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Expand your savings with rates above 5.50% in August

Peter Terlato avatar
Peter Terlato
- 3 min read
Expand your savings with rates above 5.50% in August

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) held the cash rate at 4.10% in August. There are several banks offering interest rates above 5.50%, although some conditions may apply to earn the highest rate. 

Australia’s central bank has raised rates twelve times since May 2022, pausing once in April 2023 to evaluate the economic landscape, again in July and once more this month to review its efforts to alleviate the pain of high inflation.

Despite August’s pause, savings rates are at some of the highest levels in more than a decade. At the time of writing, RateCity lists nine different banks offering ongoing rates of 5.50% or higher:

Bank

Highest Savings Interest Rate

Balance for max rate

ME Bank HomeME

5.65%

Up to $100,000

Macquarie Bank Savings Account

5.55%

Up to $25,000

Teachers Mutual Bank Target Saver

5.50%

No max

Firefighters Mutual Bank Target Saver

5.50%

No max

ING Savings Maximiser

5.50%

Up to $100,000

UniBank Target Saver

5.50%

No max

Health Professionals Bank

5.50%

No max

BOQ Future Saver (ages 14-35)

5.50%

Up to $50,000

MOVE Bank Growth Saver

5.50%

Up to $25,000

Source: RateCity.com.au data accurate as of 08/08/2023. Monthly conditions may apply for max rate. Excludes kids savings accounts.

It’s sensible to consider more than just the maximum interest rate. Examine savings account fees, minimum and maximum balances and other features - such as introductory and bonus interest terms - to find an account that suits your financial goals.

Your savings are an essential safety net that can help you in emergencies, enjoy luxuries, and live a comfortable life when you’re no longer working. But working out how much savings you really need will depend on multiple factors.

There is no single best savings account as everyone’s needs are different. To get a better idea of which accounts may provide the most value for your money, you could consider comparing their Real Time Ratings™, to evaluate interest and flexibility scores.

Check out these big bonus saver accounts

A savings account with a bonus interest rate operates like a regular high-interest savings account, except that in exchange for meeting specific conditions you’re awarded a bonus interest rate that can help you reach your savings goal sooner.

It’s worth noting that bonus rates are generally temporary, which means that after a specific period, the bonus rate will revert to a normal base rate. When you’re comparing bonus rate accounts, check what happens when the honeymoon period ends.

Discover savings accounts for $100k+ balances

Are you keen on maximising the interest you could earn on a balance of $100,000 or more? Compare high interest savings accounts to decide which option may offer the best bang for your big bucks.

Explore uncomplicated online savings accounts

Many Australians conduct all their banking transactions digitally these days. A number of banks offer online savings accounts as a way to pass on the reduced costs of having no physical branches. All services are performed in-app, online or over the phone.

Compare savings accounts

Maximum rate condition

5.20%*

2.00%

*Make a deposit and make 5+ purchases on your W...

  • 2024 Award Winner
  • Bonus interest with conditions
  • App banking
  • Online banking
  • Linked account required

5.00%

intro 5 months then 1.45%*

1.10%

*Available for new accounts opened online by ne...

Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd
eSaver
  • Bonus interest with conditions
  • Intro offer rate
  • App banking
  • Online banking

Product database updated 02 May, 2024

This article was reviewed by Personal Finance Editor Alex Ritchie before it was published as part of RateCity's Fact Check process.

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