In the world of home loans, two powerful features often come into play: offset accounts and redraw facilities. These financial tools can significantly impact your mortgage journey, but understanding their differences is crucial. In this article, we’ll break down the fundamentals of offset accounts and redraw facilities, helping you make informed decisions about which one suits your needs.

Offset Accounts: The Interest-Saving Champion

Offset accounts work as your ally in reducing interest payments on your home loan. Here’s the lowdown:

Interest Savings: When you link a transaction or savings account to your mortgage, the balance in this account offsets against your loan balance. This means you pay less interest, making it a fantastic choice if you have substantial savings or irregular income.

Tax Efficiency: In Australia, the interest saved through an offset account isn’t considered taxable income, providing a tax-efficient way to lighten your financial load.

Financial Flexibility: Offset accounts offer flexibility. You can withdraw funds whenever needed, making it an excellent choice for managing unexpected expenses or investments.

For a more detailed exploration of offset accounts, click here.

Redraw Facilities: Accessing Extra Payments

Redraw facilities are another valuable feature, allowing you to tap into extra payments you’ve made on your mortgage. Here’s why they matter:

Emergency Fund: Redraws serve as a financial safety net. You can access these funds for various needs if you’ve made extra payments.

Home Loan as Savings: Some homeowners treat their mortgage as a form of savings. The extra payments become a reserve that can be drawn upon when necessary.

Flexibility with Caution: While redraws offer flexibility, using them wisely is vital. Consider your financial goals and the impact of withdrawing funds from your loan.

For a deeper dive into the implications of redrawing facilities, including tax considerations, click here.

So What’s Best For Me?

Both offset and redraw accounts have their merits. Assessing your financial goals helps determine which type of account will benefit you the most. If you would like personalised advice and assistance, we can help you make an informed decision.

Get in touch with us to learn more about the differences between offset and redraw accounts or to get started on your financial plan for homeownership.