Vanguard Super: Performance, features and fees
Vanguard Super offers a large range of investment options to choose between, plus some of the lowest fees in the market.
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Vanguard Super performance and fees
Members will automatically be invested in the Lifecycle option when first joining the fund, which automatically adjusts your investments as you age. This means you'll invest in higher risk/higher reward options when you're younger, and move to lower risk, more stable investment classes as you get older. Alternatively, you can also choose from several other investment options if you wish, and mix and match to create your own strategy.
Vanguard Super is a relatively new fund which is why it doesn't have long-term performance returns to display yet. However, Vanguard has operated as an investment manager for more than 50 years.
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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
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What are the key features of Vanguard Super?
- Lifecycle product: The default investment option automatically changes as you get older.
- Mix and match investment options: Beyond the default option, there are 11 other options you can choose from to suit your investment needs and goals.
- Low fees. Vanguard Super has some of the lowest fees in the market.
- Automatic insurance cover: If you're over 25 or have at least $6,000 in your account, you'll automatically be enrolled in Death and TPD cover, with monthly premiums coming from your super account. You can opt in before that though, and once you have it you can choose to increase or opt-out at any time.
- Consolidate your super: If you're switching from another super fund where you hold a balance, you can consolidate all your super into Vanguard with one simple form.
- Online access: You can keep track of your account and manage your investments 24/7 online.
What investment options are available with Vanguard Super?
Vanguard Super allows you to choose investments across both diversified options and single sector options.
Single sector investments are investments into 1 area. For example, you only invest in Australian shares. You can mix and match among single sector options to create your own investment mix.
Diversified investments are pre-mixed solutions incorporating several of the single sectors.
If you don't choose your own investment options when you set up your account, you will automatically become a Vanguard MySuper member, which is invested in its Lifecycle option.
This is a diversified investment option, which automatically changes based on your age.
| Investment option | Risk level | Target asset allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Lifecycle | High until age 64 Medium-high for 64+ | Varies based on age |
| High Growth | High | Growth: 90% Defensive: 10% |
| Ethically Conscious Growth | High | Growth: 70% Defensive: 30% |
| Growth | High | Growth: 70% Defensive: 30% |
| Balanced | Medium - High | Growth: 50% Defensive: 50% |
| Conservative | Medium | Growth: 30% Defensive: 70% |
| International shares | Very high | Growth: 100% |
| Australian shares | Very high | Growth: 100% |
| International shares (hedged) | High | Growth: 100% |
| Australian fixed interest | High | Defensive: 100% |
| Global fixed interest (hedged) | Medium - High | Defensive: 100% |
| Cash | Low | Defensive: 100% |
Our expert says: Index investment approach
"Vanguard is well-known for being a leader in index investments (also known as ETFs!), and all its super products take an indexing investment approach too. This is the main reason that it's able to offer such low fees.
As well as being low cost, index investing provides other benefits like easy exposure to entire markets, which aims to increase your investment diversification and reduce your risk. "
What insurance cover is available with Vanguard Super?
When you set up your account, and if you're eligible, you'll enrol in the default cover of Death and Total Permanent Disablement cover (at a cost).
- Death Cover: This provides a lump sum payment if you die or are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
- TPD cover: This cover provides a lump sum payment if you become disabled and are unable to work.
You can apply to increase, decrease or even cancel your cover.
To be automatically eligible for Vanguard's default cover, you must:
- Be a member of Vanguard Super SaveSmart
- Be over the age of 25
- Be an Australian resident or holder of a visa
- Have at least $6,000 in your Vanguard Super SaveSmart account
- Have a superannuation guarantee contribution from your employer paid into your Vanguard Super SaveSmart account.
Customers can choose to opt in to insurance cover before meeting the age, balance and SG contribution criteria though.
Other eligibility criteria for automatic cover or to opt in:
- In the case of TPD, you must have been employed (or self-employed) and have worked an average of 15 hours or more per week over the last 3 months, and not work in a hazardous occupation
- You must not have received, or been eligible to claim, a TPD or terminal illness benefit from Vanguard or another super provider
How do I join Vanguard Super?
You can join Vanguard Super by completing an online application. The application process is meant to take less than 10 minutes.
You'll enter your personal details and create an account. You can then set up your super by choosing your investments.
Information you should have on hand includes:
- Your full name, date of birth and gender
- Your Australian residential address
- Your phone number and email address
- Your tax file number (TFN)
- Your chosen investment option and insurance cover
- Details of your current super fund (if you have one that you want to roll over into your new fund)
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