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Retirement Savings Account

Our RSA offers a secure, low‑risk option designed to protect your balance while providing simple administration, making it suitable for members who prefer certainty and ease over complex investment choices.
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See your balance any time

Online viewing access for your RSA, keeping your balance secure

No joining and ongoing fees

$0 monthly account-keeping fees mean you can focus on saving

The security of a term deposit

Draw from a tax-free allocated retirement pension with the security of term deposit returns

Frequently asked questions

You can roll other super accounts into your Defence Bank RSA in one of the following ways:
  1. Log in to myGov, link your super services and request a rollover online
  2. Complete a Transfer Authority form and send it to us via Secure mail  or mail to our PO box
  3. Request a rollover through your existing super fund (This option is required if rolling over from an SMSF. Your accountant can assist.)
Personal contributions
  1. Complete a Personal Contribution form
  2. Transfer your contribution using the details provided on the form - Include your RSA holder number as the payment reference
  3. Email the completed form to RSA@Defencebank.com.au at the same time as payment 
Spouse contributions
  1. Complete a Spouse Contribution form
  2. Transfer the contribution using the details provided on the form - Include your RSA holder number as the payment reference
  3. Email the completed form to RSA@Defencebank.com.au

Once we request your funds, the transferring fund needs to complete the payment transfer.

In some cases, the funds are first received into a temporary holding account while the transferring fund confirms how they should be allocated.
After this confirmation, we move the funds into your Retirement Savings Account (RSA) as soon as possible.

The effective date applied to your account will reflect the date we received the funds, either into an initial holding account or your RSA.

Our Retirement Savings Account explained

What is an RSA?

Available to all Australians, the Defence Bank Retirement Savings Account (RSA) is a capital guaranteed product for managing your retirement benefits through every stage of your life.

There is no exposure to the possibility of negative investment returns or interest eroding the capital invested that may be associated with other superannuation products.

How an RSA could help you

Get the security of a term deposit with the tax advantages of retirement superannuation.

When entitled to a benefit you can take the benefit as a pension or a lump sum.

It's a safe and certain tax-effective superannuation alternative for those looking for secure retirement investment options covered by the Financial Claims Scheme.

What can I deposit?

A minimum of $10,000.00 is required to open a Defence Bank RSA.

While in the accumulation phase, you may make additional contributions at any time after confirming your eligibility. You may need to quote your RSA number and tell us the character and nature of the contribution you are making.

You may rollover amounts or transfer funds and contribute your funds to your Defence Bank RSA.

Your employer may also make contributions on your behalf.

Apply for a Retirement Savings Account (RSA)

Applying for a Retirement Savings Account is fast and easy. 

If you're an existing Defence Bank member, your application can be completed via Online Banking. 

New to the bank? Simply provide a few details to get started with Defence Bank membership to get access to the Online Banking. 

What to expect

  • Account setup may take up to approximately one week
  • Delays may occur during periods of high demand
  • Once your account has been opened we will send you a welcome email to confirm your new account details and answer some frequently asked questions.

Got questions? Talk to an RSA specialist at a time that suits you.

Book an appointment 

Applying for a Retirement Savings Account – what you need to know

Applying from overseas

If you’re currently overseas, your application will be completed slightly differently.

  • Online applications aren’t available while you’re overseas.
  • You will need to submit a paperbased application and provide certified ID via post.
  • We’ll guide you through each step to make the process as simple as possible.

After your account is opened

  • Your RSA must be fully set up before it can accept funds
  • Once active, you can combine your super or transfer funds from another super fund
  • To get started, you’ll need to complete a Transfer Authority form

If your previous fund has closed, your super may be temporarily held by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) until your RSA is ready. You can then request the ATO to transfer your funds into your account.

The timing of transfers will depend on your previous fund or ATO. In some cases, funds may initially be received into a holding account while allocation details are confirmed, which may take a few additional days.

We’ll keep things moving and keep you updated throughout the process.

Rates and fees

Please read all of our rates and fees carefully before opening an account.

For all product rates, see our rates schedules.

If you require any assistance or have questions regarding our rates and fees please contact us.

RSA variable Interest rate.*
$0.00 to $9,999.99 0.05% p.a.
$10,000.00 plus 1.65% p.a.
RSA term deposit Interest rate.*
6 months 4.25% p.a.
12 months 4.50% p.a.
24 months 4.00% p.a.

Retirement Savings Account forms

*

Gross rate of interest before deduction of government earnings tax.

Before acquiring the Defence Bank Super Assured RSA we recommend you read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) for this product and our Interest Rate Schedule. All documents are located here. To hold an RSA account without joining Defence Bank, complete the paper based application form found at the back of the PDS.

Any advice contained on this website is general advice only and does not take into account your needs, objectives or your financial situation.

Defence Bank’s Target Market Determination can be viewed here.

Term deposits.
Where terms exceed 12 months, interest will be paid into your RSA Variable account on the anniversary of the funding date. Interest payable in respect of the last 12 months or part thereof is added to the balance at maturity.

RSA variable.
Account balances earn interest according to the applicable tiered interest rate on the entire account balance. Interest is calculated daily on the closing balance and credited annually on 30 June.

iSaver

Grow your savings with flexible access to your funds and an introductory bonus interest rate

Max eSaver

Reach your savings goals in less time than you think.

Term deposits

Combine some patience with our competitive rate for a return on your investment.