Term Deposits Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a business registered in Australia, you can earn fixed returns on your funds with a Westpac business term deposit. These accounts are offered for a minimum investment amount of $50,000.

Westpac business term deposit interest rates vary based on the term and interest payment frequency that you select.

If you are a Westpac customer and use online banking, you can apply for a Westpac business term deposit online. If you don't have a Westpac account currently, you need to speak with a business banker to discuss your term and repayment options. You can find details on this webpage and can ‘request a callback’ from someone in the business team.

If you are an existing customer you may be eligible for a bonus rate on top of the standard Westpac bank business term deposit rates. You can log in to your bank account to check whether your banking records qualify you for extra interest.

If you open a deposit and need to access your locked funds before the maturity of your term deposit, you must provide 31 days of notice, except in cases of hardship.

Bendigo Bank offers businesses two types of term deposits - Standard and Gold. You can open a Standard term deposit by investing at least the specified minimum amount for a flexible investment period ranging up to five years. A Gold term deposit requires a larger minimum investment over a fixed term, which is currently one year.

However, you can’t add funds to a Standard term deposit after the first seven days, and any withdrawals before the review date need to be done on request. If you’ve opened a Gold term deposit, you can add more funds over the year, but withdrawals may be restricted just as with a standard term deposit.

A Standard term deposit’s interest rate depends on the amount deposited, the frequency of compounding interest, and the deposit term. Further, this interest rate may apply irrespective of how often interest is compounded. On the other hand, Gold term deposits usually offer a flat interest rate no matter how large or small the deposit, with the interest likely compounded every quarter. 

To find out about Bendigo Bank’s current business term deposit rates, visit the banks’ website.

ING Direct offers several term deposit options for businesses looking to save over some time. 

The business term deposit rates ING offers are compounded annually, meaning that the interest earned after the first year is added to the amount you originally deposited. 

During the second year, the interest is calculated on the new amount. If you close the term deposit once it matures, you can ask for the money to be transferred to your business account either with ING or another bank. You can also renew the term deposit and choose to reinvest the total amount earned through the earlier term deposit. Alternatively, you can opt to renew with just the sum you originally deposited, and withdraw the interest earned.

You’ll need to deposit a minimum of $10,000 for at least 90 days if you open a term deposit with ING. In the current low-interest environment*, the annualised interest rate for a 90-day deposit is 0.05 per cent. This means you’d earn $1.25 over a three-month term if you deposit $10,000. 

If you opted for a longer time frame, such as two years, you’d get an annualised interest rate of 0.30 per cent on your deposit. If you deposited $10,000, in two years the interest accrued would amount to approximately $60. Again, this is an estimate only based on current rates.

* Rates correct as of January 2021

As term deposits are rising in popularity, many banks are offering competitive term deposit interest rates. Among them is BOQ, which offers the term deposit rates for new funds and rollovers. You don’t need to pay any establishment or account keeping fees,] and you can re-invest, add extra money or withdraw money at the end of your term without any hassles. 

BOQ gives you the option to invest your funds in terms ranging from 30 days to five years. The BOQ business term deposit rates vary based on the term duration. 

Rates are current as at 21/01/21, but subject to change. 

Interest earned on term deposits is taxable income. You need to declare any interest received in the current financial year on your tax return. For instance, if you receive monthly interest payments, include these in your tax filing.

• Preferable for those who like to find and switch to the best interest rates.
• Someone who prefers a low-risk way to start investing without a long term commitment.
• If you're saving for a specific event or purchase in the near future, ensure you won't spend your savings early. 

Use RateCity’s term deposits calculator to see how much interest you could earn. Enter the interest rate, deposit amount, and term length to find out the total balance at the end of the term. 

When to invest in a three-month term deposit depends on your personal financial situation. 

For example: 

• If you receive a sudden payout or inheritance, a three-month term deposit can be a safe place to store your money while you decide what to do next.
• If you’ve been saving for a specific event, like a wedding or holiday, a three-month term deposit can help you keep your money secure until you need it.