At what balance does an SMSF become cheaper than UniSuper?

UniSuper's default Balanced option charges roughly 0.7% per year all-in. easySMSF's fixed admin fee means the crossover sits at roughly $182,143 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 UniSuper?

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

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

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

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

UniSuper is the higher-education sector fund, known for strong long-term performance and a Defined Benefit Division. The trade-off is the usual one — no direct ownership of the underlying assets and no SMSF-style flexibility.

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

UniSuper charges around 0.7% per year on the default Balanced option (balanced option, all-in (admin + investment).). 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 UniSuper in absolute dollars — sits at roughly $182,143 combined member balance.

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

UniSuper default fee: ~0.7% per year on your full balance
easySMSF fee: fixed monthly — shrinks as a percentage as your balance grows
Crossover balance: about $182,143 combined
UniSuper pro: Competitive admin fee structure
UniSuper pro: Strong governance and long-term performance
UniSuper pro: DBD members get a defined-benefit pension entitlement
UniSuper limit: Investment menu limited to pooled options + 'DIY' shares
UniSuper limit: DIY platform restricted to S&P/ASX 300 + select ETFs
UniSuper limit: No property, no LRBA, no crypto, no global brokerage

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

Frequently asked questions

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