Term Deposits Frequently Asked Questions

When you open a term deposit, you agree to lock your money away for a set period and earn a fixed amount of interest during that period.

Where everyday transaction accounts give you the flexibility to deposit and withdraw funds as frequently as you like, term deposits trade flexibility for higher interest rates.

Once your funds are deposited in a term deposit, they’re fixed for the length of the term, meaning you can’t add additional funds midway through the term.

When the term deposit matures, you may have the option to add additional funds and roll the funds over for another term, or you may choose to withdraw the money at that point.

If you have extra funds to invest, you could consider opening an additional short term deposit account or a high-interest savings account.

It’s worth noting that you can withdraw the funds midway through the term, but a penalty is likely to apply.

The term deposit rate is the agreed interest rate for your term deposit. It remains fixed for the term of the deposit.

For example, if you deposit $5,000 for 12 months at a 2.5 per cent term deposit rate, that 2.5 per cent term deposit rate will be fixed for the entire 12 months and won’t change until the term matures.

The term deposit rate is one of the most important factors to consider when comparing your term deposit options. The general rule of thumb is that the longer the term, the higher the term deposit rate.

Term deposits are a popular type of investment because they’re safe and provide reliable returns.

The return you get on your term deposit will be determined by the amount you initially invest, the amount of time you choose to invest it for, and the term deposit rate.

Term deposits can be compounded, depending on what you choose to do with the interest.

There are two ways to receive interest from a term deposit: either a lump sum at maturity; or paid on a regular basis, usually monthly. If you get your interest paid regularly, you can get it paid into a transaction account, or back into the term deposit account. By using this second option, you’re getting interest paid on your interest. In other words, it’s compounding.

Having the money paid into a transaction account means you can access it for your day-to-day spending, while compounding the interest means you get a better overall return on your investment. Both have advantages, depending on your needs, but be aware that some term deposit accounts that pay interest regularly may offer a lower interest rate to offset the effect of compounding.

Sometimes you only want to tie up your money for a short period, maybe because you want to make a quick return on a large sum, or just to have more flexibility and access to your money. That’s where a short term deposit can come in.

Short term deposits are usually less than 12 months (e.g. 30 days, 90 days, six months or 12 months), though you will still not be able to access your money for the length of the term without incurring a penalty fee.

At the end of the term, you can roll your deposit over, or you can withdraw it. An advantage of short term deposits is that you can take advantage of higher interest rates with a different financial institution, if they are available.

A term deposit account in a bank is a type of investment where you lock away a portion of your savings for a fixed period in return for earning a set amount of interest.

Opening a term deposit account in a bank is a safe way to earn a stable return on your investment of cash.

Term deposit accounts can be a good way to give your savings an extra boost without the need to actively watch or manage your funds during the term of the deposit.

Term deposit accounts in a bank are a popular type of investment because they’re safe and there’s very little risk that you could lose your money.

If you make a term deposit of up to $250,000 with an authorised deposit-taking institution, it’s guaranteed by the Australian government, which means there’s virtually no risk of losing your money and you’re guaranteed return.

Interest rates vary depending on the length of the term, the amount you deposit and the bank you choose.

Yes, term deposits are covered by the Australian government guarantee.

Under the Financial Claims Scheme, the Australian government guarantees term deposits up to $250,000, capped at one person, per financial institution.

This means that your term deposit (if it’s $250,000 or less) is protected in the unlikely event the bank, building society or credit union collapses.

If you have more than $250,000 in a term deposit with one the one bank, for example, then only up to $250,000 of your principal is covered.

If you’ve got more than $250,000 and you wish to invest in a term deposit, you could consider dividing your money between term deposits and banks (limiting each deposit to $250,000 per bank).

That way all of your deposits are protected by the Australian government guarantee and you will not suffer any financial losses.

Looking to invest some of your business funds with a fixed interest rate? You could consider a business term deposit with Bankwest. Bankwest calls these accounts Business TD Direct, and accepts deposits of amounts between $10,000 and $2,000,000. 

When it comes to Bankwest term deposit rates for business, you can find information here. If you choose a term of over a year, you can ask for interest to be paid monthly, quarterly, biannually or annually. The Bankwest business term deposit rates do, however, vary based on the term length you choose. 

If you need the funds before your term deposit’s maturity date, you need to give 31 days notice. Also withdrawing the funds will impact the interest you earn.  

You can contact a Bankwest business banking specialist by calling on 13 7000 and get more details about business term deposits. 

Term deposit interest rates are subject to frequent market change. To view the most current AMP Bank business term deposit rates, it’s best to view the provider’s website directly. 

If you want to earn competitive rates on your fixed deposits for an amount between $100,000 and $500,000, AMP Bank deposit may worth considering. Term deposits with AMP Bank allow you to earn reliable returns for different tenures between one month and five years.

You can also choose when you want to receive the interest; monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly. If you wait until maturity, you’ll earn the full interest.

AMP Bank term deposits do not charge monthly maintenance fees. If you’re at least 13 years and an Australian citizen with a local address, you’re eligible for AMP Bank term deposit.

ME Bank offers a variety of rates for business term deposits, depending on the amount of time you choose. You won’t have to pay any set-up or account-keeping fees for your business deposit. You can invest as little as $5,000 or as much as $2 million with a term duration between one and 60 months. 

The ME business term deposit rate is determined based on the term and when you wish to receive interest payments. 

While rates are set by the lender, you should always check with ME Bank to find out what the term deposit rates are, and which are applicable to your situation. 

If you are looking to bank some funds in a foreign currency and earn interest, you could consider a NAB foreign currency term deposit. The NAB foreign currency term deposit gives you a fixed interest rate for your chosen term but is only available for amounts equivalent to $100,000 (in your chosen currency) or more. 

NAB accepts deposits in a range of foreign currencies and interest is calculated daily. The maximum term of the deposit is 365 days and NAB does not charge a monthly fee for foreign currency term deposits. 

If you live in Australia, you can get more details by calling 1800 865 155. If you are outside the country, you can email [email protected] for more information.