$138
$408






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Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
- Strong long-term performance and low fees
- Flexible investment choice - 11 options and the Member Direct option
- Digital join process online and Mobile App available
- Free workplace, retirement and education seminars
Summary
AustralianSuper is a multi-industry public offer fund that manages over $180 billion in assets on behalf of more than 2.4 million members, making it one of the largest industry superannuation funds in Australia. The fund was a joint winner of the 2021 Net Benefit award and was also nominated as a finalist of the 2021 MySuper of the Year, the 2021 MyChoice Super of the Year and the 2021 Smooth Ride awards. AustralianSuper offers a range of 11 investment options to choose from, providing members with access to 6 Pre-Mixed and 5 DIY Mix investment options, including a Socially Aware option for the ethical investor. Access to Term Deposits, ETFs, LICs and ASX300 Shares is also provided via the Member Direct option; however, additional costs may be incurred. The Balanced option has provided strong investment returns to members, outperforming the SuperRatings Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020.Fees for the Balanced option are lower than the industry average across all account balances assessed. The fund does not charge a buy-sell spread or a switching fee. A full suite of insurance cover is offered, with Death, Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) and Income Protection (IP) insurance cover automatically provided to eligible members upon joining the fund. Income Protection with a benefit period of 2 years, 5 years or to age 65, covering up to 85% of salary, is available following a 30- or 60-day waiting period. Members can apply to increase cover following the occurrence of a prescribed Life Event without additional underwriting.AustralianSuper provides members with access to a range of online fact sheets, interactive tools and calculators, educational videos and webinars. The fund's member online account further allows members to view and update their account details, as well as perform transactions.
Features and Fees
AustralianSuper Fees and Features
- Features
- Insurance Cover
- Fees
Features
Binding nominations | |
Account size discount | Online Access |
Home loans | Financial planning service |
Non-lapsing binding nominations | Employer size discount |
Anti-detriment payments | Credit cards |
Insurance Cover
Health insurance | Insurance life event increases |
Total and permanent disability cover | Long term income protection |
Fees
Admin fee $138 | Administration fee (%) 0.04% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.5% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) | Exit fee $0 |
Pros and Cons
- Strong long-term performance and low fees
- Flexible investment choice - 11 options and the Member Direct option
- Digital join process online and Mobile App available
- Free workplace, retirement and education seminars
AustralianSuper is a multi-industry public offer fund that manages over $180 billion in assets on behalf of more than 2.4 million members, making it one of the largest industry superannuation funds in Australia. The fund was a joint winner of the 2021 Net Benefit award and was also nominated as a finalist of the 2021 MySuper of the Year, the 2021 MyChoice Super of the Year and the 2021 Smooth Ride awards. AustralianSuper offers a range of 11 investment options to choose from, providing members with access to 6 Pre-Mixed and 5 DIY Mix investment options, including a Socially Aware option for the ethical investor. Access to Term Deposits, ETFs, LICs and ASX300 Shares is also provided via the Member Direct option; however, additional costs may be incurred. The Balanced option has provided strong investment returns to members, outperforming the SuperRatings Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020.Fees for the Balanced option are lower than the industry average across all account balances assessed. The fund does not charge a buy-sell spread or a switching fee. A full suite of insurance cover is offered, with Death, Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) and Income Protection (IP) insurance cover automatically provided to eligible members upon joining the fund. Income Protection with a benefit period of 2 years, 5 years or to age 65, covering up to 85% of salary, is available following a 30- or 60-day waiting period. Members can apply to increase cover following the occurrence of a prescribed Life Event without additional underwriting.AustralianSuper provides members with access to a range of online fact sheets, interactive tools and calculators, educational videos and webinars. The fund's member online account further allows members to view and update their account details, as well as perform transactions.
Read More
AustralianSuper Fees and Features
- Features
- Insurance Cover
- Fees
Features
Binding nominations | |
Account size discount | Online Access |
Home loans | Financial planning service |
Non-lapsing binding nominations | Employer size discount |
Anti-detriment payments | Credit cards |
Insurance Cover
Health insurance | Insurance life event increases |
Total and permanent disability cover | Long term income protection |
Fees
Admin fee $138 | Administration fee (%) 0.04% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.5% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) | Exit fee $0 |
Fund fees vs. Industry average
Fund past-5-year return vs. Industry average
Investment allocation
Investment option performance
Product | Past 5-year return 7.61% | Admin fee $138 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $408 | 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 $138 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $408 | 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 7.61% | Admin fee $138 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $408 | 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 7.61% | Admin fee $138 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $408 | 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 7.61% | Admin fee $138 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $408 | Features Advisory services Death insurance Income protection Online access Term deposits Variety of options | SuperRatings awards ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | Go to site | More details |
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FAQs
How much money do you get on the age pension?
Pension payments can be reduced due to the income test and asset test (see ‘What is the age pension’s income test?’ and ‘What is the age pension’s assets test?’).
Here are the maximum fortnightly payments:
Category |
Single |
Couple each |
Couple combined |
Couple apart due to ill health |
Maximum basic rate |
$808.30 |
$609.30 |
$1,218.60 |
$808.30 |
Maximum pension supplement |
$65.90 |
$49.70 |
$99.40 |
$65.90 |
Energy supplement |
$14.10 |
$10.60 |
$21.20 |
$14.10 |
TOTAL |
$888.30 |
$669.60 |
$1,339.20 |
$888.30 |
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.
What are the age pension's age rules?
Australians must be aged at least 65 years and 6 months to access the age pension. This eligibility age is scheduled to increase according to the following schedule:
Date | Eligibility age |
---|---|
1 July 2019 | 66 years |
1 July 2021 | 66 years and 6 months |
1 July 2023 | 67 years |
What are my superannuation obligations if I'm an employer?
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.
How does superannuation work?
Superannuation is paid by employers to employees, at least once every three months. The ‘superannuation guarantee’ 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 guarantee 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.
Superannuation is generally taxed at 15 per cent. However, if you earn less than $37,000, you will be automatically reimbursed up to $500 of the tax you paid. Also, if your income plus concessional superannuation contributions exceed $250,000, you will also be charged Division 293 tax. This is an extra 15 per cent tax on your concessional contributions or the amount above $250,000 – whichever is lesser.
You can withdraw your superannuation when you meet the ‘conditions of release’. The conditions of release say you can claim your super when you reach:
- Age 65
- Your ‘preservation age’ and retire
- Your preservation age and begin a ‘transition to retirement’ while still working
What age can I withdraw my superannuation?
You can withdraw your superannuation (or at least some of it) when you reach ‘preservation age’. The preservation age is based on date of birth. Here are the six different categories:
Date of birth | Preservation age |
---|---|
Before 1 July 1960 | 55 |
1 July 1960 – 30 June 1961 | 56 |
1 July 1961 – 30 June 1962 | 57 |
1 July 1962 – 30 June 1963 | 58 |
1 July 1963 – 30 June 1964 | 59 |
From 1 July 1964 | 60 |
When you reach preservation age, you can withdraw all your superannuation if you’re retired. If you’re still working, you can begin a ‘transition to retirement’, which allows you to withdraw 10 per cent of their superannuation each financial year.
You can also withdraw all your superannuation once you reach 65 years.
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
When did superannuation start in Australia?
Australia’s modern superannuation system – in which employers make compulsory contributions to their employees – started in 1992. However, before that, there were various restricted superannuation schemes applying to certain employees in certain industries. The very first superannuation scheme was introduced in the 19th century.
Is superannuation paid on overtime?
As the Australian Taxation Office explains, there are times when superannuation is paid on overtime and times when it isn’t.
Here is the ATO’s summary:
Payment type | Is superannuation paid? |
---|---|
Overtime hours – award stipulates ordinary hours to be worked and employee works additional hours for which they are paid overtime rates | No |
Overtime hours – agreement prevails over award | No |
Agreement supplanting award removes distinction between ordinary hours and other hours | Yes – all hours worked |
No ordinary hours of work stipulated | Yes – all hours worked |
Casual employee: shift loadings | Yes |
Casual employee: overtime payments | No |
Casual employee whose hours are paid at overtime rates due to a ‘bandwidth’ clause | No |
Piece-rates – no ordinary hours of work stipulated | Yes |
Overtime component of earnings based on hourly-driving-rate method stipulated in award | No |
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm a casual employee?
As a casual 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
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm a contractor?
As a contractor, you’re entitled to superannuation if:
- The contract is mainly for your labour
- 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
Please note that you’re entitled to superannuation even if you have an Australian business number (ABN).
How does superannuation affect the age pension?
Most Australians who are of retirement age can qualify for the age pension. However, depending on the size of your assets and post-retirement income, you might be entitled to only a reduced pension. In some instances, you might not be entitled to any pension payments.
How does the age pension work?
Most Australians who are of retirement age can qualify for the age pension. However, depending on the size of your assets and post-retirement income, you might be entitled to only a reduced pension. In some instances, you might not be entitled to any pension payments.
What compliance obligations does an SMSF have?
SMSFs must maintain comprehensive records and submit to annual audits.
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
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm not an Australian citizen?
Yes, permanent and temporary residents are entitled to superannuation.
Can I carry on a business in an SMSF?
SMSFs are allowed to carry on a business under two conditions.
First, this must be permitted under the trust deed.
Second, the sole purpose of the business must be to earn retirement benefits.
How much superannuation should I have at age 40?
The amount of superannuation you should have at age 40 is based on how much money you need to have at retirement. That, in turn, is based on how much money you 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 long after divorce can you claim superannuation?
You or your partner could be forced to surrender part of your superannuation if you divorce, just like with other assets.
You can file a claim for division of property – including superannuation – as soon as you divorce. However, the claim has to be filed within one year of the divorce.
Your superannuation could be affected even if you’re in a de facto relationship – that is, living together as a couple without being officially married.
In that case, the claim has to be filed within two years of the date of separation.
Either way, the first thing to consider is whether you’re a member of a standard, APRA-regulated superannuation fund or if you’re a member of a self-managed superannuation fund (SMSF), because different rules apply.
Standard superannuation funds
If your relationship breaks down, your superannuation savings might be divided by court order or by agreement.
The rules of the superannuation fund will dictate whether this transfer happens immediately, or in the future when the person who has to make the transfer is allowed to access the rest of their superannuation (i.e. at or near retirement).
Click here for more information.
SMSFs
If your relationship breaks down, you must continue to observe the trust deed of your SMSF.
So if you and your partner are both members of the same SMSF, neither party is allowed to use the fund to inflict ‘punishment’ – such as by excluding the other party from the decision-making process or refusing their request to roll their money into another superannuation fund.
This no-punishment rule applies even if the two parties are involved in legal proceedings.
Click here for more information.
Financial consequences
Superannuation funds often charge a fee for splitting accounts after a relationship breakdown.
Splitting superannuation can also impact the size of your total super balance and how your super is taxed.
Click here for more information.
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 |