It's no secret that the current interest rates for both savings accounts and term deposits aren't exactly groundbreaking.
Term deposits are a safe and guaranteed way to set aside your savings. While they won't attract high interest rates like a savings account, they offer more than a transaction account. It has been a tough year for term deposit holders, though, as the Reserve Bank continued to lower interest rates in a bid to revive the economy from the pandemic. Find the best interest rate for your term investment With this interest rates table, you can use the arrows to sort by various options such as interest rate, provider, amount and rating. Rates changes from the past seven days will be highlighted in green or red. Our research finds the average 6-month term deposit interest rate to be 1.49% p.a as at January 2020, which equates to a return of around 0.75% over 6 months. There are some 6-month deposit rates that are much higher than this, however. What is a 6-month term deposit?
In 2011, deposit products offered well over 6%pa. Fast-forward to 2019 and it's rare to find a term deposit that returns more than 3%pa on your savings.
However, there are a few that do. Generally, the best rates are for longer terms and for larger deposits; however, there are a few offering above 3%pa on deposits of just $1000.
Here are five of the best term deposit rates in the market today.
So rates aren't what they were in 2011 but term deposits still have their place and they offer a number of benefits to savers and investors, even in this low-rate environment.
Five benefits of term deposits
Best Term Deposit Rates For 6 Months Mortgage
1. They're low risk
Term deposits are a safe, low-risk way to invest your money. Your deposit, up to $250,000, is covered by the Australian Government guarantee scheme, so if the bank were to go under term deposit holders would be paid back ahead of shareholders.
For investors, term deposits are a great option if you're looking for some low-risk, defensive assets to add to your portfolio.
2. They offer predictable returns
Term deposits offer a fixed interest rate, unlike savings accounts, which have a variable rate that could change at any time.
Because the rate on your term deposit is fixed for the life of the term, if interest rates fall lower your rate will remain unchanged. It also means you can predict the return on your initial deposit down to the dollar, which is helpful for both peace of mind and budgeting.
3. They prevent you from dipping into your savings
Unlike money in a savings account, which you can withdraw whenever you need, term deposits are locked in until they mature.
This is a good option if you find yourself regularly dipping into your savings for impulse purchases.
Top Term Deposit Rates
4. There are no ongoing conditions to meet
Savings accounts often have monthly deposit conditions to earn the bonus interest rate, and if you don't meet the conditions you're often left with little to no interest. Term deposits have no ongoing conditions to meet, making them a great set-and-forget savings strategy.
5. They're flexible
Term deposits aren't a one-size-fits-all product. You can choose one that's locked in for just one month or up to five years.
You can also choose how you'd like to receive your interest, whether it's monthly, twice a year, annually or in a lump sum at maturity. You can choose whatever suits your financial needs.
Term deposits don't offer the big capital growth that you might experience with some high-risk shares or even property but they do provide a safe and secure place to park your savings while you enjoy guaranteed, risk-free returns.