• expired

Suncorp Home Loan at 2.99% for 3 Years with Fixed Interest Rate + $2000 Cash Back @ Suncorp

790

My first post on ozbargain.

I saw this deal while i was walking in Parramatta Westfield. 2.99 % 3 years fixed home loan interest rate plus 2,000 cashback. there is an annual fee of around 375 AUD on the loan which they were happy to wave for the first year when I spoke to them on phone. which I think is not bad. Total savings of 2,375 plus a great home loan rate. Even after paying discharge fees etc you will be getting 1500 AUD in your pocket with a great interest rate. Sounds like a great deal to me.

Related Stores

Suncorp
Suncorp

closed Comments

  • +9

    Got excited and clicked +, then realised that it's a 3 year fixed rate & not variable rate.

    OP… If interest rates keep falling and stay low then you'll be stuck at 2.99% for 3 years.

    2.99% fixed is nothing special and neither is the $2000 cashback. Most banks are offering this.

    • +7

      give us a lower rate with a better cashback then or factor in the $2000.
      More importantly, the Comparable Rate, let's say for $500k loan.

      • +7

        Tic toc doing 2.99% variable. No yearly fees. No cash back, but no fixed term.

        • +2

          Got this, with $1k cashback when they were doing it recently. Had to break a fixed loan though, which pretty much cancelled out the cashback, but that's recouped pretty quickly with the better rate.

          • @ely: out of curisoity, what's your rate?

            i've heard that existing customers are on 3.07%

            which would mean two sets of rates.

            • -1

              @thydzik: If you signed up whilst they were offering 3.07% (which had $1000 cashback as part of the offer) you are still paying that. They only dropped to 2.99% for new customers.

              • +1

                @ozbd: Oddly my process was drawn out, with them initially declining, then realising they'd made a mistake and switching to accept, so I got the 2.99% rate (was 3.07% when I applied) and also the cashback. Not complaining.

      • +1
        • +2

          Wow, five years fixed at 2.99%… says something about their take on the state of the economy.

    • +1

      2.99% fixed is nothing special and neither is the $2000 cashback. Most banks are offering this.

      Which bank ? online bank or banks like Suncorp with local branches

      • +4

        No idea; also no idea why it matters.

    • Best variable rates at the big 4 is around 3.3%.
      And even if interest rates drop another 50 basis points it won't necessarily be passed on due to lower margins the banks are receiving. (assuming they do pass it on you'd assume variable rates would be around 2.8% not that much lower than the 2.99%)

      • For fixed? Can't see any big 4 below about 3.5% for variable.

        • +1

          Nah, for variable I managed to get 3.32% for a client at a big 4. However, the loan was in excess of 1M and below 80% LVR.

        • I'm on 3.27% with nab, but applied to tic toc.

    • +1

      Official interest rates are at 1% currently. There's not much upwards pressure on them at the moment, but there's not much room for them to go down either. Even if the official rate went to zero then I don't think you'll see bank rates below 2%. It doesn't seem like much of a risk to me.

      • +2

        Expectations are for another 25 - 50bp in cuts. Nothing is certain, of course, so if you're risk averse go ahead and fix (or split).

      • +3

        Just because RBA rate is 1% does not mean there's not much room to go lower. Rates can go a lot lower. Hence banks trying to lock you in at 2.99%

    • Not a good idea when many pundits in the financial markets are expecting RBA rates to fall further in the next 6 months. Potentially going down to 0%!

      And you can't offset it.

  • +20

    OP's 1st post, easy guys.

    • +20

      But they didn't say "first post go easy on me"…

  • Does it come with a free coffee like the Pitt St mall concept store?

  • Credabl (think they only lend to accountants and docs) have a similar deal with a 2 year fixed option at 2.99% and LMI waiver for CPA & Medical Professionals.

    • Seems like they are a broker and not a credit provider.

      • Yes, that is correct.

    • Where were you able to find their rates? I was quoted 3.19% fixed a month or two back.

  • +7

    I clicked the link and the 1st thing I saw was 3.84% comparison rate. Furthermore, it’s guaranteed* the RBA will be reducing the official interest rate shortly. So if you decide to take this product out, u r gonna be stuck paying a higher rate. I also haven’t read the fine print, but this product may only be for home loans (not investment loans).

    Not sure how many of you follow the current economic climate, but there’s a reason why the Aust Govt is being very quiet in trying to sneak in the $10k cash cap limit on transactions (using tax evasion as the reason). The smoking gun behind this is the eventual mandatory push to have everyone using e-cash (i.e. all transactions occurring electronically). Once physical cash is controlled, Aust can follow the World Bank’s recommendations in implementing a NEGATIVE interest rate. Sounds absurd? Do your own research.

    So in summary, if anyone wants to fix their mortgages in this current climate - you are going against professional actuaries and economists.

    I can go on forever about this topic…

    As usual, my 2 cents. Non of it is to be taken as financial advice.

    Note: I am in the process of taking out an investment loan with one of the Big 4 with a variable rate 3.81% (comparison rate), but 75% LVR.

    • +2

      Banks are gonna wanna make money and shareholders will be pissed. There is no mandate or law that requires them to pass on interest rate cuts. Which won't happen under the LNP.

      Suncorp haven't passed on the full rate in years.

      Interesting times ahead I must say. Looking forward to seeing it play out.

      • |There is no mandate or law that requires them to pass on interest rate cuts. Which won't happen under the LNP.

        Funding comes from other sources than the RBA, so a rate cut doesn't represent a true change in their costs. That said, they will get a drop and if you don't pass on something you'll get crucified in the media.

        |Suncorp haven't passed on the full rate in years.
        Same with HSBC I believe, but thats the point of OzBargain, you hedge your bets on fees vs rate + service to get something that suits your situation.

    • +1

      Just be aware that the comparison rate is for a $150,000 loan @ 25 years, which means its pretty much useless if you are borrowing more than $150,000, as the comparison rate goes way down when borrowing more.

    • +1

      At the same time Philip Lowe is hailed and the savior of the Australian economy every week in the papers even as he inflates the property bubble and drags millions of retirees savings into the unheralded realm of negative interest rates.

      • The RBA don't want to lower rates further, but they don't have much choice as the government refuses to use fiscal policy to further stimulate the economy.

  • Oct 1st is when RBA will meet next to decide on the interest rate… I would personally prefer to wait rather then fixing any rate.

  • +5

    I would say stay away from Suncorp. Took 4 months to refinance our OO loan - a very simple refin with very strong serviceability.

    Not only their credit assessment process is significantly under the pump, their outsourced settlement agent was quite bad in our experience, "missing" documents despite we were certain the docs were sent, and been asked to re-sign documents (seriously, they expect carbon copy of what's on your DL).

    • +2

      I know someone who works at suncorp who got a suncorp home loan and they had so much trouble. At a GM they talked about their new app and how good it was. She wanted to stand up and say how bad her experience was.

      If they can't look after their own and get the fundamentals right, imagine what we have to go through.

      In saying that, our home loan specialist at suncorp is amazing. They really employ some useless people and it's so hard to get fired once you are in (Suncorp). Maybe you got one of those duds.

    • FWIW I just refinanced a unit with suncorp and used the extra funds to buy a house. Application process was under a week and settlement was fine, actually brought it forwards and suncorp did all the work to make it happen. I was very happy with their service. Paying 3.5% variable on 90% lvr. No cash back but no upfront/ongoing fees either. Their banking app is pretty good and the 10 offset accounts make budgeting easy.

    • I'm getting a house built, with a construction loan from Suncorp. They've been great! My builder reckons they've been the fastest bank to send progress payments etc.

      I just wish they passed the full rate cuts.

  • I got 3.460% on my commbank mortgage is that a good variable rate? Or should i ask my bank to negotiate?

    • +1

      There are quite a few lenders < 3% now, many with no fees, while the lower rates from the big four tend to come with chunky "package" fees as well (~$400 range). You can do better, but possibly not without changing lenders.

    • Is that for an investment property or for a principal place of residence? There’s a difference in the rates.

      My Big4 bank is charging me 3.33% on my principal place and 3.81% on my investment. FYI - These are comparison rates.

    • Largely depends on loan size and LVR. Under 80% ING or Macquarie is a good bet. You want dirt cheap variable you can look at Bank of China, 3 year intro variable for 3.05% However, feedback for application process is fairly average.

  • +2

    Big problem with fixed is you don't get the mortgage offset. On variable you get to have a 100% mortgage offset account which can save you big money in long term.

    • Split.

      If you need to borrower $10, already got $5 in offset, and able to save $1/year.

      Borrower $10 @ 1year fixed, split into $5.5 variable, $4.5 fixed. Refinance in the second year and adjust the mix accordingly.

    • You're right, but if you want to look into that option Adelaide bank can serve you well. It's a niche product of theirs, their fixed offset.

  • ANZ is offering 3.18% on a 2 year fixed rate. They were recently offering this with 300,000 qantas points (probably worth a bit more than 2k) but that promotion has ended.

    Market expectations are for interest rates to drop 2 to 3 more times, so ANZ might be the better deal as you can be released after 2 years to take advantage of the lower rates.

  • +4

    fixed rate loans are only for gamblers and there is no way you are going to beat a bank.

    obviously rates are dropping further.

    • +1

      True its a gamble but the points above around variable rates being unlikely to get much lower than 2.99 are also valid. Very few variable rates currently at 2.99 or better so it would take one more RBA cut at least for them to get there. I'm currently paying 3.24% variable and I've not seen anything that beats it by enough to make a move. So maybe at best variables could get to 2.5? That's if cuts even get passed on because banks will still want to give something to depositors.

      I've fixed twice in the past, came out behind on one but not by that much. Came out well ahead on the other. So a gamble yes but one you can win.

      I only fixed on the one we came out ahead on because my wife was going on maternity leave at the time and I wanted certainty. Fixed for 2 years, first was line ball but rates started rising quickly during the second year so we ended up well in front. When we went back to variable the monthly payment instantly went up by about $500. Just after that the GFC kicked in and the RBA were slashing rates by 1% per month so before long the cost dropped right off again.

      Fixed rates are based on economic forecasts, but these are often wrong and its very hard to predict. Get 10 economists in a room, get 20 opinions. When rates were rising in 2007 nobody saw what was coming.

    • +1

      Gambling usually means the outcome is uncertain, So in many ways fixed rates are the opposite of gambling. Variable rates are a gamble as you don't know if your repayments will decrease or increase.

      Perhaps it is now obvious that rates are going down further but it's possible in a few years they may be increasing. Five years is a very long time horizon for making economic predictions. I remember three or four years ago people guaranteeing me rates were going up.

      As far as 'beating' banks, surely the fixed rates largely come down to the rate at which the banks can lock in their long term funding.

      Having said all of this, at present I'd wait 6 months before fixing.

      • +1

        Fixing a loan should never be about saving money. The reason you fix a loan is to have certainty in your repayments.

    • You're gambling either way. You're either gambling that rates are going to rise (fixed rate), or you're gambling that rates are going to fall (variable rate). Fixed is generally less risk - as you know how much you're paying - and if you can afford it then you can afford it. For this security, you do tend to pay slightly more with fixed rates over variable.

      By your logic, I guess insurance is also gambling?

      • Yes … I have always thought that insurance is just like gambling .. spend $1000 on car insurance to win $40,000 if you crash your car .. just like roulette.

  • Is it for investment loan as well? If not, what's their 3=year fixed interest rate for an investment loan?

    • Assuming <=90% LVR, 3.49% for principal and interest and 3.59% for interest only.

      • Ok. I am stuck on 3.69% 3-yr fixed with them (and no $2k rebate either), unfortunately. As for the variable loan, do we need to ask them to review the rate or they automatically reduce the interest rate as the market rate goes down?

        • Automatic.

        • Depends on the lender, and who you bring to the table as a comparison. If it's a big 4, asking them to compare your current rate against a higher 2nd tier lender such as Macquarie or Suncorp would net you a better chance of them dropping your rate, as opposed to say some white label product or some disruptor like Athena home loans. Basically you have to compare your current lender against who they would see as competition. That is assuming <=80% LVR and you go to them comparing apples to apples i.e comparing their variable rate against another lender's variable rate. And if you don't their offer vote with your feet. PM me if you require any help.

          • @MrBigglesworth: I am with Suncorp. Not sure who I should compare with in that case. I've recently moved to them so no plans to move away as yet but I want them to reduce the rate if market rates have gone down.

        • I'm in about the same situation like you. Can't we refinance the fixed rate loan and use the 2k to offset the penalty rate to at least get a better interest rate?

          • @huubang: I don't think they give $2k rebate in investment loan though. Also, I reckon the penalty would be much higher when breaking fixed rate loan before the fixed period. Worth checking with your broker or bank.

  • -1

    Seriously good rate. Wonder if they'll waive LMI requirements for certain professions like others do.

    • Depends on the postcode. Some postcodes you cannot waive LMI no matter what your profession is (same across the banks). Some postcodes the banks just won't lend at all.

  • +1

    Worth remembering all that cash rates don't necessarily drive mortgage rates down.
    Personally am not expecting mortgage rates (or specifically investment rates) to get much cheaper regardless of further cash rate cuts (not advice).
    Financiers will generally look to lift rates on the existing portfolio whilst offering sharp rates on new to bank lending so if nothing else fixing a rate does eliminate this possibility!

    • 100% agreed.

      Another way to get around this issue is to look for lenders like Athena that promise to have the same rate for existing and new borrowers.

  • Where is the info about the $2000 cash? Doesn't seem to be mentioned on the website. Just in the process of buying our first house and signed up with Suncorp for 2.99% 3 year fixed term. I want to see if we can get in on the 2 grand action.

    • Think someone mentioned in the thread that St George/Bank of Melbourne/Bank SA have the same offer for 1-5 year fixed loan terms. More branch networks would not hurt. Also, if you want variable, NAB is offering the same thing.

      https://www.nab.com.au/personal/home-loans/offers

      PM me if you require any help.

  • +1

    As median price is 500,000 with average loan period 20 years , why don't bank publish comparison rate based on that rather then 150,000 for 25 years.

    • Oh, so this rate isn't valid for 30-yr loan of say $300k?

    • Possibly the average mortgage is currently $150k. Most people pay off their mortgage over time.

  • +1

    Will be good for a while, but after the next rate cut will just be average

  • Does anyone know where I could get refinancing for a mortgage of 37k? I'd like to help my Mum get a better rate.

    • +1

      It's too much effort for too little gain. Switching costs are around $1000(discharge fees + titling fees + fees with new lender). Unless your rate is at loan shark levels. Also bearing in mind that the new lender would want mummy dearest to have a decent exit strategy, they would reduce the loan term and they would want the loan to be paid off faster before she turns 75. Here's a calculator to see what she could be paying and if it's worth the effort.

      https://www.ing.com.au/home-loans/calculators/offset.html

      Hope this helps.

      • +1

        Thank you for the insight, much appreciated.

        Correction, she only has 32k owing and she's 78.

        Time for me to help mummy dearest pay it down.

  • +2

    Fixed loans are only for people who
    1. Can’t tolerate any movement (up or down) in their loan repayments for the fixed term period
    2. Think they are smarter than the bank at forecasting interest rates.
    If you think a fixed rate will save you money I have a gambling system you might be interested in….

    • At this rate, it's not that much of a gamble.

      Most people would be on around 3.45%-3.66% maybe, even if you had multiple interest rate cuts, I don't see them being on anything less than 2.99% (in 3 years time).

      I hope I am wrong, but it's not that bad for 3 years, plus extra money.

      As an example, in the 4 years I had my loan, it went from 4.30% to 3.45%. So, could it drop to 2.45%? Maybe, but I don't think so.

      • +1

        Fixed rates are a scam

        As op said, fix if you think you're smarter than all the banks economists

        I remembering fixing in 2009 when rates were going up, I fixed for 5 years at 7.8% thinking I was the smartest person in the world. Rba increased the base rate and cba variable went above my fixed. So clever I was!

        Then came the fall. By the time my 5 years was up my variable portion was down to 4.9 or there about and my fixed, well that taught me a lesson

        You're not smarter than a team of economists, if you are, you're lost because looking at home loan rates and reading forums isn't where you should be, you should be working on your fund

        • +1

          I understand what you're saying, but based on what has been happening right now, not what interest rates were a decade ago, I don't see a similar trend.

          As what I said, in 4 years mine dropped around 0.85%. I believe in 3 years, it will be maybe 2.89%, at best.

          Plus, I would never fix above 3 years, unless it's stupid good. Like 5 years right now on 2.49%.

          EDIT: Just noticed, there's no offset or redraw. So, with that in mind, not a good deal.

        • Depends on the horse and the course…

          In the short term, if you outperform the variable say for a year, then once you have saved, use that to offset [no offset for this type though] / invest in other things (eg Shares, Fixed Interest Saving, Super)… you can potentially work out ahead (then where you were headed) if those realised savings rocket past the interest you might have paid for the variable interest period (and shares have been somewhat good last few years, some ETFs round the 10-20% mark including dividends)… You also have a somewhat constant of a 'fixed mortgage repayment'… which could lead to less stress in your life.

          Mind you, this is people where it would make a substantial difference, eg. if you have a 500k loan, paying 4% or more, sign up to this asap…
          Your rate is not going to drop 1% any time soon! In one year you will save $5k (in comparison to your current loan at 4%). Might give you some important rainy day savings if needed.

          Ultimately, as people make more money, get ahead, new costs get introduced (I keep making more but how come I'm not saving anymore?), thus with a lowered interest rate… the key is to try not to spend more than you earn… always (and let's face it, most of us here on OzBargain spend considerably less than we earn)
          Unlimited wants in a world of limited means.

          Summation:
          Fixed can work for some people in certain circumstance, but I think in the outrageous short term variety… 5 year is an ultimate gamble like you said… If you like flexibility, stay with a variable, and keep questioning your bank as a 'loyal' customer…

      • Actually, I hope you're right. Low rates might seem great when you're paying off a mortgage, but they're an indication that the economy is so poor that you need to practically give people money to get them to spend it.

  • Not a great deal. The comparison rate is 3.84%. That's the real interest rate not the 2.99%. Don't get trapped with the big heading because the fees they charge is also quite high.

    • Comparison rate is actually a bad tool to compare loan rates. It is based on a $150k loan, which I would imagine very few people have, so fixed fees will appear to add a lot to rate. It's also based on a 25 year loan which again, most people get a 30 year loan. Not saying it's a great deal, just saying the comparison rate is a bad measure of what the rate actually is.

      • While comparison rate inflates the effect of fixed fees with the low $150k loan, the 25 year loan doesn't, if anything it dilutes it.

        For yearly account fees, it should be worked out as a % of your yearly repayment, which will change as you pay down your loan. If you have a 30 year loan then the % of the total would actually be higher because you have lower repayments.

        Also its important to note that if you're churning loans before then ie if you swap every 3-5 years) then any upfront costs aren't over the 25 or 30 years, but over the 3 or 5 years.

    • +1

      camparison rate is not good to compare fixed rates, since they take into account their variable rate at the end of the term.

  • +1

    I just refinanced to HSBC a month ago and got 3.17% rate with 3.18% comparison rate.

    • That's pretty good. What was your previous rate and do they have offset account?

      • +1

        I was paying 3.35% prior to the move to HSBC. HSBC has redraw, not offset account.

        • +1

          Just be wary of using the home loan account for everyday expenses. When you are refinancing the next time round, it basically gives the new lender next a deep dive into your living expenses. I'm not suggesting you have anything to hide, but sometimes credit assessors ask more questions the more info you give them.

          • @MrBigglesworth: This is my 3rd time refinancing in 10 years. I was lured with the first one with low interest and then trapped me with higher rate. The 2nd one gave me horrible service. The rate was OK. Who knows how long I'll stay with HSBC for? You need to be on your toes and hunt for bargain.

  • It isnt a bad deal but with interest rates are likely to drop at least once or twice by this time next year i wouldnt fix in for 3 years

  • So what is it good to refinance to Suncorp now? I am looking to refinance, any good and honest broker here? Thanks.

    • PM me if you require any help.

    • Get in touch with Toby from Cape Finance (member here), great service.

  • I never seem to see deals on Investment Loans? Keep getting excited over 3%

    • There are quite a few of them around. It all depends on what you want. PM me if you require help.

Login or Join to leave a comment