Where can I find my super fees?

Check your most recent annual statement or log into your super fund's online portal. Fees are also listed in the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS). Look for 'total fees and costs' which should show admin fees, investment fees, and any insurance premiums.

Are higher fees worth it for better performance?

Not necessarily. Research consistently shows that low-fee funds often match or outperform high-fee funds. While some actively managed funds justify higher fees with strong returns, many don't. Always compare net-of-fees returns over 10+ years.

Can I opt out of insurance in super?

Yes. You can cancel or reduce insurance cover through your super fund. However, consider your insurance needs carefully first. If you have dependants or a mortgage, life and TPD insurance may be important. You can always apply for cover later, but you may need to pass health checks.

§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Super Fee Calculator.

Calculate how much your super fees cost you over time and see the true impact on your retirement savings.

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026

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Move the sliders or type your numbers in — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Superannuation fees might seem small as a percentage, but over a 30-40 year working lifetime they can consume a staggering portion of your retirement savings. A difference of just 0.5% in total fees can mean over $100,000 less in your super at retirement. This calculator shows you the total dollar cost of your current fees and helps you understand what you're really paying.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

The Hidden Cost

Jake, 30, has $60,000 in super with a fund charging 1.2% in total fees + $100 admin fee.

Over 37 years to retirement, Jake will pay approximately $185,000 in total fees. Switching to a 0.5% fee fund could save him $110,000 — enough for 2+ extra years of retirement income.

Insurance Drain

Priya, 35, pays $80/month in insurance premiums from her super without realising it.

That's $960/year. Over 32 years, accounting for lost investment returns, the insurance premiums cost Priya approximately $65,000 in retirement savings. She should review if she needs all that cover.

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Admin Fee

A fixed dollar or percentage fee charged to administer your super account. Covers costs like member communications, statements, and account management.

Investment Fee

A percentage-based fee charged on your balance for managing and investing your super. Covers fund manager costs, trading, and research.

Buy/Sell Spread

A small fee applied when you buy or sell units in your investment option. It covers the transaction costs and is not included in the quoted fee percentage.

Indirect Cost Ratio (ICR)

The total of all indirect fees and costs that reduce your investment returns, expressed as a percentage of your account balance.

§ Pair it with

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Compare Super Funds

Find a lower-fee fund with strong performance.

Project Your Balance

See how reducing fees boosts your retirement balance long-term.

SMSF Setup Cost Calculator

For high balances, check if managing your own SMSF could be more cost-effective.

How to use

01Enter your current super balance and annual income.
02Input your age and planned retirement age.
03Add your fund's admin fee (fixed dollar amount per year).
04Enter the investment fee percentage (check your fund's PDS or annual statement).
05Optionally add your insurance premiums deducted from super.
06See the total lifetime cost of fees and the impact on your final balance.

Key info

The average total super fee in Australia is around 1.1% of your balance per year.
Low-cost funds charge as little as 0.3-0.5% total fees.
Insurance premiums are often forgotten fees that can significantly reduce your balance.
APRA's Heatmap ranks funds on fees — check how your fund stacks up.

Pro tips

Your annual super statement shows all fees — look for 'total fees and costs' in the 'fees and other costs' section.
Consider whether the insurance cover through your super is actually needed or if you're over-insured.
Percentage-based fees hurt more as your balance grows — a $2M balance at 1% = $20,000/year in fees.
Some funds offer lower fees for members with higher balances (tiered pricing).

Avoid these

Ignoring insurance premiums which can be $500-$2,000+ per year deducted from your balance.
Only comparing investment fees and forgetting about admin fees, which vary greatly between funds.
Thinking low fees always mean poor performance — many low-fee funds are top performers.
Not realising that 'buy/sell spreads' are an additional cost not included in the quoted fee percentage.

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Interest rates, fees and policies change frequently. Always verify with lenders directly. General information, not personal financial advice.

Last updated · May 2026