At what balance does an SMSF become cheaper than AustralianSuper?

AustralianSuper's default Balanced (MySuper) option charges roughly 0.79% per year all-in. easySMSF's fixed admin fee means the crossover sits at roughly $161,392 combined member balance. Above that, an SMSF is cheaper every year and the gap widens as the balance grows.

Can I hold the same investments in an SMSF as in AustralianSuper?

Yes, and significantly more. An SMSF can hold direct ASX shares, ETFs, international equities, residential and commercial property (including via LRBA), term deposits, bullion and crypto. AustralianSuper limits you to pre-built investment options with concentration and asset-class caps.

What happens to my insurance if I move from AustralianSuper to an SMSF?

Your SMSF can hold life, TPD and income-protection cover, but it must be arranged separately — usually through a retail insurer. Always apply for SMSF-held cover and have it accepted before rolling over funds out of AustralianSuper, so you're never uninsured during the switch.

Is moving from AustralianSuper to an SMSF worth the extra responsibility?

It depends. If you want direct ownership, transparency, and the flexibility to hold property or international shares, yes. If you don't want to read ATO guidance or document an investment strategy, AustralianSuper's default option may be the better fit. easySMSF removes most of the day-to-day admin burden by handling accounts, tax and audit on a fixed fee.

SMSF comparison

SMSF vs AustralianSuper: fees, control and breakeven

By Tim Roff, Founder & SMSF Specialist · Updated 29 June 2026

AustralianSuper is the country's largest profit-to-member fund. It wins on scale and low default fees, but limits you to pre-built investment options and an indirect 'Member Direct' platform for shares.

EOFY Special — 50% off SMSF setup

Offer ends midnight AEST, 1 July 2026. Applies to Individual and Corporate Trustee setup fees.

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How the costs compare

AustralianSuper charges around 0.79% per year on the default Balanced (MySuper) option (balanced option, all-in (admin + investment + transaction).). That percentage applies to your entire balance — so the dollar cost rises every year as your fund grows.

easySMSF charges a fixed monthly fee for full SMSF administration and the annual audit. The percentage you pay shrinks every year as the fund grows. The crossover — where an SMSF starts costing less than AustralianSuper in absolute dollars — sits at roughly $161,392 combined member balance.

Beyond cost, the bigger story is what you can actually hold. AustralianSuper restricts you to pre-built investment options (and at best a 'member direct' platform with asset-class caps). An SMSF lets you hold direct ASX and global shares, residential and commercial property, ETFs, term deposits, bullion and crypto — all in the fund's own name.

AustralianSuper default fee: ~0.79% per year on your full balance
easySMSF fee: fixed monthly — shrinks as a percentage as your balance grows
Crossover balance: about $161,392 combined
AustralianSuper pro: Very low admin fee on small balances
AustralianSuper pro: Strong long-run net returns on the Balanced option
AustralianSuper pro: Default insurance is automatic and competitively priced
AustralianSuper limit: Percentage-based fees grow with your balance — costly above ~$300k
AustralianSuper limit: Member Direct caps ASX exposure at 80% of your balance
AustralianSuper limit: No direct property, no LRBA, no SMSF-grade investment flexibility

Compare other funds: SMSF vs Hostplus · SMSF vs Rest · SMSF vs UniSuper · SMSF vs Aware Super · SMSF vs industry funds · SMSF vs retail funds

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