Best High Interest Savings Accounts Australia (2026)
This article provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. For advice tailored to your situation, consult a licensed financial adviser. Learn more.
Contents
The best high interest savings accounts in Australia are offered by challenger banks and neobanks — not the Big Four. ING, Macquarie Bank, and Ubank consistently offer higher conditional rates than CommBank, ANZ, Westpac, and NAB. However, every high-rate account comes with conditions, and failing to meet them means earning the much lower base rate instead.
This guide explains how savings account rates work in Australia, what conditions to watch for, and how to find and compare the best current rates.
Rates change frequently. The figures below are illustrative — always check current rates directly with each provider before making decisions.
Key Takeaways
- High interest savings accounts in Australia are conditional — you earn the bonus rate only when you meet monthly requirements
- Advertised rates are the maximum conditional rate, not a guaranteed return
- Challenger banks (ING, Macquarie, Ubank) typically offer 0.5–1.5 percentage points more than the Big Four on savings accounts
- Most accounts require a monthly deposit — usually $1,000–$2,000 — to qualify for the bonus rate
- Your deposits are protected up to $250,000 at any APRA-regulated bank under the Financial Claims Scheme
How High Interest Savings Accounts Work in Australia
Most savings accounts in Australia use a base rate + bonus rate structure:
- Base rate: applies automatically, typically very low (under 1% p.a.)
- Bonus rate: added on top when you meet monthly conditions — this is what drives the advertised rate
- Maximum rate: base + bonus combined — the headline number banks advertise
Common Conditions to Earn the Bonus Rate
| Condition type | Example |
|---|---|
| Minimum monthly deposit | Deposit at least $1,000 in the calendar month |
| Minimum transactions | Make 5+ card purchases from a linked account |
| Balance growth | End-of-month balance must exceed start-of-month balance |
| No withdrawals | Do not withdraw from the savings account in the month |
| Account age | Some introductory rates only apply for the first 3–5 months |
The most important thing to check: what happens if you miss a condition? You typically fall back to the base rate for that month only, then can resume earning the bonus rate the following month if conditions are met again.
Banks Known for High Savings Rates
The following banks have consistently offered competitive savings rates. Rates change with RBA cash rate movements and competitive pressures — check current figures directly.
ING
- Account: Savings Maximiser
- Conditions: Deposit $1,000+ per month into any ING account and make 5+ settled purchases with the linked ING Orange Everyday debit card
- Notes: Well-established, strong customer reputation, no branches
Macquarie Bank
- Account: Savings Account
- Conditions: Link to a Macquarie Transaction Account and deposit funds regularly
- Notes: Clean app, simple conditions, consistently competitive rates
Ubank (owned by NAB)
- Account: High Interest Save
- Conditions: Deposit $200+/month into any Ubank account
- Notes: Low deposit condition makes it accessible, no branches
Up Bank (owned by Bendigo Bank)
- Account: Savers (up to 10 individual goal accounts)
- Conditions: Deposit $500+/month into the Up Everyday account; hold at least $1 in the Saver
- Notes: Strong financial wellness app, good for automated savings
HSBC Australia
- Account: Everyday Savings Account
- Conditions: Deposit $2,000+/month
- Notes: Part of global HSBC network, can be useful for expats
Big Four (CommBank, ANZ, Westpac, NAB)
- Generally offer lower rates than the above challengers
- Rates may still be competitive during RBA tightening cycles — worth comparing
- Benefit: same bank as your home loan or transaction account (simpler management)
What to Compare Beyond the Rate
The headline rate is important but not the only consideration:
| Factor | What to check |
|---|---|
| Conditions | Are they realistic for your situation? (e.g., do you regularly deposit $1,000+?) |
| Base rate | What do you earn if you miss conditions one month? |
| Introductory rate | Does the rate revert after 3–5 months? |
| Balance cap | Some accounts only pay the bonus rate up to a maximum balance (e.g., $250,000) |
| Access | Can you withdraw freely, or are withdrawals penalised? |
| Deposit protection | Is the bank APRA-regulated? |
Savings Rate vs Mortgage Rate
If you have a variable-rate home loan, compare your savings account rate to your mortgage rate. In many cases, putting extra money into your mortgage offset account (or making extra repayments) saves more in mortgage interest than it earns in a savings account — especially given the tax treatment of interest income.
See: Offset Account vs Extra Repayments
How to Find Current Rates
Savings account rates change constantly — often in line with RBA cash rate decisions (made on the first Tuesday of each month, except January). The best sources for current rates:
- Canstar (canstar.com.au) — comprehensive comparison tool
- RateCity (ratecity.com.au) — savings and deposit comparison
- Finder (finder.com.au) — savings account comparisons
- Each bank’s own website — always the authoritative source for their current rates
FAQ
Why do challenger banks offer higher savings rates than the Big Four? Challenger banks have lower operating costs (no branch networks, smaller staff) and use high savings rates to attract deposits. The Big Four can afford to offer lower rates because their large customer base is stickier.
Can I have savings accounts at multiple banks? Yes, and many Australians do — using a high-rate challenger bank for savings while keeping everyday banking at a Big Four bank. This is a common and effective strategy.
Are high savings rates sustainable? Savings rates largely track the RBA cash rate. When the RBA cuts rates, savings rates typically fall. Introductory or promotional rates may not persist long-term.
Is my money safe at a challenger bank like ING or Macquarie? Yes — ING, Macquarie, Ubank, and Up are all APRA-regulated ADIs. Your deposits up to $250,000 per institution are protected under the Financial Claims Scheme.
For advice on savings strategies tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. Find one via the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.