Why fix your rate

  • Rate fluctuations: protect yourself from the uncertainty of rate fluctuations by fixing over your chosen term.
  • Manage your cash flow: better plan your expenses by fixing your rate. You'll know how much interest you need to pay every month or you can pay your interest up-front.
  • Tax: by pre-paying your interest payments in full, you may be able to claim a tax deduction in the current financial year.

What are the risks?

  • Interest rate movements: the variable interest rates may move during your fixed term. If you decide to terminate a fixed rate agreement early, a termination fee or early adjustment may apply.
  • Increased losses: while gearing can multiply your gains, it can also increase your losses when a trade doesn't go your way.

Fixed vs Variable Interest Comparison Calculator

To help you decide whether a fixed or variable rate is best for you, we have developed a Comparison Calculator.

Use this calculator to compare the potential interest savings between fixed and variable rates over different terms. You can also simulate potential future movements in the variable interest rate, and estimate the outcomes of fixing all, or just a portion of your loan balance.

Monthly interest payments

  • Month 1
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 2
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 3
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 4
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 5
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 6
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 7
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 8
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 9
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 10
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 11
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Month 12
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Year 1
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Year 2
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Year 3
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Year 4
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
  • Year 5
    Fixed and variable interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Variable only interest
    $
    Saving
    $
Fixed & variable
Total Interest
$
Variable-only
Total Interest
$
Variable-only
Total Interest
$
Amount saved*
$
Note: Results based on capitalisation of variable interest

Variable Interest Rate Adjust the variable interest rate based on how you think the rate may move

How to use the calculator

  • Enter your loan balance, the fixed period and the portion of your loan to be fixed
  • Enter your applicable margin lending fixed interest rate. If you're not sure of your available rates, contact our Margin Loan specialists on 13 17 09 (+61 2 9115 1402), between 8am and 6pm (Sydney time) Monday to Friday.
  • Adjust the variable interest rate to see how future rate movements affect your interest payments over the following 1-5 years.

How to fix your rate

  • Decide on the loan amount, fixed term, and payment option for your fixed request.
  • To fix your loan for 12 months, login and go to:
    Portfolio > Accounts > Select your margin loan account > Transfers > Select “Margin Loan Transfers” > Select "Variable loan to fixed loan", and submit your completed fixed loan request.
  • To fix your loan for two years, or to discuss other fixed terms, contact our Margin Loan specialists.

Strategies snapshot

To help you make the right decision when considering your tax circumstances or cash flow, the strategies snapshot below shows how you can incorporate fixed interest rate options into your portfolio.

Questions

Variable

Fixed (interest paid in advance)

Fixed (interest paid in arrears)

When and how is interest charged?

Interest is charged monthly in arrears

Interest is charged as a lump sum at time of fixing, e.g. paid in advance for up to 12 months’ worth of interest

Interest is charged monthly in arrears

Which financial year can the interest be claimed as a tax deduction?

In the financial year that the interest is charged

In the financial year the interest is pre-paid, e.g. if you fixed before the end of financial year for 12 months, you may be eligible to claim the entire amount as a deduction this financial year

In the financial year that the interest is charged

Information based on taxation is based on the continuation of current laws and their interpretation. The scenario shown should not be regarded as a representation, guarantee or warranty by or on behalf of the Bank or any other person that such outcomes or their underlying assumptions will be met or that capital will be repaid.

Contact us

At CommSec we are always here to help, so if you have any questions, would like to fix your rate or discuss alternative fixed terms and payment options, please contact our Margin Lending specialists on 13 17 09 (+61 2 9115 1402), between 8am and 6pm (Sydney time), Monday to Friday or email us at marginloan@commsec.com.au

*Important information about the calculator

The results do not take into account additional payments and assume your loan balance remains the same for the period you have selected. Interest rates are indicative and are subject to change without notice.

The results shown above are estimates for illustrative purposes only and actual outcomes may vary significantly. If you decide to terminate a fixed rate agreement early, an early termination cost may apply - refer to the CommSec Margin Loan Terms and Conditions.

CommSec Margin Lending facilities are provided by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945 and administered by its wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec). CommSec is a market participant of the ASX and Cboe Australia, a clearing participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a settlement participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

This Calculator is for illustrative purposes and produces factual information based on the input variables. This Calculator does not provide advice, nor does it represent any particular financial product, and its results are not intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product.  The outcomes generated by the calculator, and this information, has been prepared without taking account of the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular individual. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to the individual's objectives, financial situation or needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice. You can view the CommSec Margin Loan Product Disclosure Statement, Margin Loan Terms and Conditions, Share Trading Terms and Conditions, Best Execution Statement and Financial Services Guide, and should consider them before making any decision about these products and services.

While borrowing to invest can multiply your investment returns, it may also multiply your losses if the value of your investment falls.  Margin Loans involve risk - see the  CommSec Margin Loan Risk Disclosure, Disclaimer and Important Information.

No member of the Group guarantees the accuracy or reliability of this service. The Group does not accept any liability for any loss or damage arising out of the use of all or any part of this calculator. The Group are under no obligation to, and do not, update or keep current the information contained in this calculator. Any valuations, projections and forecasts contained in this calculator are based on a number of assumptions and estimates and are subject to contingencies and uncertainties. Different assumptions and estimates could result in materially different results. This calculator is not directed to, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in any locality, state, country or other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to law or regulation or which would subject any entity within the Group to any registration or licensing requirement within such jurisdiction.

All material presented in this calculator, unless specifically indicated otherwise, is under copyright to the Group. None of the material, nor its content, nor any copy of it, may be altered in any way, transmitted to, copied or distributed to any other party, without the prior written permission of the appropriate entity within the Group.

By clicking on the "Download the CommSec App" buttons above, you will be directed to itunes.apple.com or play.google.com. These sites are not affiliated with CommSec and may offer a different Privacy Policy and level of security.

 

Disclaimer

© Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814 (CommSec) is a wholly owned but non-guaranteed subsidiary of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124 AFSL 234945. CommSec is a Market Participant of ASX Limited and Cboe Australia Pty Limited, a Clearing Participant of ASX Clear Pty Limited and a Settlement Participant of ASX Settlement Pty Limited.

The information on this page has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. For this reason, any individual should, before acting on this information, consider the appropriateness of the information, having regards to their objectives, financial situation or needs, and, if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.

The content on this page may not be distributed or reproduced without prior consent and any unauthorised use of the content may breach copyright provisions. CommSec does not give any representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any content on this page, including any third party sourced data, nor does it accept liability for any errors or omissions.

This site is directed and available to and for the benefit of Australian residents only.

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