$58
$358

Based on your details, you can compare and save on the following superannuation
Pros and Cons
Pros and Cons
- One of the lowest fees in the market.
- Simple and straightforward investment options including a LifeStage Tracker® option.
- Automatic Insurance cover with a pre-approved level of Death and TPD cover based on your age.
- Access to your super 24/7 with the ability to make changes instantly to your investment mix; plus online consolidation in less than 10 minutes.
Summary
Virgin Money Super is a plan within the Mercer Super Trust, designed to provide a default structure for superannuation investments with competitive fees to optimise retirement incomes for members across all industries.Virgin Money Super LifeStage Tracker is the fund's MySuper offering, which is a whole of life investment strategy that adjusts underlying asset allocations according to a member's age, gradually 'gliding' from a growth-oriented investment strategy to a defensive-oriented strategy. The LifeStage Tracker Born 1959-1963 option outperformed the SuperRatings Index over the 1- and 3-year periods to 30 June 2020.Fees are competitive and lower than the industry average across all account balances assessed. Eligible members can apply for a reduced asset-based administration fee via the 'Virgin Money Super Baby Break' program for a maximum of 12 months. Members can switch investment options at no cost.A full suite of insurance cover is offered, with Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover automatically provided to eligible members upon joining the fund. Members can apply to increase their Death and TPD cover following the occurrence of a prescribed Life Event without additional underwriting. Income Protection (IP) with a benefit period of 2 years, covering up to 75% of salary, is available following a 90-day waiting period. Members have access to a free Simple Super Advice service, as well as comprehensive financial planning services provided through Mercer Financial Advice. Online account access allows members to check their account balance and investment performance, as well as make investment changes.
Features and Fees
Virgin Money 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 $58 | Administration fee (%) 0.39% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.116% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.09% | Exit fee $0 |
Pros and Cons
- One of the lowest fees in the market.
- Simple and straightforward investment options including a LifeStage Tracker® option.
- Automatic Insurance cover with a pre-approved level of Death and TPD cover based on your age.
- Access to your super 24/7 with the ability to make changes instantly to your investment mix; plus online consolidation in less than 10 minutes.
Virgin Money Super is a plan within the Mercer Super Trust, designed to provide a default structure for superannuation investments with competitive fees to optimise retirement incomes for members across all industries.Virgin Money Super LifeStage Tracker is the fund's MySuper offering, which is a whole of life investment strategy that adjusts underlying asset allocations according to a member's age, gradually 'gliding' from a growth-oriented investment strategy to a defensive-oriented strategy. The LifeStage Tracker Born 1959-1963 option outperformed the SuperRatings Index over the 1- and 3-year periods to 30 June 2020.Fees are competitive and lower than the industry average across all account balances assessed. Eligible members can apply for a reduced asset-based administration fee via the 'Virgin Money Super Baby Break' program for a maximum of 12 months. Members can switch investment options at no cost.A full suite of insurance cover is offered, with Death and Total & Permanent Disablement (TPD) cover automatically provided to eligible members upon joining the fund. Members can apply to increase their Death and TPD cover following the occurrence of a prescribed Life Event without additional underwriting. Income Protection (IP) with a benefit period of 2 years, covering up to 75% of salary, is available following a 90-day waiting period. Members have access to a free Simple Super Advice service, as well as comprehensive financial planning services provided through Mercer Financial Advice. Online account access allows members to check their account balance and investment performance, as well as make investment changes.
Read More
Virgin Money 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 $58 | Administration fee (%) 0.39% |
Switching fee $0 | Investment fee 0.116% |
Indirect cost ratio (%) 0.09% | 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 $58 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $358 | 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 $58 | Company ![]() | Calc fees on 50k $358 | 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
Can my employer use money from my superannuation account?
No, your employer can’t touch the money that is paid into your superannuation account.
Can I take money out of my superannuation fund?
Superannuation is designed to provide Australians with money in their retirement. The government has strict rules around when people can take that money out of their fund because it wants to prevent people eroding their savings before they reach retirement.
As a general rule, you can only take money out of your superannuation fund when you reach:
- Age 65
- Your ‘preservation age’ and retire
- Your preservation age and begin a ‘transition to retirement’ while still working
That said, you can take money out of your superannuation fund early based on one of these seven special conditions:
- Compassionate grounds
- Severe financial hardship
- Temporary incapacity
- Permanent incapacity
- Superannuation inheritance
- Superannuation balance under $200
- Temporary resident departing Australia
How can I keep track of my superannuation?
Most funds will allow you to access your superannuation account online. Another option is to manage your superannuation through myGov, which is a government portal through which you can access a range of services, including Medicare, Centrelink, aged care and child support.
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
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.
Can I transfer money from overseas into my superannuation account?
Yes, you can transfer money from overseas into your superannuation account – under certain conditions. First, you must provide your tax file number to your fund. Second, if you are aged between 65 and 74, you must have worked at least 40 hours within 30 consecutive days in a financial year. (Australians under 65 aren’t subject to a work test; Australians aged 75 and over cannot receive contributions to their superannuation account.)
Money transferred from overseas will generally count to both your concessional contributions limit and your non-concessional contributions limit. You will have to pay income tax on the applicable fund earnings component of any money transferred from overseas. You might also be liable for excess contributions tax.
What happens if my employer goes out of business while still owing me superannuation?
If your employer collapses, a trustee or administrator or liquidator will be appointed to manage the company. That trustee/administrator/liquidator will be required to pay your superannuation out of company funds.
If the company doesn’t have enough funds, in some cases company directors will be required to pay your superannuation. If the directors still don’t pay, the Australian Securities & Investment Commission (ASIC) might take legal action on your behalf. However, ASIC might decline to take legal action or might be unsuccessful.
So there might be some circumstances when you don’t receive all the superannuation you’re owed.
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.
Am I entitled to superannuation if I'm not an Australian citizen?
Yes, permanent and temporary residents are entitled to superannuation.
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
What is the age pension's assets test?
The value of your assets affects whether you can qualify for the age pension – and, if so, how much.
The following assets are exempt from the assets test:
- your principal home and up to two hectares of used land on the same title
- all Australian superannuation investments from which a pension is not being paid – this exemption is valid until you reach age pension age
- any property or money left to you in an estate, which you can’t get for up to 12 months
- a cemetery plot and a prepaid funeral, or up to two funeral bonds, that cost no more than the allowable limit
- aids for people with disability
- money from the National Disability Insurance Scheme for people with disability
- principal home sale proceeds you’ll use to buy another home within 12 months
- accommodation bonds paid on entry to residential aged care
- any interest not created by you or your partner
- a Special Disability Trust if it meets certain requirements
- your principal home, if you vacate it for up to 12 months
- granny flat rights where you pay more than the extra allowable amount
For full pensions, reductions apply when your assessable assets exceed these thresholds:
Category |
Home owners |
Non-home owners |
Singles |
$253,750 |
$456,750 |
Couples living together |
$380,500 |
$583,500 |
Couples living apart due to ill health |
$380,500 |
$583,500 |
Couples with only one partner eligible |
$380,500 |
$583,500 |
For part pensions, reductions apply when your assessable assets exceed these thresholds:
Category |
Home owners |
Non-home owners |
Singles |
$550,000 |
$753,000 |
Couples living together |
$827,000 |
$1,030,000 |
Couples living apart due to ill health |
$973,000 |
$1,176,000 |
Couples with only one partner eligible |
$827,000 |
$1,030,000 |
For transitional rate pensions, reductions apply when your assessable assets exceed these thresholds:
Category |
Home owners |
Non-home owners |
Singles |
$503,250 |
$706,250 |
Couples living together |
$783,000 |
$986,000 |
Couples living apart due to ill health |
$879,500 |
$1,082,500 |
Couples with only one partner eligible |
$783,000 |
$986,000 |
What contributions can SMSFs accept?
SMSFs can accept mandated employer contributions from an employer at any time (Funds need an electronic service address to receive the contributions).
However, SMSFs can’t accept contributions from members who don’t have tax file numbers.
Also, they generally can’t accept assets as contributions from members and they generally can’t accept non-mandated contributions for members who are 75 or older.
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 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.
What are government co-contributions?
A government co-contribution is a bonus payment from the federal government into your superannuation account – but it comes with conditions. First, the government will only make a co-contribution if you make a personal contribution. Second, the government will only contribute a maximum of $500. Third, the government will only make co-contributions for people on low and medium incomes. The Australian Taxation Office will calculation whether you’re entitled to a government co-contribution when you lodge your tax return. The size of any co-contribution depends on the size of your personal contribution and income.
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
How many superannuation funds are there?
There are more than 200 different superannuation funds.
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 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 |
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.