Explainer: how redraw and offset accounts can save you money

Offset accounts and redraw facilities work in similar ways; they both allow you to reduce the balance of your home loan, and therefore the interest charged, by applying extra money to your debt.

Redraw facilities allow you to deposit spare income into your home loan account, allowing you to redraw a sum equal to the extra repayment amounts in future.

In the meantime, the extra money paid will lower the amount of interest charged while still giving you access to your money.

However, there may be restrictions on how much money can be withdrawn and when.

For redraw, it depends on whether the facility applies to a fixed-rate or variable loan. Most institutions only allow redraw from a variable-rate loan, or fixed-rate loan but with limited access.

It is important to find out how a loan’s redraw facility works before taking it on, as the fees and restriction attached might outweigh the benefits of interest savings.

Deciding between an offset account and a redraw facility on your home loan largely depends on how accessible you need your extra money to be.

Offset accounts are like savings accounts that function alongside your home loan. You save interest on the home loan based on the money in the offset account, you often have a debit card attached for withdrawals.

Let’s say that you are paying five per cent interest on your home loan and earning two per cent interest on your savings account.

An offset setup, would mean that the 2% interest that you earn is coming off the interest you are paying on your home loan.

With 100% offset accounts, you save interest equal to the interest you are paying on your loan. Rather than earning interest in a savings account.

Let’s say you have $10,000 in your 100 per cent offset account. Instead of paying interest on your $100,000 loan, you are only paying interest on $90,000. That’s probably the best type to have, if you are looking at offset accounts.

Offset accounts, like many savings accounts, often come with account fees, but the fee may be worth the interest savings and the added flexibility compared to redraw facilities.

There are less restrictions attached to 100% offset accounts, they’re very flexible. But really, it does just depends on each lender.

Finding a loan that matches your needs is a lot easier with an expert on your side. Speak to me, to find a loan that matches your current needs and future plans. Call 0402908474 or email abby@conlonfinancialsolutions.com.au

Posted in Uncategorized.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *