- Home
- Savings Accounts
- News
- What will happen to savings accounts when interest rates fall? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in November 2024
What will happen to savings accounts when interest rates fall? Some of the top-rated savings accounts in November 2024


Putting part of your money into a savings account is traditionally one of the simplest ways to protect and grow your wealth. But how does this work if interest rates start falling?
Savings account interest rates are affected by many different factors, including the national cash rate set by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA). When the RBA raises the cash rate to take on inflation, banks and other Authorised Deposit-taking Institutions (ADIs) typically pass this rate on to their deposit holders, including their customers with savings accounts and term deposits.
However, economists from the big four banks are forecasting that the RBA could start an easing cycle starting in February 2025, which could see interest rates fall by a full percentage point over that year. This could potentially mean that Australians may get less value from their savings accounts if they start earning less interest on their wealth.
Some ADIs are already making interest rate moves in anticipation of future interest rate announcements. For example, ME Bank recently reduced its market-leading savings account bonus rate in an out of cycle rate cut.
But there are still a range of savings account options available for Australians looking for a place to secure and grow their savings. Finding a savings account interest rate that’s higher than the current inflation rate (which has been falling) can help to keep your money from going backwards, though you’ll also need to consider taxes on your interest income.
Because there’s more to a savings account than just the interest rate, RateCity’s Real Time Ratings™ combine the interest and flexibility offered by different savings accounts to better indicate their overall value. You can also narrow down your savings account comparison by looking at the savings accounts ranked in different categories on RateCity’s Savings Account Leaderboards.
(Rankings are correct at the time of publishing. Please note lenders may trade places on the list as interest rates and fees change and RateCity’s tracker reflects these movements.)
Some of the top-rated regular savers accounts
The top-rated savings accounts suitable for the everyday saver. Assumes a $10,000 starting balance and monthly deposits of $600. Excludes kids' and pensioners' accounts.
5.25%*
0.10%
*Make a minimum deposit of $200 and no withdraw...

Growth Saver Account
- 2024 Award Winner
- Bonus interest with conditions
- Online banking
5.40%*
0.05%
*Deposit at least $1000, make 5+ card purchases...

Savings Maximiser
- 2024 Award Winner
- Bonus interest with conditions
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
5.25%*
tiered rates apply*
Not Applicable
*Deposit $500+ a month into your Ubank account ...

High Interest Save Account
- Bonus interest with conditions
- Online banking
- Linked account required
5.00%
intro 3 months then 4.90%*
1.60%
*Deposit at least $0.01 a month for customers u...

Incentive Saver Account
- 2024 Award Winner
- Special
- Bonus interest with conditions
- Intro offer rate
- App banking
- Online banking
Some of the top-rated standard savings accounts
The top-rated savings accounts suitable for savers who want complete freedom while still earning interest. Assumes a balance of $10,000 at any given time. Excludes kids' and pensioners' accounts, as well as accounts that offer bonus interest if certain terms and conditions are met each month.
4.85%
4.85%
Not applicable

Freedom Saver
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
4.55%
4.55%
Not applicable

Simple Saver Account
- 2024 Award Winner
- App banking
- Online banking
4.65%
4.65%
Not applicable

Cash Management Account
- 2024 Award Winner
- App banking
- Online banking
4.35%
4.35%
Not applicable

MoneyMAX Account
- 2024 Award Winner
- App banking
- Online banking
5.10%
intro 4 months then 4.75%
4.75%
Not applicable

Macquarie Savings Account
- 2024 Award Winner
- Intro offer rate
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
Compare savings accounts
4.75%
intro 5 months then 1.35%*
1.00%
*Available for new accounts opened online by ne...

eSaver
- Bonus interest with conditions
- Intro offer rate
- App banking
- Online banking
3.75%*
0.01%
*Make a single deposit of $10 or more and no wi...

Progress Saver
- Bonus interest with conditions
- App banking
- Online banking
1.15%
1.15%
Not applicable

Online Saver
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
4.75%*
1.60%
*Ensure your account balance is higher at the e...

Life
- Bonus interest with conditions
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
Product database updated 26 Mar, 2025
Fact Checked
Share this page
Get updates on the latest financial news and products
By continuing, you agree to the RateCity Privacy Policy, Terms of Use and Disclaimer.
Promoted savings accounts

eSaver
Real Time Rating™
- Bonus interest with conditions
- Intro offer rate
- App banking
- Online banking
Maximum rate p.a.
4.75%
intro 5 months then 1.35%*
Base rate p.a.
1.00%

Progress Saver
Real Time Rating™
- Bonus interest with conditions
- App banking
- Online banking
Maximum rate p.a.
3.75%*
Base rate p.a.
0.01%

Online Saver
Real Time Rating™
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
Maximum rate p.a.
1.15%
Base rate p.a.
1.15%

Life
Real Time Rating™
- Bonus interest with conditions
- App banking
- Online banking
- Linked account required
Maximum rate p.a.
4.75%*
Base rate p.a.
1.60%
Product data updated on 26 Mar 2025
Latest savings accounts articles

Savings Accounts
01/12/24 . 5 min read
What is a cash management account and how is it different from a savings account?
Learn how Cash Management Accounts (CMAs) offer flexibility, transaction management, and interest earning, making them ideal for investors and SMSFs.

Vidhu Bajaj
Personal Finance Writer

How to prepare for and manage the rising cost of living

What's the difference between a savings account and a transaction account?

How much does the average Australian have in savings?
