REST Super Review 2026 — Fees, Performance, and Insurance

REST (Retail Employees Superannuation Trust) is one of Australia’s largest industry super funds, primarily serving workers in the retail sector. It has approximately 1.8 million members and manages over $80 billion in assets.

This review provides general information only and is based on publicly available data. It is not a personal recommendation. Always read the fund’s product disclosure statement (PDS) before making decisions about your super.

REST Super at a Glance

Fees — REST Super

REST’s fee structure for the Core Strategy (default) product:

Fees are competitive for a fund of this size, though not as low as Hostplus’s index options or Vanguard Super.

Investment Performance — Core Strategy

REST’s default Core Strategy is a lifecycle option — it automatically shifts from growth to more defensive assets as you approach retirement.

Investment returns (Core Strategy — indicative):

Returns are approximate and based on publicly available data. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Always verify current figures directly with REST.

Investment Options Available

REST offers a range of options beyond the default Core Strategy:

Insurance — REST Super

REST provides default insurance cover to eligible members:

The Protecting Your Super Act means members under 25 or with balances below $6,000 do not receive automatic insurance unless they opt in.

TPD cover uses an “any occupation” definition — this is less member-friendly than “own occupation” (which some retail funds offer). Members with professional occupations may want to review whether this cover is adequate.

APRA Performance Test

REST’s Core Strategy has passed the APRA Annual Superannuation Performance Test in recent years. Funds that fail the test must notify members and are prohibited from accepting new members if they fail two consecutive tests.

REST Super — Who Is It Best Suited To?

REST is a solid industry fund with competitive fees and good default lifecycle investment. It is commonly suited to:

• Retail, hospitality, and service-sector workers whose employer defaults to REST
• Members who want a straightforward lifecycle default without actively managing their investment option
• Members comfortable with “any occupation” TPD cover

Members seeking ultra-low fees (especially for index-only investing) or “own occupation” TPD may find better matches at funds like Hostplus or Aware Super.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is REST Super only for retail and hospitality workers? No — REST is open to all Australians as a choice fund. While REST was originally set up for the retail and hospitality industry, any employee can nominate REST as their super fund via a standard Choice of Fund form. REST’s retail sector heritage means it has a large proportion of younger, part-time, and casual members — which has influenced product features like the Core Strategy lifecycle design.

What is REST’s Core Strategy lifecycle investment option? Core Strategy is REST’s default MySuper option. It adjusts asset allocation automatically as members age, shifting from growth-oriented allocations (up to 100% growth assets in younger age bands) to more defensive allocations (approximately 40% growth assets for members aged 65+) as retirement approaches. Members are automatically moved through age bands without needing to make active investment decisions. Members who prefer a set-and-forget approach benefit from this design; members who want a consistent strategy through accumulation can consider switching to a specific REST single-sector or blended option.

Has REST passed the APRA performance test? REST’s Core Strategy MySuper product has passed the APRA annual performance test in recent years. The test assesses 8-year net investment returns against a benchmark. Check the ATO’s YourSuper tool (ato.gov.au/yoursuper) for the current year’s results. REST’s performance relative to other large industry funds is important to monitor given its large membership base.

Can I access direct shares or ETFs through REST? No — REST does not offer a member direct investment option allowing direct ASX share or ETF ownership inside super. REST’s investment menu is limited to its managed investment options (diversified, sector, and specialist options). Members who want direct share or ETF access within super should look at funds with a member direct feature (e.g., Australian Retirement Trust, Hostplus, AustralianSuper) or wrap platform alternatives.

How does REST’s insurance compare to other large industry funds? REST provides default death, TPD, and income protection cover. TPD uses an “any occupation” definition under the default group cover. Income protection is typically up to 87.75% of salary (after super contributions) for up to 2 years, with a waiting period. REST’s insurance can be important for younger members who may not have separately arranged cover. Check the REST Insurance Guide for current cover amounts, premiums, and definitions — these can change.

Can I consolidate multiple super accounts into REST? Yes — you can request a rollover into REST from any other complying super fund via myGov or the REST member portal. Alternatively, you can initiate a rollover from REST into another fund you want as your primary account. Before consolidating, check whether any accounts have insurance cover that would be lost on rollout, and whether any account is in a defined benefit scheme that has different consolidation implications.

For further comparisons: Best Super Funds Australia, AustralianSuper Review, Hostplus Review. For advice tailored to your situation, speak with a licensed financial adviser through MoneySmart.