What is a business savings account?
A business savings account is a dedicated deposit account for businesses. It earns interest on stored funds while keeping cash separate from your everyday spending. Unlike a personal savings account, it's tied to your ABN or ACN.
It's not just about earning interest. The ATO strongly encourages all businesses to keep finances separate. For companies, partnerships, and trusts, it's a legal requirement. Sole traders aren't mandated to do so, but it does make tax reporting far simpler.
How do business savings accounts work?
Funds deposited into a business savings account earn interest over time. Banks calculate interest daily and pay it monthly. The rate you receive depends on the account type and whether you meet any bonus conditions.
Base interest rate
The base interest rate is what your account earns without conditions attached. For many bonus-rate accounts, this figure is very low, sometimes just 0.01% p.a. Always check it separately from the headline rate.
Bonus interest rate
The bonus interest rate sits on top of the base rate. You earn it by meeting monthly conditions, such as depositing a set amount or growing your balance. Miss the conditions, and you only earn the base rate for that month.
Tiered interest rate
Some accounts offer tiered rates based on your balance. Higher balances may attract a lower rate, or different tiers may apply at different thresholds. Always check how the tiers affect your specific balance range.
Introductory (honeymoon) rate
Some accounts offer a higher introductory rate for new customers, typically for the first 3 to 4 months. After that, the rate reverts to the standard ongoing rate. Always focus on what you'll earn long-term, not just the intro period.
Best business savings accounts in Australia: April 2026
There's no single "best" account for every business. The right fit depends on your cash flow, balance size, and whether you can meet bonus conditions consistently.
Top rates comparison
Southern Cross Credit Union leads with a maximum of 4.90% p.a., though its base rate is just 1.00% p.a. and requires a monthly balance growth of at least AUD $100 with no withdrawals.
Rabobank offers up to 4.75% p.a. for the first 4 months with no conditions, then reverts to a base of 3.35% p.a.
AMP Bank GO Business Save sits at 4.50% p.a. on balances up to AUD $500,000 with no conditions at all.
Macquarie Bank also reaches 4.75% p.a. ongoing from April 2026, again with no conditions required.
ANZ uses a tiered structure with a low base rate and requires a linked business transaction account.
NAB's iSaver hits 4.95% p.a. as an introductory rate for the first 4 months, dropping to 1.55% p.a. afterwards.
BOQ reaches up to 5.15% p.a. for the first 4 months for new customers, with an ongoing standard rate of 4.55% p.a.
Judo Bank offers the highest bonus rate at 5.35% p.a. on balances up to AUD $50,000, requiring an AUD $300 monthly deposit.
Interest rates are indicative and subject to change, so always verify directly with the provider.
Individual account reviews
Here's a closer look at each provider and what they currently offer for business savings.
Rabobank Business High Interest Savings Account
Rabobank offers up to 4.75% p.a. for the first 4 months on balances up to AUD $1 million. After the intro period, the ongoing base rate is 3.35% p.a. There's no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and no monthly criteria during the intro period. It's a clean, no-fuss option for businesses wanting a strong business account interest kickstart.
Southern Cross Credit Union Business Star Saver
Southern Cross Credit Union tops the comparison table for maximum bonus rates at 4.90% p.a. This is built on a 1.00% base rate and a 3.90% bonus. To earn the full rate, you need to grow your balance by at least AUD $100 per month and hold total savings under AUD $2 million. It rewards disciplined, consistent savers.
AMP Bank GO Business Save
AMP Bank's GO Business Save is a standout for businesses that want a high rate without monthly hoops. It offers 4.50% p.a. on balances up to AUD $500,000 with no conditions, no monthly fee, and no minimum balance. For balances between AUD $500,000 and $1 million, the rate drops to 3.75% p.a.
Regional Australia Bank Business Savings Booster
Regional Australia Bank's Business Savings Booster suits businesses wanting bonus interest while staying liquid. Deposit at least AUD $100 per month, and make no withdrawals to earn the boosted rate. It applies to balances up to AUD $250,000. There are no monthly account fees, and 24/7 online banking keeps access simple.
Macquarie Bank Business Savings Account
From April 2026, Macquarie's ongoing variable rate rises to 4.75% p.a. on balances up to AUD $2 million, with no conditions required. New customers get a welcome rate of 5.10% p.a. for the first 4 months. No monthly fee, no minimum balance. Macquarie suits businesses that prefer online banking and a mobile app.
ANZ Business Savings Account
ANZ offers a tiered business account interest structure. Opening an account requires an active ABN or ACN, an Australian business address, and two forms of ID for all signatories. The ANZ Business Essentials linked account has no monthly fee; ANZ Business Extra charges AUD $10 per month. Best for businesses already banking with ANZ.
CommBank business savings options
CommBank offers several business savings options, including the NetBank Saver with a short-term introductory rate before reverting to 1.70% p.a. It has a wide branch network and strong online banking. Best suited to businesses that value branch access alongside a reliable mobile app and digital tools.
NAB business term deposits
NAB's business term deposit products suit businesses with predictable surplus cash. Its iSaver offers a 4.95% p.a. introductory rate for the first 4 months before reverting to 1.55% p.a. For businesses that can lock away funds for a set period, NAB's fixed-rate term deposit options provide rate certainty.
BOQ Business Websavings Account
After the March 2026 RBA rate hike, BOQ increased its Simple Saver rate to 4.55% p.a. standard, with an introductory rate of 5.15% p.a. for the first 4 months for new customers. BOQ balances competitive online rates with regional branch presence across Queensland.
Judo Bank Business Savings Account
Judo Bank entered the market in early 2026 with competitive rates. Its savings account offers 5.35% p.a. on balances up to AUD $50,000 when you deposit AUD $300 per month. Judo also holds the highest business term deposit rate in Australia at 5.35% p.a. for a 1-year term. A strong pick for smaller businesses and sole traders building reserves.
What to look for when comparing business savings accounts
Finding the best business savings accounts takes more than scanning for the highest advertised rate.
Interest rate (base vs bonus)
Always check the base rate separately. If you can't reliably meet bonus conditions every month, a no-conditions account with a solid ongoing rate often wins in practice.
Account conditions and requirements
Understand exactly what triggers the bonus rate. Common conditions include a minimum monthly deposit, balance growth, or no withdrawals. Missing one month means dropping to the base rate for that period.
Linked account requirements
Many banks require a linked business transaction account before opening a savings account. Check whether this adds monthly fees or changes your overall banking costs.
Fees and charges
Look for accounts with no monthly fee. Also watch for transaction fees, early withdrawal penalties on term deposits, and fees on any linked everyday accounts.
Access and flexibility
At-call savings accounts allow withdrawals anytime, which matters if your cash flow is irregular. A term deposit locks funds for a fixed period in exchange for a higher guaranteed interest rate.
Financial Claims Scheme (FCS) protection
Deposits with ASIC-regulated Australian authorised deposit-taking institutions (ADIs) are protected under the FCS up to AUD $250,000 per institution. If you hold more, consider spreading funds across multiple providers.
Business suitability
Check eligibility carefully. Some accounts exclude trusts or associations. Company directors need details current with ASIC before applying to most banks.
Accounting software integrations and extras
Integration with Xero or QuickBooks saves significant admin time. A mobile app with real-time balance visibility is useful for business owners managing finances on the move.
Business savings account vs business term deposit: key differences
A business savings account is flexible. You can deposit and withdraw as needed, and interest compounds over time. A term deposit locks your money away for a fixed period of 3, 6, or 12 months. In return, you get a fixed, guaranteed interest rate.
The best business term deposit rate in Australia is currently 5.35% p.a. for a 1-year term from Judo Bank. If liquidity matters, stay with an at-call savings account. If you have surplus funds that you won't need for months, a term deposit often delivers a better return.
Tax implications of business savings accounts
Interest earned in a business savings account is assessable income and must be declared to the ATO. Your bank reports interest payments to the ATO each year. GST doesn't apply to deposit interest, but the income is added to your business's assessable income and taxed at the applicable rate.
Sole traders are typically taxed at their personal marginal rate on interest earnings. Companies pay the corporate tax rate. Talk to your accountant to understand how interest income fits your overall tax position.
Who can open a business savings account?
Most Australian business structures can open a business savings account, including sole traders, partnerships, companies, and trusts. You'll generally need your ABN issued by the ATO, your ACN if registered as a company with ASIC, photo ID for all directors or signatories, and a registered Australian business address. Company directors must have their details current with ASIC before most banks will approve an application.
How to apply for a business savings account
Most providers offer online applications for simple business structures. For sole traders and single-director companies, the process often takes under 15 minutes. More complex structures may require a branch visit.
Gather your documents first, including your ABN or ACN, personal ID for all signatories, and business registration details. If a linked business transaction account is required, open that first. Once verified, most accounts are active within 1 to 2 business days.
Pros and cons of business savings accounts
Business savings accounts are a low-risk way to earn a return on surplus funds. On the plus side, they keep business finances separate, earn business account interest on idle cash, and are backed by FCS protection up to AUD $250,000. On the downside, bonus conditions are easy to miss, base rates without conditions are often low, variable rates can fall when the RBA cuts, and all interest is taxable income.
Aspire's business account
At Aspire, we built our business account for founders who need more than just a place to store cash. We know that choosing among the best business savings accounts in Australia is only one piece of running a financially sharp operation. We offer multi-currency accounts in 30+ currencies, international payments at competitive FX rates, and native accounting integrations, including Xero. Our platform brings payments, expense management, corporate cards, and reporting into one place. Aspire holds an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), and client funds are safeguarded with an APRA-regulated bank. If you're running a growing Australian business with global ambitions, we built Aspire for exactly that.
Frequently asked questions about the best business savings account
Here are answers to common questions about business savings accounts that can help you out in choosing what is best for your finances.
What documents do I need to open a business savings account?
You typically need your ABN or ACN, photo ID for all directors or signatories, and proof of your registered business address. Companies registered with ASIC also need to provide their ACN alongside their ABN.
Can a sole trader open a business savings account?
A sole trader can open a business savings account with most Australian banks, and the ATO strongly recommends it for cleaner record keeping. Most banks allow sole traders to apply fully online using just their ABN and personal identification.
What is the difference between a business savings account and a business transaction account?
A business transaction account handles everyday payments and spending, while a business savings account earns interest on funds you set aside. Many banks require a linked business transaction account before you can open a savings account.
What should I compare when looking at the best business savings accounts?
When comparing the best business savings accounts, look at the base interest rate, bonus conditions, monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, FCS protection, and whether the account suits your business structure and cash flow.
This blog is for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions
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