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FAQs
Bank Accounts FAQs
- How do I know what bank account best suits my needs?
- How often will I receive account statements?
- As a pensioner, what account is right for me?
- What account can I get as a full-time tertiary student or apprentice?
- If I choose an account that is designed primarily for electronic transactions, do I get charged for withdrawals at a branch?
- I don’t want a credit card because I don’t want to go into debt. Is there a way I can make online purchases?
- How do I know which savings account is right for me?
- Can I link my savings account to a transaction account?
- What are the main benefits of Fixed Term Deposit?
- How do I open a Fixed Term Deposit?
- What happens if I withdraw all or part of my Fixed Term Deposit before its maturity?
- How much do I need to open a Fixed Term Deposit? Is there a maximum amount?
- How is the interest calculated on my Fixed Term Deposit?
- How do I find out what the current interest rate is?
- What happens to my Fixed Term Deposit at maturity?
- A friend’s child has a Happy Dragon Account and suggested I open one for my son, but I can’t find information about this account on your website. Can I still get one?
- Where can I find information on the Fees & Charges on the Portfolio Cash Management Account? I have had this account for many years, but I believe you don’t sell it anymore.
How do I know what bank account best suits my needs?
Before you choose a bank account, think about how you are most likely to access your money and whether you want to minimise fees or earn interest. For example, do you want unlimited access to your account, or do you need a chequebook? Will you mostly access your money at a branch, or do you prefer to use electronic banking? Do you want to keep your fees low or be rewarded for saving?
Use our Account Selector or Account Comparison Table to help you choose the product that best suits your banking or savings needs.
How often will I receive account statements?
This depends on the type of account you have opened. Please refer to your account terms and conditions for details.
As a pensioner, what account is right for me?
Our Retirement Access Plus Account is designed to help pensioners maximise savings. This account generally pays interest in line with the Federal Government deeming rates.
You can apply for a Retirement Access Plus Account if you are 55 years of age or over or retired and in receipt of one of the following pensions:
- Age Pension
- Carer’s Pension
- Disability Pension
- Widow Pension
- Veteran Affairs Pension
What account can I get as a full-time tertiary student or apprentice?
The Complete Freedom Student Account offers unlimited St.George transactions with no monthly account service fee and is ideal for eligible full-time students and apprentices. If you are 18 years of age and older and an Australian resident you will also enjoy the flexibility of a Visa Debit Card.
If I choose an account that is designed primarily for electronic transactions, do I get charged for withdrawals at a branch?
Accounts where Internet and Phone Banking are free are designed for people who do most of their transactions over the phone, using an ATM or online. You are able to make branch-assisted withdrawals, however there may be a charge for this service. Please check your account Fees and Charges booklet to confirm what fees may apply.
I don’t want a credit card because I don’t want to go into debt. Is there a way I can make online purchases?
A Visa Debit Card allows you to use your own money to make purchases online, overseas and over the phone or wherever Visa is accepted. You must be 18 years or older and an Australian resident to be issued with a Visa Debit Card.
How do I know which savings account is right for me?
Before you choose a savings account, think about what your savings goals are and whether you want to lock your money away, or keep it accessible at all times. The amount you have to invest and the way you prefer to access your money will affect the savings account you choose.
Use our Account Selector or Account Comparison Table to help you choose the product that best suits your savings needs.
Can I link my savings account to a transaction account?
All St.George savings accounts can be linked to St.George transaction accounts. This allows you to earn a high rate of interest with easy and flexible access to your funds when you need them.
What are the main benefits of Fixed Term Deposit?
A Fixed Term Deposit generally pays higher interest in return for fixing your term for a fixed period of time. It offers you the security of earning a fixed rate of interest on your savings over a fixed term and allows you to plan your finances with certainty.
How do I open a Fixed Term Deposit?
You can apply for a A Fixed Term Deposit at any St.George Branch, or by calling 13 33 30, 8am – 9pm (AEST) 7 days a week.
What happens if I withdraw all or part of my Fixed Term Deposit before its maturity?
You can have access to your funds before the end of the fixed term should you need to break the term. However, the interest you earn will be adjusted as a result.
How much do I need to open a Fixed Term Deposit? Is there a maximum amount?
You need a minimum investment of $1000 with a minimum term of 1 month to open a Fixed Term Deposit. There is no maximum amount. For amounts greater than $250,000, you may be eligible for a special interest rate. We recommend you visit a branch or give us a call on 13 33 30 to find out more.
How is the interest calculated on my Fixed Term Deposit?
Interest is calculated daily and you can choose how often you wish the interest to be paid to you. The amount of interest paid will vary depending on the length of the investment.
How do I find out what the current interest rate is?
Check out the current interest rates for the Fixed Term Deposit including any current special rates.
What happens to my Fixed Term Deposit at maturity?
We will automatically renew your Fixed Term Deposit when the term ends. Prior to the end of your term of your Fixed Term Account we will inform you of the end date and give you a grace period to close the account, or change the details of the renewed account (such as the amount and the term and the interest payment frequency).
If you do not tell us to close or change the details of your Fixed Term Account during the grace period, we will automatically renew your account for the same amount, term and interest payment frequency as your maturing account. The rate of interest will be at the current rate set by St.George Bank at the date of renewal that applies to Fixed Term Deposits for the amount and term of the renewing account.
You can have the interest you have earned credited directly into a nominated St.George account or an account held at another financial institution. Alternatively, your interest can be added to a new Fixed Term Deposit, or paid to you by bank cheque or cash at a St.George Branch.
A friend’s child has a Happy Dragon Account and suggested I open one for my son, but I can’t find information about this account on your website. Can I still get one?
No. From time to time St.George reviews the products we offer for sale and makes changes. The Happy Dragon Account is no longer available to new customers, and we now suggest that if you are looking for an account for your child that you consider the Incentive Saver Account for their savings and a Complete Freedom Student Account for their transactional needs.
Customers who opened a Happy Dragon Account before 20/5/2007 are eligible to retain that account until their 13th birthday, at which time it will be automatically upgraded to a Complete Freedom Student Account. If you have a Happy Dragon Account you can view more information on the Terms and Conditions and Fees and Charges online.
Where can I find information on the Fees & Charges on the Portfolio Cash Management Account? I have had this account for many years, but I believe you don’t sell it anymore.
You can view the Terms and Conditions and Fees and Charges for all accounts no longer offered for sale online.
