At what balance does an SMSF become cheaper than Rest?

Rest's default Core Strategy option charges roughly 0.85% per year all-in. easySMSF's fixed admin fee means the crossover sits at roughly $150,000 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 Rest?

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. Rest limits you to pre-built investment options with concentration and asset-class caps.

What happens to my insurance if I move from Rest 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 Rest, so you're never uninsured during the switch.

Is moving from Rest 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, Rest'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 Rest: fees, control and breakeven

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

Rest is the retail-industry hybrid serving 1.8M+ Australians. Its 'Member Tailored' platform offers some direct share access — but as with every industry fund, you don't actually own the underlying assets or set the strategy.

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

Rest charges around 0.85% per year on the default Core Strategy option (core strategy option, all-in.). 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 Rest in absolute dollars — sits at roughly $150,000 combined member balance.

Beyond cost, the bigger story is what you can actually hold. Rest 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.

Rest default fee: ~0.85% per year on your full balance
easySMSF fee: fixed monthly — shrinks as a percentage as your balance grows
Crossover balance: about $150,000 combined
Rest pro: Long history; broad membership; stable default returns
Rest pro: Member Tailored allows ASX 300 + ETFs
Rest pro: Low admin fee on small balances
Rest limit: Percentage fees compound aggressively above $200k
Rest limit: Single-share concentration capped at 20%
Rest limit: No direct property, no LRBA, no crypto, no global brokerage

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

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