Hostplus is one of Australia’s largest industry super funds, originally established for the hospitality and tourism sector but now open to all Australians. It manages approximately $115 billion on behalf of more than 1.8 million members (as at 2024–25). Hostplus is particularly well-known for two things: consistently strong long-term performance in its default Balanced option, and the Index Balanced option — widely cited as one of the cheapest super investment options available in Australia.
Peakifi may receive a commission if you click links and apply for products featured on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence. See our disclosure for details. This is general information only — not a personal recommendation.
Hostplus at a Glance
| Fund type | Industry (not-for-profit) |
| Members | 1.8 million+ |
| Assets under management | ~$115 billion |
| Default option | Balanced (MySuper) |
| APRA Performance Test | Passed |
| Open to all Australians? | Yes |
| Website | hostplus.com.au |
Investment Options
Hostplus offers a broad range of investment options across pre-mixed diversified options, single-sector options, and index (passive) options. It also offers a Member Direct facility allowing members to invest directly in ASX-listed shares and ETFs from within their super account.
Pre-Mixed Options
| Option | Approx. Growth/Defensive Split | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Shares Plus | ~100% / 0% | Highest risk/return |
| Balanced | ~78% / 22% | Default MySuper option |
| Conservative Balanced | ~55% / 45% | Medium risk |
| Capital Stable | ~35% / 65% | Lower risk |
| Conservative | ~20% / 80% | Low risk |
| Cash | 0% / 100% | Capital preservation |
Index (Passive) Options
Hostplus offers a range of passive options tracking market benchmarks:
| Option | What It Tracks | Approx. Total Fee ($50k) |
|---|---|---|
| Index Balanced | Australian + international shares + bonds (passive) | ~$110–$120/year (~0.22%) |
| Index Australian Shares | S&P/ASX 300 (passive) | ~$100–$115/year (~0.20%) |
| Index International Shares (Hedged) | MSCI World ex-Australia (hedged) | ~$105–$120/year (~0.21%) |
| Index International Shares (Unhedged) | MSCI World ex-Australia (unhedged) | ~$105–$120/year (~0.21%) |
The Index Balanced option is Hostplus’s flagship low-cost offering and is consistently among the cheapest diversified super options in Australia.
Member Direct
Hostplus’s Member Direct facility allows members with balances over $10,000 to directly invest a portion of their super in:
- ASX-listed shares
- Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)
- Term deposits
A platform fee applies for Member Direct (typically ~0.25% p.a.). This is a choice product — not the default.
Fees
Default Balanced Option
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administration fee | $1.50/week (~$78/year) |
| Investment fee | ~0.40% |
| Indirect cost ratio | ~0.08% |
| Total (approx., $50k balance) | ~$318/year (~0.64%) |
| Total (approx., $100k balance) | ~$558/year (~0.56%) |
Index Balanced Option (Lowest-Fee)
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Administration fee | $1.50/week (~$78/year) |
| Investment fee | ~0.06% |
| Indirect cost ratio | ~0.02% |
| Total (approx., $50k balance) | ~$118/year (~0.24%) |
| Total (approx., $100k balance) | ~$158/year (~0.16%) |
At large balances, the Index Balanced option’s fee falls well below 0.20% — making it one of the most cost-efficient super options available in Australia.
Fees are indicative — refer to Hostplus’s current PDS for exact figures.
Performance
Balanced Option (Default)
Hostplus’s Balanced option has been consistently top-performing among Australian super funds over 5, 7, and 10-year periods. Key context:
- 10-year net return (Balanced): approximately 8.0–8.5% p.a. (based on published returns through FY2024–25)
- APRA Performance Test: Passed
- APRA Heatmap: Green rated
Hostplus’s strong performance in the Balanced option is partly attributable to its significant allocation to unlisted assets — direct infrastructure, private equity, unlisted property — which has historically provided strong risk-adjusted returns in the Australian super context.
Index Balanced Option
The Index Balanced option tracks its benchmark closely by design — it aims to deliver the market return, not beat it. Its 5-year and 10-year returns are lower than the actively managed Balanced option (which has benefited from unlisted asset exposure) but the fee difference partially offsets this gap on a net basis.
Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
Insurance
Hostplus provides automatic group insurance to eligible members:
Death Cover
- Automatic cover for eligible members
- Default units of cover — amount varies by age group (see Hostplus Insurance Guide)
- Can apply for additional cover subject to underwriting
TPD Cover
- Automatic cover — “any occupation” definition
- Can apply for additional own-occupation cover through the Hostplus Income Protection Plan
Income Protection
- Not automatic — members must apply
- Available through the Hostplus Income Protection Plan: up to 85% of income (including super), waiting periods of 30, 60, or 90 days, benefit periods of 2 years or to age 65
Important note for index-option members: Insurance cover is attached to fund membership, not the investment option — switching to the Index Balanced option does not affect your insurance.
Who Hostplus Suits
Strong fit for:
- Members who want the cheapest diversified passive (index) super option in Australia
- Members who want both low-cost index options and a strong-performing active option within the same fund
- Members who want direct share and ETF investing via Member Direct
- Members comfortable with a relatively high growth allocation in the default Balanced option
May not be ideal for:
- Members who need strong automatic income protection insurance (it is not automatic at Hostplus — requires application)
- Members in lifecycle-sensitive situations who want automatic de-risking as they age (Hostplus’s Balanced option is a fixed allocation, not lifecycle)
- Members who want extensive financial planning services within the fund (Hostplus’s advice offering is more limited than some larger funds)
How to Join Hostplus
- Visit hostplus.com.au and click “Join now”
- Complete the online application — takes approximately 10 minutes
- Provide your TFN and identity verification
- Notify your employer of your Hostplus membership details
- If rolling over existing super, use the myGov ATO portal or Hostplus’s online rollover facility
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hostplus Index Balanced option genuinely the cheapest super option in Australia? It is consistently among the cheapest. At large balances, the total fee approaches 0.15–0.16%, which is at or near the lowest available in Australia from a large, APRA-regulated, diversified option. Some smaller providers may advertise lower fees but with less diversification or lower financial backing. Vanguard Super also offers very low fees (see Vanguard Super Review).
Does Hostplus’s default Balanced option have a high allocation to shares? Yes — approximately 78% growth assets, which is higher than the industry “balanced” average of 60–70%. This means stronger returns in up markets but larger falls in downturns. Members who want a less volatile default should consider the Conservative Balanced option.
Can I have the Index Balanced option AND insurance? Yes. Insurance is attached to your Hostplus membership, not your investment option. You can be in the Index Balanced option and still have death and TPD cover. You will need to apply separately for income protection.
For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser. You can find one through the ASIC financial advisers register or MoneySmart.