What is a Term Deposit?
A term deposit is a secure savings option where you earn a fixed interest rate by committing your money for a predetermined period. You can often decide how frequently your interest is paid—options typically include monthly, quarterly, annually, or at the end of the term.
When the term finishes, you’ll receive your original deposit along with the interest earned. Term deposits are a low-risk way to grow your savings, as they provide a guaranteed return with a fixed rate of interest.
Term Deposit vs Savings Account
A savings account lets you access your money anytime, usually with no fees, and interest rates can change over time.
A term deposit locks your funds for a set period with a fixed interest rate, and withdrawing early may incur a penalty.
Term deposits are ideal if you want a safe place to grow your money without the temptation to spend it.
How to Compare Term Deposits
- Term length: Choose a term that matches your goal—short-term for holidays, longer for big purchases.
- Interest rate: Higher rates grow your money faster; 6–12 month terms usually pay the best rates.
- Early access: Withdrawing early may incur fees or reduced interest.
- Interest payments: Paid monthly, yearly, or at term end; end-of-term payments often come with higher rates.
- Deposit amount: Check minimums—some start at $1,000, others require $25,000 or more.
What is The Term Deposit Shop (TDS)?
The Term Deposit Shop is Australia’s independent term deposit comparison and execution platform built specifically for financial advisers.
We provide:
- Live, consolidated TD rates from a range of Australian banks
- Digital execution of TD investments for your clients
- Straight-through onboarding and portfolio management for all your TD clients
- No conflicts of interest – we are 100% independent and seek to find you the best rates for your clients
TTDS simplifies cash management for advisers, allowing you to secure competitive rates while reducing admin time.
How does TDS save advisers time?
Advisers often need to review multiple banks to stay across current term deposit rates. TDS replaces this manual process with one consolidated, real-time rate dashboard, updated daily with full product and term visibility.
Advisers typically save 2–3 hours per week and consistently identify 0.15%–0.35% p.a. higher rates compared with manual searching—translating into improved client outcomes and stronger audit defensibility.
Is client money safe when investing through TDS?
Yes. All client investments are made directly with the issuing ADI, not with TDS.
Key protections include:
- Government Deposit Guarantee (FCS): Up to $250,000 per client, per authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI).
- No custody risk: TDS never handles, holds, or directs client funds.
- Full transparency: Funds and confirmations flow directly between the adviser, client, and the bank.
This ensures complete alignment with best-interest and compliance obligations.
What are current top TD rates?
Rates vary by term and institution.
To stay updated, advisers can subscribe to our weekly rate sheet, delivered every Monday with the latest ADI movements and top-of-market offers.
How do advisers get started?
Getting started takes less than a minute:
👉 Create a free adviser account (no credit card required)
👉 Access live rates instantly
👉 Start onboarding clients and placing TDs the same day
Need help?
Our adviser support team is available for onboarding assistance, platform walkthroughs, and best-practice guidance.
You can also subscribe to our weekly rate sheet or contact us directly for tailored support.
What is a Term Deposit?
