Comprehensive Comparison of Australia’s Top 10 Super Funds [2025]
Hostplus – Balanced
Investment Objective: Growth and Risk
The Hostplus Balanced (MySuper) option is designed to beat inflation, to balance risk with long term growth. For investors seeking financial security, its main aim is not just to preserve wealth but to grow capital over time.
Asset Allocation: A Balanced Mix
This option has a diversified portfolio:
Growth Assets (53%): Equities are the dominant component, for capital growth in domestic and international markets.
Property (12%): Real estate for stability and returns.
Defensive Assets (20%): Fixed interest for low risk income.
Alternatives (15%): Non-traditional investments to reduce volatility and diversify.
This mix of aggressive and defensive strategies suits different investors.
Performance: Long Term Results
The Hostplus Balanced option performs well:
10-Year: 8.5%
5-Year: 7.8%
1-Year: 6.5% (2025)
These numbers show it can deliver returns in volatile markets.
Fees: Clear and Competitive
Fees are important:
Admin Fee: $78 p.a.
Investment Fee: 0.06% – 0.67% depending on options
Simple and cost effective for most investors.
Risk Rating: Medium-High (APRA)
Medium-High risk (Level 6 of 7). For investors who are comfortable with moderate risk for higher long term returns.
Insurance: Default and Customisable
Members have default Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance, with options to customise based on individual needs.
Membership: A big choice for Australians
Over 1.3 million members (2025). One of the largest and most trusted super funds in the country.
Features: What’s unique to Hostplus
Indexed Investments: Low cost, transparent options linked to indexes.
MySuper Performance: One of the best in the MySuper category.
Ethical and Diversified Options: Options to suit personal and ethical preferences.
Australian Retirement Trust – Super Savings Balanced
Investment Strategy: Growth with Stability
The Australian Retirement Trust – Super Savings Balanced combines growth assets with defensive elements to deliver above inflation returns, for long term capital growth and risk management for your super savings.
Asset Allocation: Growth with Stability
The Australian Retirement Trust – Super Savings Balanced option has a diversified asset allocation to balance growth and risk management for investors looking for long term stability and growth.
Growth Assets (60%): A big chunk is invested in equities for growth. This is split between domestic and international markets to deliver long term capital growth.
Property (10%): Real estate provides steady returns and diversification. Real estate helps to stabilise the portfolio and acts as a market hedge.
Defensive Assets (20%): Fixed interest provides stability and income streams. This reduces overall portfolio risk and cushions the impact of market volatility on returns.
Alternatives (10%): A part of the portfolio is invested in non-traditional assets. These alternative investments add more diversification, reduce market exposure and provide more growth opportunities.
This allocation balances high growth and defensive elements so the portfolio can cater for investors with different risk profiles and looking for long term growth.
Performance: Consistent Growth
The Australian Retirement Trust – Super Savings Balanced option delivers solid returns, growth and risk management for long term retirement savings
10-Year: 7.9%
5-Year: 6.3%
1-Year: 5.7% (2025)
These show its ability to deliver solid long term returns while managing risk in volatile markets.
Fees: Simple and Competitive
The fee structure is simple and competitive so members can access a well diversified portfolio at a low cost.
Admin Fee: $85 p.a. for basic administrative services. This low fee keeps costs down and maximises long term growth.
Investment Fee: 0.07% to 0.72% depending on the options chosen. This tiered fee structure provides flexibility and value for a diversified investment portfolio.
This fee structure is affordable and gives access to a well diversified investment portfolio. Members can achieve strong long term growth without excessive fees eating into their returns.
Risk: Medium-High (APRA 6/7)
Medium-High risk for investors who are willing to accept moderate risk. Higher long term returns, balanced risk and growth.
Insurance: Default and Flexible
Members of the Australian Retirement Trust – Super Savings Balanced option have Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance automatically. Additional cover options are available to suit individual needs.
Membership: We’ve Got Millions of Members
As of 2025 we have over 1.5 million members, one of the largest and most trusted super funds in Australia, so you can be safe and secure.
Key Features
Index Funds: Low cost, transparent options linked to market indices for broad market exposure at a low cost. Strong long term growth potential with minimal fees.
Ethical and Responsible Investment Options: Investment options that align with your values so you can invest responsibly and get competitive returns.
Member Services: 24/7 online access, personal financial advice and more so you have everything you need to manage your investments.
AustralianSuper – Balanced
Investment Objective: Growth with Risk Management
The AustralianSuper – Balanced option aims to beat inflation by balancing growth and defensive elements. For investors looking for steady growth, risk management and long term financial security.
Asset Allocation: Balanced Growth Strategy
The AustralianSuper – Balanced option uses a diversified approach to growth and protection. The strategy aims to deliver long term growth while managing risk with a balanced mix of assets.
Growth (70%): A large chunk is invested in equities for long term capital growth. Investments in domestic and international shares to get big growth over time.
Property (10%): Real estate for stability and competitive returns. This allocation diversifies the portfolio and provides a hedge against market ups and downs.
Defensive (15%): Fixed interest for lower risk, income generating options. This allocation provides predictable returns and reduces overall risk, acts as a buffer against market ups and downs and keeps the portfolio stable.
Alternatives (5%): A small chunk is invested in non-traditional assets. This adds diversification, reduces market volatility and makes the portfolio more stable while chasing growth.
This allocation gets the balance right between growth and risk management for investors looking for long term growth while managing market exposure.
Performance: Consistent across time
The AustralianSuper – Balanced option has performed well, delivering returns through a diversified approach to growth and defensive assets for long term stability and financial security for members.
10-Year: 8.2%
5-Year: 7.1%
1-Year: 5.9% (2025)
These figures show the fund can deliver strong, consistent returns in any market.
Fees: Transparent and competitive
The fees are clear and affordable, access to good quality investments. The transparent pricing means members can get maximum returns without being hit with high fees.
Admin Fee: $100 p.a. for affordable fund management. This fee covers essential admin services and keeps your superannuation costs low and transparent.
Investment Fee: 0.10% – 0.75% depending on options. This fee structure gives flexibility and competitive rates so you get good value for your investment choices.
These fees are designed to give you access to good quality investments at a reasonable cost so you can get long term growth without expenses eating into your returns.
Risk: Medium-High (APRA 6/7)
This option is suitable for investors who are willing to take moderate risk for potential higher long term returns, balancing growth and stability.
Insurance: Default and Customisable
AustralianSuper – Balanced members get default Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. Customisable options are available to increase cover based on your needs.
Size: A fund for Australians
As at 2025, AustralianSuper has over 2.1 million members making it one of the largest and most trusted super funds in Australia, for stability and security for members.
Key Features: What sets AustralianSuper apart
Indexed Investments: Low cost, transparent investment options tied to market indices, members can get broad market exposure at a lower cost and minimal fees for strong long term growth.
Sustainable and Ethical Investment Options: Investment strategies aligned to responsible and ethical practices so members can invest in a way that supports social, environmental and governance values without compromising returns.
Member Services: 24/7 online access to tools, personal advice and mobile apps to keep you informed and in control of your super.
UniSuper – Balanced
Investment Strategy: Steady growth with diversification
The UniSuper – Balanced option is designed to get above inflation returns while balancing growth and risk. For investors looking for a long term diversified portfolio with strong growth and lower volatility.
Asset Allocation: Balanced for growth
The UniSuper – Balanced option is designed to get stability while growing through diversification. It balances risk with long term capital growth.
Growth Assets (65%): Equities is the largest component, aiming for high long term growth through domestic and global exposure. This allocation is looking for big capital growth over the long term.
Property (15%): Real estate provides steady returns and diversification. Property is a stabiliser and a hedge against volatility to get more consistent performance through market cycles.
Defensive Assets (15%): Fixed interest gets stable returns, a buffer against market volatility. This allocation provides income streams and protects the portfolio during market downturns.
Alternatives (5%): A small allocation to alternatives to further diversify the portfolio. Non-traditional assets reduces exposure to traditional market risks and overall portfolio stability and growth.
This combination of assets gets growth and risk management, a great option for long term investors looking for stability and growth in their portfolio.
Performance: Consistent over time
The UniSuper – Balanced option has been delivering consistent returns, a balanced mix of growth and defensive assets to get steady long term performance and financial security for members.
10-Year: 7.6%
5-Year: 6.9%
1-Year: 5.2% (As at 2025)
These numbers show the fund can get strong returns while managing risk steadily for long term investors.
Fees: Competitive and transparent
The fees are simple and low cost, so members can have a well managed, diversified fund without paying too much. A great option for long term investors.
Admin Fee: $95 p.a., affordable fund management. This covers essential services and keeps costs low for members who want to grow their super.
Investment Fee: 0.08% to 0.71% depending on the options chosen. This tiered fee structure gives flexibility while keeping costs competitive for members’ investments, maximising returns.
This fee structure gets members a well managed fund without too many costs, so they can get strong long term growth while minimising fees that would otherwise eat into their returns.
Risk: Medium-High on the APRA Scale
The UniSuper – Balanced option is Medium-High risk (Level 6 of 7) so suitable for members who are comfortable with moderate risk for potentially higher long term returns.
Insurance: Default and Customisable
Members of the UniSuper – Balanced option have automatic Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. Additional cover can be tailored to individual needs.
Membership: A trusted choice for Australian Professionals
Over 450,000 members as at 2025, UniSuper is a well established super fund, particularly popular with professionals in the higher education and research sectors for its reliability and long term growth.
Key Features: What sets us apart
Ethical Investment Options: Focuses on sustainable and responsible investment choices, aligned to members’ values. Members can invest in line with their values while getting solid returns.
Strong Performance: Consistently gets competitive returns, a great choice for long term investors. The strategy has worked well over time, so members can grow their super effectively.
Member Resources: 24/7 access to online tools, personal financial advice and mobile apps to track investments. So members have everything they need to make informed decisions and manage their super.
Cbus – Growth (MySuper)
Investment Objective: High Growth for Long Term Retirement Savings
The Cbus – Growth (MySuper) option is focused on high growth assets to get strong growth. Suitable for long term investors who want to beat inflation and manage risk for better retirement savings.
Asset Allocation: Growth for Long Term Capital Growth
The Cbus – Growth (MySuper) option is focused on growth to get high long term returns. Suitable for investors who want large capital growth and are willing to take higher risk for higher reward.
Growth Assets (85%): The majority of the portfolio is invested in equities to get high long term growth through domestic and international shares. This allocation gets maximum growth over the long term.
Property (10%): Real estate adds stability and gets reliable returns. It complements the equity heavy portfolio, reduces risk and enhances overall diversification while still getting long term growth.
Defensive Assets (5%): A small portion is invested in fixed interest to reduce volatility and get some stability. This allocation balances the higher risk exposure of the portfolio so performance is more predictable.
This high growth strategy is for investors who have higher risk tolerance and a longer investment horizon and are willing to accept market fluctuations for higher reward.
Performance: Strong Growth Over Time
The Cbus – Growth (MySuper) option has performed well, getting strong capital growth by investing in high growth assets and managing risk for long term financial security and retirement planning.
10-Year: 9.1%
5-Year: 8.3%
1-Year: 7.0% (As of 2025)
These numbers show the fund’s growth capacity, performing well even in tough market conditions and delivering consistent performance over the long term.
Fees: Simple and Competitive
The fees are simple and affordable for long term investors. It minimises cost while giving access to a well managed diversified portfolio for better returns.
Admin Fee: $88 p.a. for low cost fund management. This fee ensures the super fund is administered effectively while keeping costs low so you can accumulate more long term savings.
Investment Fee: 0.05% – 0.60% depending on options. This tiered fee structure gives you flexibility while keeping fees competitive so you get better returns over time.
More of the returns go towards your super savings so you can grow your wealth without excessive management fees.
Risk: High on the APRA Scale
This option is High risk (Level 7 of 7) for investors willing to take on high risk for higher long term returns and aggressive growth strategies.
Insurance: Default and Flexible
Cbus – Growth (MySuper) members receive default Life and Total Permanent Disablement (TPD) insurance. Additional insurance can be tailored to your needs.
Membership: Trusted by Thousands of Australians
As of 2025 Cbus has over 750,000 members making it one of the largest and most trusted super funds in Australia, for reliability and growth.
Key Features: What sets us apart
Long Term Performance: Consistently performs well, perfect for investors looking for long term growth. The strategy delivers performance over time so members can build wealth and achieve their goals.
Ethical Options: Offers responsible investment options that meet sustainability and ethical standards. These options allow members to invest in line with their values while getting competitive returns.
Simple and Transparent Fees: Competitive fees so members get more of their returns. Simple fee structure means transparency and keeps costs low for long term growth.
Vision Super – Balanced
Investment Strategy: Growth with Balance
The Vision Super – Balanced option aims to get strong growth while managing risk with a diversified portfolio. Perfect for investors who want long term capital growth with balance of risk and return.
Asset Allocation: A Balanced Mix for Growth and Stability
The Vision Super – Balanced option has a diversified allocation strategy, balancing growth with risk management. It aims to get strong long term performance while keeping stable and not too much risk.
Growth Assets (70%): Equities is the biggest chunk of the portfolio, for big growth through exposure to domestic and international markets. This allocation is for long term returns.
Property (15%): Real estate provides stability and competitive returns, diversifies the portfolio. Property reduces risk and gets consistent growth, especially during market downturns or uncertainty.
Defensive Assets (10%): Fixed interest reduces volatility by providing income streams. These assets provides stability, supports the portfolio during market fluctuations and protects capital and returns.
Alternatives (5%): Non conventional investments adds to the diversification of the portfolio, reduces exposure to market volatility. These alternative assets reduces overall risk and provides growth opportunities in markets not correlated to traditional investments.
This mix of assets gets the balance right between growth and risk management, perfect for long term investors.
Performance: Consistent over time
The Vision Super – Balanced option has shown strong and stable returns, combining growth and defensive assets to get consistent performance, for long term financial security and stability for its members.
10-Year: 8.3%
5-Year: 7.5%
1-Year: 6.2% (As of 2025)
These shows the fund can get solid long term growth even during market volatility.
Fees: Competitive and Transparent
The fees are designed to be simple and cost effective so members can have access to a well managed diversified portfolio and keep costs low for long term growth.
Admin Fee: $90 p.a., transparent and affordable fund management. This fee gets you quality services and effective fund administration at a competitive price.
Investment Fee: 0.09% to 0.70% depending on the options chosen. This tiered structure gives flexibility while keeping fees competitive for members, value for money for their investment choices.
This structure is affordable, members can have a diversified portfolio and strong long term growth potential, all while keeping costs of fund management and administration low.
Risk Rating: Medium-High on APRA Scale
The Vision Super – Balanced option is Medium-High risk (Level 6 of 7), suitable for investors who are comfortable with moderate risk for higher returns over long term.
Insurance: Default and Customisable
Members get Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance with the Vision Super – Balanced option. Customisable options available to suit individual needs.
Membership: A Fund for Many Australians
As of 2025, Vision Super has over 100,000 members, a testament to being a trusted and stable superannuation fund for Australians planning for retirement.
Key Features: What sets us apart
Ethical Options: Vision Super offers responsible investment options that align with sustainability and ethical standards. Members can invest in line with their values and get competitive financial returns for long term growth.
Strong Past Performance: Gets competitive returns, perfect for long term growth. The investment strategy has worked well, gets returns even during market volatility.
Member Support: 24/7 online access to tools, personal financial advice and mobile apps to track investments. So members can stay informed and make informed decisions about their super.
HESTA – Balanced
Investment Objective: Growth with Balanced Risk
HESTA – Balanced investment option is for robust long term growth by combining high growth assets with defensive assets. Targets strong returns while managing risk, suitable for medium to long term investors.
Asset Allocation: Growth Focused, Diversified
HESTA – Balanced Growth investment option has a diversified asset allocation strategy for growth. It gets strong long term performance by balancing growth potential with risk management across asset classes.
Growth Assets (75%): A big chunk is invested in equities to get long term growth through exposure to domestic and international markets and high returns and capital growth.
Property (15%): Real estate adds stability to the portfolio and gets competitive returns while diversifying risk. Property exposure helps to get consistent growth during market volatility.
Defensive Assets (10%): Fixed interest assets are included to reduce portfolio volatility. These assets get more predictable returns and helps to balance the overall risk and contribute to long term capital preservation.
This combination of assets gets strong growth potential while having a balanced approach to risk management and gives members growth and protection from market volatility.
Performance: Long Term Growth
HESTA – Balanced Growth has got solid returns by combining growth assets with defensive assets to get reliable performance and long term growth while managing risk.
10-Year: 8.4%
5-Year: 7.6%
1-Year: 6.1% (As of 2025)
These numbers shows the fund’s ability to get sustainable growth while managing market volatility and gets consistent returns and stability for long term investors.
Fees: Competitive and Transparent
The fees are designed to be competitive and gives access to a well managed diversified portfolio. It ensures investors get strong returns without paying too much for management.
Admin Fee: $96 p.a. to get cost effective fund management. This fee funds the ongoing management and administration of the super fund so members get high quality service and consistent performance.
Investment Fee: 0.08% – 0.69% depending on the options chosen. This flexible fee structure gives investors choice while keeping the fees competitive and aligned to the investment strategy.
These fees are great value for investors looking for strong returns. The structure allows members to grow their investments through a diversified fund without high management and service costs.
Risk: Medium-High (APRA 6/7)
HESTA – Balanced Growth is Medium-High risk (Level 6 of 7) for investors who are comfortable with moderate risk for higher returns over long term.
Insurance: Default and Customisable
HESTA – Balanced Growth members get automatic Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance. Additional insurance options are available to suit individual needs.
Membership: Trusted by Thousands of Australians
As of 2025, HESTA has over 900,000 members, one of the largest and most trusted super funds, especially in the health and community services sector for its reliability and growth.
Key Features: What sets HESTA apart
Ethical Investment Options: Invests in sustainable and responsible investments that align with social and environmental values. This way members can invest in line with their values while getting financial returns.
Strong Historical Performance: Consistent performer, especially in long term growth. The investment strategy has been proven over time to get stable and reliable returns and help members build wealth for the future.
Member First: Prioritises members needs and interests by providing extensive support and educational resources so members have the tools and knowledge to make informed investment decisions.
CareSuper – Balanced
Investment Strategy: Consistent Growth with Balanced Risk
CareSuper – Balanced gives stable long term growth through a diversified portfolio. It combines high growth assets with defensive assets to get consistent returns and manage risk for long term performance.
Asset Allocation: A Balanced Approach to Growth and Stability
CareSuper – Balanced uses a diversified allocation strategy to manage risk and get returns. This approach balances growth with stability to get the best long term performance.
Growth Assets (60%): Equities is the biggest part of the portfolio, gets high growth potential through exposure to domestic and global stock markets to get significant capital growth.
Property (20%): Real estate gets stability to the portfolio, gets competitive returns and diversifies risk. Property gets steady growth especially during market volatility.
Defensive Assets (15%): Fixed interest gets rid of portfolio volatility by getting predictable returns. These assets act as a buffer during market downturns to get stability and capital preservation for the portfolio.
Alternatives (5%): Non-traditional assets like infrastructure and private equity gets more diversification to the portfolio, reduces risk and gets exposure to alternative markets that are less correlated to traditional asset classes.
This combination gets growth without excessive risk.
Performance: Long Term Returns
CareSuper – Balanced has consistently performed well, getting strong returns by balancing high growth assets with defensive assets to get reliable results and long term stability for members.
10-Year: 7.8%
5-Year: 7.0%
1-Year: 5.6% (As of 2025)
These numbers show the fund’s ability to get strong and stable growth in any market condition.
Fees: Simple and Affordable
The fees are designed to get value while getting access to a well managed diversified portfolio. It keeps costs transparent and competitive so members can get strong and sustainable long term growth.
Admin Fee: $85 p.a. admin fee to get affordable fund management and high quality services and performance. This fee helps to run the members’ investments effectively.
Investment Fee: 0.09% – 0.65% depending on the options chosen. This tiered fee structure gives flexibility while keeping costs competitive and aligned to members’ goals.
This fee structure gets members long term growth without excessive costs. It gets returns by balancing affordability and professional investment management.
Risk: Medium on the APRA Scale
CareSuper – Balanced is Medium risk (Level 5 of 7) for investors who are comfortable with moderate risk, looking for long term growth and consistent returns over time.
Insurance: Default and Customisable Options
Members of the CareSuper – Balanced option get Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance automatically. Additional insurance cover is available to suit individual needs.
Membership: Over 180,000 Australians Trust CareSuper
As of 2025, CareSuper has over 180,000 members, making it a trusted super fund especially among those in the care, community and not-for-profit sectors for its stability and growth.
Key Features: Why Choose CareSuper
Ethical Investment Options: Invests in responsible and sustainable investments that align with social and environmental values. This way members can invest according to their values while getting competitive returns.
Consistent Performance: Gets stable returns over time to help members get long term growth. The investment strategy balances risk and reward to get reliable performance that supports members’ goals in any market condition.
Member Centric: Gets members’ financial security by offering support and resources. This includes personal advice, investment tracking tools and educational materials to help members make informed decisions about their super.
Spirit Super – Balanced (MySuper)
Investment Strategy: Growth with a Balance
Spirit Super – Balanced (MySuper) gets long term growth through a diversified portfolio. It aims to get consistent returns above inflation, balancing growth with lower risk assets for retirement.
Asset Allocation: Diversified for Growth and Stability
Spirit Super – Balanced (MySuper) has a diversified asset mix to balance growth and risk, to get stability and strong long term returns through market fluctuations.
Growth Assets (60%): A large portion is invested in equities, to get long term growth through exposure to domestic and international markets. This allocation gets high potential for capital growth over time.
Property (25%): Real estate gets a stable return source and adds diversification. It reduces the overall risk of the portfolio and provides a solid base for growth in market uncertainty.
Defensive Assets (10%): Fixed interest gets stability, provides consistent income and buffers the portfolio against market volatility. This allocation gets lower risk exposure and helps preserve capital in economic downturn.
Alternatives (5%): Alternatives like infrastructure and private equity diversifies the portfolio, reduces reliance on traditional markets and minimises overall risk by introducing non-correlated assets.
This diversified allocation gets a balanced approach to growth and risk.
Performance: Strong Growth
Spirit Super – Balanced (MySuper) has got strong returns over the years, getting consistent growth by balancing high growth assets with lower risk investments, for long term stability and performance.
10-Year: 7.5%
5-Year: 6.8%
1-Year: 5.4% (As of 2025)
These returns shows the fund’s ability to get consistent growth and manage market fluctuations, for stability and performance over the long term for members planning for retirement.
Fee Structure: Low and Transparent
The fee structure is simple and gets great value for members. It ensures costs are transparent and competitive so members can get long term growth without unnecessary costs.
Admin Fee: $80 p.a., to keep the costs of running the super fund reasonable and affordable for members while providing high quality services and consistent returns.
Investment Fee: 0.05% – 0.50% depending on options. This flexible fee structure allows members to choose the right investment strategy for their goals while minimising costs.
These low fees allows members to get strong returns, to maximise their super balance without paying too much fees, to grow their investments long term.
Risk Rating: Medium on the APRA Scale
Medium risk (Level 5 of 7) for Spirit Super – Balanced (MySuper) is for members who want a balance of growth and stability over the long term with moderate risk.
Insurance: Default and Customisable Options
Members get Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance with Spirit Super – Balanced (MySuper) by default. Additional insurance options can be tailored to individual needs.
Membership: Trusted by Many Australians
As of 2025, Spirit Super has over 200,000 members, making it a popular choice for Australians who want a balanced approach to super, stability, growth and long term performance.
Key Features: What sets Spirit Super apart
Ethical Options: Spirit Super invests in socially responsible and sustainable investments that meet ethical standards. These options gets competitive returns while making a positive impact on the environment and society.
Diversified Asset Mix: The investment strategy gets a balanced allocation, gets growth opportunities while reducing risk. This diversified mix gets stability, to protect investments in market volatility and get long term returns.
Member Focused: Spirit Super puts members’ financial security first. It provides extensive support, education and personal services to help members manage their super well.
Aware Super – Balanced
Investment Objective: Long Term Growth with Balanced Risk
Aware Super – Balanced gets sustainable long term growth while managing risk. For members who want strong returns and capital preservation, it gets growth assets and defensive investments for stability.
Asset Allocation: Balanced for Growth and Stability
Aware Super – Balanced gets a diversified approach to balance growth and risk. It invests in various asset classes to meet long term investors.
Growth Assets (65%): A big chunk is invested in equities, domestic and international stocks. This gets strong long term capital growth through high growth equity markets.
Property (20%): Real estate gets stability and competitive returns. This asset class gets diversification and consistent performance over time.
Defensive Assets (10%): Fixed interest gets reliable income and stability, especially during market volatility. These assets gets the portfolio cushioned against downturns, gets security and reduces risk.
Alternatives (5%): Non traditional investments like infrastructure and private equity gets the portfolio diversified. These assets gets risk reduction by getting exposure to alternative markets with different risk profile.
This gets a balanced approach to growth and risk management.
Performance: Consistent over time
Aware Super – Balanced has consistently delivered strong returns over time, it can provide reliable long term growth through market ups and downs
10-Year: 7.9%
5-Year: 7.2%
1-Year: 6.0% (As of 2025)
These shows the fund’s ability to deliver consistent and stable growth, through market ups and downs. The fund can withstand market volatility.
Fees: Simple and Competitive
The fees are clear and affordable, with no hidden charges. Members can manage their super investment without surprise costs, simplicity in the investment process.
Admin Fee: $90 p.a. gets you cost effective fund management. You get access to high quality services while keeping costs low and affordable for long term growth.
Investment Fee: 0.06% – 0.55% depending on options. Tiered structure gives you flexibility while keeping costs competitive so you get maximum returns.
This gets you strong returns while keeping costs low. Fees are reasonable so you get effective investment strategy without paying extra or hidden charges.
Risk Rating: Medium on the APRA Scale
Medium risk (Level 5 of 7) Aware Super – Balanced is for investors looking for long term growth with moderate risk.
Insurance: Default and Customizable
Aware Super – Balanced members get Life and Total Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance automatically. Additional insurance options can be added to suit your needs.
Membership: Over Half a Million Strong
As of 2025, Aware Super has over 500,000 members, a trusted and reliable choice for Australians looking for balanced growth super and retirement planning.
Key Features: What sets us apart
Ethical Options: We put socially responsible investments first, so your values align with sustainable practices, positive environmental and social impact and competitive returns.
Strong Historical Performance: The option has consistently delivered strong returns over time, growth and stability through balanced risk, long term capital growth for members.
Member Support: Online 24/7, financial advice and mobile apps. Stay informed and make informed decisions.
FAQ
What is the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate and how is it changing?
The SG rate is the percentage employers must pay into super. It’s increasing gradually to 12% by 2025. This will help Australians build up their retirement savings over time while balancing employer obligations.
Who is eligible for super contributions?
Employees who earn over $450 per month or work more than 30 hours a week are eligible for super contributions. Contractors can also get super if they meet certain criteria. Super is important for retirement and you can make extra voluntary contributions to top up your savings.
What is the preservation age and how does it affect super access?
The preservation age is the minimum age you can access your super. It’s 55 to 60 depending on your birth year. You can access super earlier in cases of severe financial hardship but generally it’s for retirement purposes after reaching this age.
Are super contributions taxed?
Yes, super contributions are taxed at concessional rates. Employer contributions are taxed at 15%. If you make voluntary contributions they may also be taxed depending on the type. This tax structure helps Australians grow their retirement savings efficiently and provides a tax effective way to achieve long term financial security.
What is salary sacrificing into super?
Salary sacrificing into super means employees redirect part of their pre-tax salary into their super fund. This reduces taxable income and potentially lowers income tax and boosts super balances. It’s a way to build savings for retirement while getting tax benefits over time and long term growth.
What is the Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO)?
The Low Income Superannuation Tax Offset (LISTO) helps low income earners build their super balance. Eligible individuals get a tax refund up to $500 per year to top up their retirement savings. LISTO helps low income earners get financial security and save for retirement tax effectively.
Can contractors get super contributions?
Yes, contractors can get super contributions if they work under a contract for their labour and meet the earning thresholds. Contractors should make sure their super is paid by their employer and can also make voluntary contributions to top up their savings over time.
What’s the new super tax rule for balances over $3 million?
From 2025 super balances over $3 million will be taxed at 30% on earnings. This new rule is to reduce the inequities in the system so high balance super accounts don’t get a disproportionate tax benefit, to create a fairer super environment for all Australians.
How will the SG rate increase affect my take-home pay?
The SG rate increase will mean higher super contributions and less of your salary will be paid to you as take-home pay. But the extra super savings will be good for long term retirement security even if it means a slightly reduction in disposable income for workers in the short term.
Are there any super due dates changing in 2025?
As of 2025 super due dates won’t change. Employers will still need to make quarterly contributions to employees’ super accounts. Any changes to due dates or regulations will be announced by the government or relevant authorities so stay informed.
What does the new super tax mean for high balance accounts?
The new super tax rule applies to accounts over $3 million. Earnings above this threshold will be taxed at 30%. This means super tax benefits will be fair and addresses the issue of wealth accumulation in super accounts that are above the necessary retirement savings.
How do I protect my super from scams?
To protect your super from scams, check your fund is registered and regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Monitor your super regularly, be wary of unsolicited offers and report any suspicious activity to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or your super fund straight away to protect your retirement savings.
What are the benefits of consolidating multiple super accounts?
Consolidating multiple super accounts means less fees, simpler account management and higher investment returns. By combining accounts you can consolidate your savings, reduce administrative costs and avoid duplicate fees and ensure your retirement savings grow more efficiently over time with less hassle of managing multiple accounts.
Can I get my super early?
You can’t generally get your super early unless specific conditions apply such as financial hardship, severe illness or permanent disability. The preservation age is between 55 and 60 and that’s the minimum age you can access your super. Early withdrawals can impact your long term retirement savings and security.
What does the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) do with super?
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) regulates superannuation, ensuring compliance with the laws, managing super contributions and providing resources for individuals and employers. The ATO also monitors super fund activity, makes sure contributions are made correctly and provides guidance on super related matters to protect Australians’ retirement savings.
How do I choose the right super fund for me?
To choose the right super fund for you, consider your financial goals, risk tolerance and fees. Compare fund performance, investment options and ethical investment opportunities. Look for a fund with low fees, good long term returns and support services that align with your retirement goals so your super is working for you.
Originally Published: https://www.starinvestment.com.au/top-10-super-funds-australia-2025/
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