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No administrative fee superannuation funds
Find a super fund that charges no or low administrative fees. Compare fund rates, extra fees and performance to find one that suits your needs and budget today.
Sunsuper for Life - Super-savings Account
A balanced super fund intended to help you manage your super from your first day of work to retirement. Plus, you may be eligible for a Retirement Bonus of up to $4800.
Past 5-year return 8.29% p.a | Admin fee $52 | Company  | Calc fees on 50k $562 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards  | Go to site | More details | |
Product | Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $91 | Company  | Calc fees on 50k $366 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards  | Go to site | More details |
Past 5-year return New | Admin fee $84 | Company  | Calc fees on 50k $659 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards | Go to site | More details | |
Past 5-year return 6.96% p.a | Admin fee $98 | Company  | Calc fees on 50k $341 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards  | Go to site | More details | |
Past 5-year return 8.90% p.a | Admin fee $396 | Company  | Calc fees on 50k $541 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards | Go to site | More details | |
Learn more about superannuation
When comparing superannuation funds, small details make a big difference. Superannuation administration fees is one of these details. A fund with lower administration fees has the potential to increase your balance over time, but this isn’t always going to be the right fit for your situation. We’re going to look at super administration fees, how they work, how much you can expect to pay, and the circumstances where it might be an idea to shop around for a better deal.
What are superannuation administration fees?
Superannuation providers generally charge administration (or management) fees, to cover the upkeep of your super account, and the overall fund. For example, you should expect a portion of your fees to be used for the distribution of your super statements.
How are superannuation administration fees calculated?
The way your super administration fee is calculated will depend on your account. Some will use a tiered fee structure, while others will charge at a flat yearly rate. Super admin fees are generally calculated weekly and deducted from your account at the end of the month.
Are there funds that don’t charge superannuation fees?
With competition fierce in the superannuation industry, many providers are offering super accounts with $0 administration fees. This can be a great way to maximise your retirement savings and the amount of super you can access, but it is important to acknowledge the other features of the account and whether they’re in line with expectations.
How can you find funds that don’t charge superannuation administration fees?
If you’re not comfortable with the superannuation administration fees you’re being slugged with, it’s important to test the market. RateCity can help you compare super funds by the amount of admin fees you can expect to pay, to help you find the best fit as a consumer.
What other fees can I expect from my super fund?
Unfortunately, administration fees are just the start of the charges you can expect from your super fund, which is why it’s so important to test the market. While the fee types and amounts vary from provider to provider, you can generally expect to be charged:
- Investment fees – These cover the costs of managing your investment
- Indirect costs – Any charges your fund will pay to external providers
- Advice fees – Payments for investment advice from your fund
- Switching fees – Payments associated with altering investment options
- Buy/sell spread – Fees covering any fund transactions
- Insurance premiums – Charges associated with insurance provided by your fund
- Exit fees – Payable should you choose to leave the fund
- Activity-based fees – Incurred whenever your fund provides an additional service
How do you change superannuation funds?
Many consumers feel changing funds can be a daunting prospect, but websites like RateCity provide a quick and easy way to compare funds by administration fees, returns and benefits and see which policy works best for you and your financial goals.
Nick Bendel
Property Personal Finance Writer
A property and personal finance writer, Nick Bendel covers property, loans, credit cards, superannuation, and other bank products. Nick has previously written for The Adviser, Mortgage Business, Lifehacker, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, and InvestorDaily, and loves getting elbow-deep in the latest ABS, APRA and RBA data.
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Frequently asked questions
What fees do superannuation funds charge?
Superannuation funds can charge a range of fees, including:
- Activity-based fees – for specific, irregular services, such as splitting an account after a divorce
- Administration fees – to cover the cost of managing your account
- Advice fees – for personal investment advice
- Buy/sell spread fees – when you make contributions, switches and withdrawals
- Exit fees – when you close your account
- Investment fees – to cover the cost of managing your investments
- Switching fees – when you choose a new investment option within the same fund
How do you create a superannuation account?
Before you create a superannuation account, you’ll need to check if you’re allowed to choose your own fund. Most Australians can, but this option doesn’t apply to some workers who are covered by industrial agreements or who are members of defined benefits funds.
Assuming you are able to choose your own fund, the next step should be research, because there are more than 200 different superannuation funds in Australia.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred superannuation fund, head to that provider’s website, where you should be able to fill in an online application or download the appropriate forms. You’ll need your tax file number (assuming you don’t want to be charged a higher tax rate), your contact details and your employer’s details (if you’re employed).
What happens to my insurance cover if I change superannuation funds?
Some superannuation funds will allow you to transfer your insurance cover, without interruption, if you switch. However, others won’t. So it’s important you check before changing funds.
Do I have to pay myself superannuation if I'm self-employed?
No, self-employed workers don’t have to pay themselves superannuation. However, if you do pay yourself superannuation, you will probably be able to claim a tax deduction.
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm a part-time employee?
As a part-time employee, you’re entitled to superannuation if:
- You’re over 18 and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
- You’re under 18, you work more than 30 hours per week and you earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
How do I change my superannuation fund?
Changing superannuation funds is a common and straightforward process. You can do it through your MyGov account or by filling out a rollover form and sending it to your new fund. You’ll also have to provide proof of identity.
How much superannuation should I have?
The amount of superannuation you need to have at retirement is based on how much money you would expect to spend each week during your retirement. That, in turn, depends on whether you expect to lead a modest retirement or a comfortable retirement.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) estimates you would need the following amount per week:
| Lifestyle | Singles | Couples |
|---|---|---|
| Modest | $465 | $668 |
| Comfortable | $837 | $1,150 |
Here is the superannuation balance you would need to fund that level of spending:
| Lifestyle | Singles | Couples |
|---|---|---|
| Modest | $50,000 | $35,000 |
| Comfortable | $545,000 | $640,000 |
These figures come from the March 2017 edition of the ASFA Retirement Standard.
The reason people on modest lifestyles need so much less money is because they qualify for a far bigger age pension.
Here is how ASFA defines retirement lifestyles:
| Category | Comfortable | Modest | Age pension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holidays | One annual holiday in Australia | One or two short breaks in Australia near where you live | Shorter breaks or day trips in your own city |
| Eating out | Regularly eat out at restaurants. Good range and quality of food | Infrequently eat out at restaurants. Cheaper and less food | Only club special meals or inexpensive takeaway |
| Car | Owning a reasonable car | Owning an older, less reliable car | No car – or, if you do, a struggle to afford the upkeep |
| Alcohol | Bottled wine | Casked wine | Homebrew beer or no alcohol |
| Clothing | Good clothes | Reasonable clothes | Basic clothes |
| Hair | Regular haircuts at a good hairdresser | Regular haircuts at a basic salon | Less frequent haircuts or getting a friend to do it |
| Leisure | A range of regular leisure activities | One paid leisure activity, infrequently | Free or low-cost leisure activities |
| Electronics | A range of electronic equipment | Not much scope to run an air conditioner | Less heating in winter |
| Maintenance | Replace kitchen and bathroom over 20 years | No budget for home improvements. Can do repairs, but can’t replace kitchen or bathroom | No budget to fix home problems like a leaky roof |
| Insurance | Private health insurance | Private health insurance | No private health insurance |
How much is superannuation in Australia?
Superannuation in Australia is currently 9.5 per cent – which means that your employer must pay you superannuation equivalent to 9.5 per cent of your salary.
The ‘superannuation guarantee’, as it is known, has been at 9.5 per cent since the 2014-15 financial year. It is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
How much is superannuation?
Superannuation is currently 9.5 per cent – which means that your employer must pay you superannuation equivalent to 9.5 per cent of your salary.
The ‘superannuation guarantee’, as it is known, has been at 9.5 per cent since the 2014-15 financial year. It is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
How is superannuation calculated?
Superannuation is calculated at the rate of 9.5 per cent of your gross salary and wages. So if you had a salary of $50,000, your superannuation would be 9.5 per cent of that, or $4,750. This would be paid on top of your salary.
The ‘superannuation guarantee’, as it is known, has been at 9.5 per cent since the 2014-15 financial year. It is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
What is salary sacrificing?
A salary sacrifice is where your employer takes part of your pre-tax salary and pays it directly into your superannuation account. Salary sacrifices come out of your pre-tax income, whereas personal contributions come out of your after-tax income.
How many superannuation funds are there?
There are more than 200 different superannuation funds.
How do you pay superannuation?
Superannuation is paid by employers to employees. Employers are required to pay superannuation to all their staff if the staff are:
- Over 18 and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
- Under 18, work more than 30 hours per week and earn more than $450 before tax in a calendar month
This applies even if the staff are casual employees, part-time employees, contractors (provided the contract is mainly for their labour) or temporary residents.
Currently, the superannuation rate is currently 9.5 per cent of an employee’s ordinary time earnings. This is scheduled to rise to 10.0 per cent in 2021-22, 10.5 per cent in 2022-23, 11.0 per cent in 2023-24, 11.5 per cent in 2024-25 and 12.0 per cent in 2025-26.
Employers must pay superannuation at least four times per year. The due dates are 28 January, 28 April, 28 July and 28 October.
What are reportable employer superannuation contributions?
Reportable employer superannuation contributions are special contributions that an employer makes on top of the regular compulsory contributions. One example would be contributions made as part of a salary sacrifice arrangement.
What is lost superannuation?
Lost superannuation refers to savings in an account that you’ve forgotten about. This can happen if you’ve opened several different accounts over the years while moving from job to job.
How do you find superannuation?
Lost superannuation refers to savings in an account that you’ve forgotten about. This can happen if you’ve opened several different accounts over the years while moving from job to job.
You can use your MyGov account to see details of all your superannuation accounts, including any you might have forgotten. Alternatively, you can fill in a ‘Searching for lost super’ form and send it to the Australian Taxation Office, which will then search on your behalf.
How is superannuation regulated?
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulates ordinary superannuation accounts. Self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) are regulated by the Australian Taxation Office.
How do I choose the right superannuation fund?
Different superannuation funds charge different fees, offer different insurances, offer different investment options and have different performance histories.
So you need to ask yourself these four questions when comparing superannuation funds:
- How many fees would I have to pay and what would they cost?
- What insurances are available and how much would they cost?
- What investment options does it offer? How would they match my risk profile and financial needs?
- How have these investment options performed historically?
What is MySuper?
MySuper accounts are basic, low-fee accounts. If you don’t nominate a superannuation fund, your employer must choose one for you that offers a MySuper account.
MySuper accounts offer two investment options:
- Single diversified investment strategy
Your fund assigns you a risk strategy and investment profile, which remain unchanged throughout your working life.
- Lifecycle investment strategy
Your fund assigns you an investment strategy based on your age, and then changes it as you get older. Younger workers are given strategies that emphasise growth assets
Is superannuation included in taxable income?
Superannuation is not included when calculating your income tax. So if you have a salary of $50,000, your assessable income would be $50,000, not $50,000 plus superannuation.
That said, superannuation itself is taxed. It is generally taxed at 15 per cent, although if you earn less than $37,000, you will be reimbursed up to $500 of the tax you paid.