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Virgin Money Super - LifeStage Tracker Lifestage	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +13.3%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +15.37%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +11.14%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) N/A	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $344	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.8 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 50 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.8 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +13.02%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.7 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 62 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.42%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.7 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 51 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +12.69%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.7 Excellent Australian Retirement Trust - International Shares Index (unhedged) Industry fundIndexed investmentHigher risk	Finder Score 9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +20.5%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) +20.09%	Last 5 year performance (p.a.) +14.69%	Last 10 year performance (p.a.) +11.94%	Fees on $50k balance (p.a.) $177	Go to site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.7 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 52 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +12.43%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.7 Excellent Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 63 NewLifestage	Finder Score 9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +9.1%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading
Finder Score 9.7 Excellent Vanguard Super SaveSmart - Ethically Conscious Growth NewEthical	Finder Score 9.7 Excellent	Last 1 year performance (p.a.) +12.36%	Last 3 year performance (p.a.) N/A	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 site More info Compare product selectionCompare	loading

Showing 17 of 103 results

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

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 2025

If you're under 18 years old but work 30+ hours per week you're eligible to get paid super.
Choosing your super fund provides benefits such as greater control over your investments, potential for better returns and lower fees.
Choosing the right superannuation fund is a key step towards ensuring a comfortable retirement.

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 goals or values.

Older than 18? See our guide on superannuation for your 30s and 40s.

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-Moray

Superannuation and wealth expert

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

Choosing the right superannuation fund 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).

The winner of the best low-fee super fund in this year's Finder Awards was Hostplus Indexed Balanced, and the best high-growth super fund was Aware Super International Shares.

Best Low Fee Super Fund: Hostplus Indexed Balanced

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: Aware Super International Shares

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 14.6% p.a. for members over the last 5 years.

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

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 30+ hours per week
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.

Did you know?

The superannuation gap starts surprisingly early, with male teens having 57% more in their accounts than female teens ($11,710 vs. $7,455). This huge difference might be because more young men (25%) work full-time compared to young women (15%) aged 18-20, potentially due to career choices like trades.

Source: Finder's State of Women's Wealth Report 2025

Frequently asked questions

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.
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 each quarter. The super guarantee is a valuable part of your financial future, helping you build a nest egg for your retirement years.
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.
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.

Sources

Thank you for your feedback!

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

Written by

Alison Banney

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 660 Finder guides across topics including:

Superannuation
Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
Budgeting and money-saving hacks
Managing the cost of living

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Best super funds for under 18s