How to switch your super fund
Switching your super is usually a simple process. These are the key steps to follow.
1. Check your current super fund
Before you switch super funds, have the details of your existing account ready. You can find these on your latest super statement. You’ll need to identify:
- The fund’s ABN (Australian Business Number) or USI (Unique Superannuation Identifier)
- Your current details of insurance cover including beneficiaries
- Any salary sacrifice details
- Any tax deductions you want to claim for contributions made during the financial year
- Fees and costs
- Your chosen investment option.
Having this information ready can make the switching process smoother and can help prevent delays.
Not sure who your current super fund is? Go to the ATO website or log in to your MyGov account.
2. Compare and choose
Take time to compare super funds before you make a decision1. Make sure you:
- Check all fees including admin, investment and switching costs
- Review the long-term returns for the different investment options
- See what investment options are available to suit your needs and appetite for risk
- Review insurance cover, including premium costs and any limits or exclusions
- Look at support offered to members, such as online tools, education and advice
- Know the difference between industry funds, which return profits to members, and retail funds, where profits go to shareholders. Learn more about industry vs retail super funds.
3. Open your new account
Once you’ve found a fund to switch to, you can apply to open a super account online. When applying, you can generally choose your preferred investment and insurance options, and nominate beneficiaries.
Providing your tax file number (TFN) is optional, but you may be taxed more if you don’t supply it. If you provide your TFN, your fund will be able to accept all types of contributions from you.
If you’ve chosen AustralianSuper, find out how to join and open an account. When you join AustralianSuper online, you can also register for online access to your account, making it easy to manage your super.
4. Move your super balance
The next step is to move your super balance to your new fund. If you’ve joined AustralianSuper, log in to your online account, click on 'Transactions’ then 'Consolidate super' and follow the prompts. Once we’ve received your request to consolidate your super, we’ll contact your other super fund(s) to have them rollover your super to us.
When moving your balance, you could also consider consolidating any other super accounts at the same time1. Learn more about how to consolidate your super.
The benefits of switching super funds
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Things to check before you switch
Frequently asked questions
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How long does it take to switch super funds? @headerType>
Most transfers between funds are completed within a few business days but it may take longer, depending on the funds involved. -
Are there fees for switching super? @headerType>
Super funds can’t charge exit fees, however there may be transaction or other costs involved. -
Will switching affect my employer contributions? @headerType>
Switching super usually won’t affect your employer contributions, as long as your employer has the details of your new fund. -
Can I switch multiple super accounts? @headerType>
Yes. Consolidating your super can help reduce fees and costs and make it easy to manage a single account1. Keep in mind that consolidating super accounts into one fund doesn’t automatically transfer any insurance cover you have with other super funds. -
Disclaimer @headerType>
- Before making a decision to combine your super, consider any fees or charges that may apply, and the effect a transfer may have on benefits in your other fund such as insurance cover. We recommend you consider seeking financial advice. If you wish to claim a tax deduction for personal super contributions, you must lodge a notice of intent to claim a tax deduction with your other fund before you combine your super. Investment returns aren’t guaranteed. Past performance isn’t a reliable indicator of future returns. This information may be general financial advice which doesn’t take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making a decision about switching super funds or joining AustralianSuper, consider your financial requirements and refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Target Market Determination (TMD) relevant to your chosen super fund. AustralianSuper’s PDS and TMD are available at australiansuper.com/PDS or by calling 1300 300 273. A Target Market Determination (TMD) is a document that outlines the target market a product has been designed for. Find the TMDs at australiansuper.com/TMD. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd, ABN 94 006 457 987, AFSL 233788, Trustee of AustralianSuper ABN 65 714 394 898. AustralianSuper insurance is provided by TAL Life Limited (the Insurer) ABN 70 050 109 450, AFSL 237848.
- There’s no charge for general advice about your super account. The financial advice you receive will be provided by MUFG Retire360 Pty Limited ABN 36 105 811 836, AFSL 258145 and will be their responsibility. Personal advice provided may attract a fee, which will be outlined before any work is completed and is subject to your agreement.