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

Mark Bristow avatar
Mark Bristow
- 3 min read
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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.

Maximum rate condition

5.25%*

0.10%

*Make a minimum deposit of $200 and no withdraw...

Railways Credit Union Limited T/A MOVE Bk
Growth Saver Account
  • 2024 Award Winner
  • Bonus interest with conditions
  • Online banking

5.40%*

0.05%

*Deposit at least $1000, make 5+ card purchases...

ING
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 ...

ubank
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...

St.George Bank
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.

Maximum rate condition

4.85%

4.85%

Not applicable

Australian Unity Limited
Freedom Saver
  • App banking
  • Online banking
  • Linked account required

4.55%

4.55%

Not applicable

Bank of Queensland
Simple Saver Account
  • 2024 Award Winner
  • App banking
  • Online banking

4.65%

4.65%

Not applicable

BNK
Cash Management Account
  • 2024 Award Winner
  • App banking
  • Online banking

4.35%

4.35%

Not applicable

Unity Bank Limited
MoneyMAX Account
  • 2024 Award Winner
  • App banking
  • Online banking

5.10%

intro 4 months then 4.75%

4.75%

Not applicable

Macquarie Bank Limited
Macquarie Savings Account
  • 2024 Award Winner
  • Intro offer rate
  • App banking
  • Online banking
  • Linked account required

Compare savings accounts

Maximum rate condition

4.75%

intro 5 months then 1.35%*

1.00%

*Available for new accounts opened online by ne...

Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd
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...

ANZ Banking Group Limited
Progress Saver
  • Bonus interest with conditions
  • App banking
  • Online banking

1.15%

1.15%

Not applicable

ANZ Banking Group Limited
Online Saver
  • App banking
  • Online banking
  • Linked account required

4.75%*

1.60%

*Ensure your account balance is higher at the e...

Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd
Life
  • Bonus interest with conditions
  • App banking
  • Online banking
  • Linked account required

Product database updated 26 Mar, 2025

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Promoted savings accounts

Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd

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%

ANZ Banking Group Limited

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%

ANZ Banking Group Limited

Online Saver

Real Time Rating™

  • App banking
  • Online banking
  • Linked account required

Maximum rate p.a.

1.15%

Base rate p.a.

1.15%

Westpac Banking Corporation Ltd

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

Product data updated on 26 Mar 2025