$108
$593


Based on your details, you can compare and save on the following superannuation
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
- BT Super for Life is a superannuation product that can take you from your first job through to retirement.
- View and manage your super every time you log in to internet banking.
- Transactions can be performed online such as switching, updating beneficiary details and obtaining standard insurance. All communications and correspondence are online.
- 10 minute online application process.
Summary
BT Super for Life was established in 2007 to service the retirement needs of members from a wide range of industries. The fund is a public offer fund and allows members from all industries to apply for membership. The fund demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental and social principles and is Infinity Recognised.BT Super for Life offers an investment menu of 10 diversified options and 26 single sector options, as well as a Lifestage option that automatically transitions the asset allocation to defensive investments as the member ages. The Pendal Sustainable Balanced option underperformed the relevant SuperRatings Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020.Fees are lower than the industry average across small and medium account balances assessed. There are no switching fees, although a buy-sell spread may apply.BT Super for Life Savings’ insurance offering allows eligible members to apply for an unlimited amount of Death cover and up to $3 million of TPD cover. Income Protection with a benefit period of 2 years or to age 65, covering up to 75% of salary, is available following a 30, 90, 180- or 720- day waiting period through customised cover upon application. Insurance premiums for Income Protection cover are not publicly available and have not been assessed. . The fund offers a range of educational material, along with phone-based advice and lost superannuation searches. Members who are also customers of Westpac, St George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne may also manage their superannuation through their online banking account.
Features and Fees
BT 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 $108 | Administration fee (%) 0.28% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.5% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.19% | Exit fee $0 |
Pros and Cons
- BT Super for Life is a superannuation product that can take you from your first job through to retirement.
- View and manage your super every time you log in to internet banking.
- Transactions can be performed online such as switching, updating beneficiary details and obtaining standard insurance. All communications and correspondence are online.
- 10 minute online application process.
BT Super for Life was established in 2007 to service the retirement needs of members from a wide range of industries. The fund is a public offer fund and allows members from all industries to apply for membership. The fund demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental and social principles and is Infinity Recognised.BT Super for Life offers an investment menu of 10 diversified options and 26 single sector options, as well as a Lifestage option that automatically transitions the asset allocation to defensive investments as the member ages. The Pendal Sustainable Balanced option underperformed the relevant SuperRatings Index over each time period assessed to 30 June 2020.Fees are lower than the industry average across small and medium account balances assessed. There are no switching fees, although a buy-sell spread may apply.BT Super for Life Savings’ insurance offering allows eligible members to apply for an unlimited amount of Death cover and up to $3 million of TPD cover. Income Protection with a benefit period of 2 years or to age 65, covering up to 75% of salary, is available following a 30, 90, 180- or 720- day waiting period through customised cover upon application. Insurance premiums for Income Protection cover are not publicly available and have not been assessed. . The fund offers a range of educational material, along with phone-based advice and lost superannuation searches. Members who are also customers of Westpac, St George, BankSA or Bank of Melbourne may also manage their superannuation through their online banking account.
Read More
BT 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 $108 | Administration fee (%) 0.28% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.5% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.19% | 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 New | Admin fee $635 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $1.2k | 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 5.39% | Admin fee $635 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $1.3k | 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 $275 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $845 | 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 $635 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $1.2k | 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 4.28% | Admin fee $108 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $593 | 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 $108 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $563 | 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 4.28% | Admin fee $108 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $593 | 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 $95 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $1.1k | 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
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 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 |
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
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.
What happens to my superannuation when I change jobs?
You can keep your superannuation fund for as long as you like, so nothing happens when you change jobs. Please note that some superannuation funds have special features for people who work with certain employers, so these features may no longer be available if you change jobs.
Is superannuation taxed?
Superannuation is taxed. It 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.
How can I withdraw my superannuation?
There are three different ways you can withdraw your superannuation:
- Lump sum
- Account-based pension
- Part lump sum and part account-based pension
Two rules apply if you choose to receive an account-based pension (also known as an income stream):
- You must receive payments at least once per year
- You must withdraw a minimum amount per year
- Age 55-64 = 4%
- Age 65-74 = 5%
- Age 75-79 = 6%
- Age 80-84 = 7%
- Age 85-89 = 9%
- Age 90-94 = 11%
- Age 95+ = 14%
If you want to work out how long your account-based pension might last, click here to access ASIC’s account-based pension calculator.
How much extra superannuation can I add to my fund?
There is an annual limit of $25,000 for concessional contributions – that is, money paid by your employer and extra money you pay into your account through salary sacrificing. There is also a limit on non-concessional contributions. Australians aged between 65 and 74 have a limit of $100,000 per year. Australians aged under 65 have a limit of $300,000 every three years.
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 are ethical investment superannuation funds?
Ethical investment funds limit themselves to making ‘ethical’ investments (which each fund defines according to its own principles). For example, ethical funds might avoid investing in companies or industries that are linked to human suffering or environmental damage.
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 1Â 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 1Â 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.
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 are the age pension's residence rules?
On the day you claim the age pension, you must be in Australia and you must have been an Australian resident for at least 10 years (with no break in your stay for at least five of those years). The following exceptions apply:
- You’re exempt from the 10-year rule if you’re a refugee or former refugee
- You’re exempt from the 10-year rule if you’re getting Partner Allowance, Widow Allowance or Widow B pension
- You can claim the age pension with only two years of residency if you’re a woman whose partner died while you were both Australian residents
- You might be able to claim the age pension if you’ve lived or worked in a country that has a social security agreement with Australia
How do you set up superannuation?
Before you set up 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 are concessional contributions?
Concessional contributions are pre-tax payments into your superannuation account. The payments made by your employer are concessional payments. You can also make concessional contributions with a salary sacrifice.
What are personal contributions?
A personal contribution is when you make an extra payment into your superannuation account. The difference between personal contributions and salary sacrifices is that the former comes out of your after-tax income, while the latter comes out of your pre-tax income.
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 |
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 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 superannuation details do I give to my employer?
When you start a job, your employer will give you what’s called a ‘superannuation standard choice form’. Here’s what you need to complete the form:
- The name of your preferred superannuation fund
- The fund’s address
- The fund’s Australian business number (ABN)
- The fund’s superannuation product identification number (SPIN)
- The fund’s phone number
- A letter from the fund trustee confirming that the fund is a complying fund; or written evidence from the fund stating it will accept contributions from your new employer; or details about how your employer can make contributions to the fund
You should also provide your tax file number – while it’s not a legal obligation, it will ensure your contributions will be taxed at the (lower) superannuation rate.