Current Interest rates in Australia

RBA Cash Rate Target: 3.85%

Brooke Cooper

What is the RBA cash rate?

The Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA’s) overnight cash rate target (often simply called the cash rate) influences many things. Though, home loan holders are likely most concerned with how it impacts interest rates.

The RBA cash rate determines how much lenders need to pay to borrow money. The higher the cash rate, the more expensive it is for a bank to operate day-to-day.

Therefore, when the cash rate is high, so to will be the interest rates that banks and lenders charge to borrowers and provide to depositors. After all, banks and lenders want to protect their bottom line, just like the rest of us.

As of 3 February 2026, the cash rate is 3.85% with the RBA having delivered rate cuts in February 2025, May 2025, and August 2025, and a rate hike in February 2026. 

The below chart shows how the cash rate has moved in recent times:

RBA Cash Rate News & Guides

CommBank, NAB, Westpac & ANZ: Big 4 banks react to cash rate hike

In Australia, nearly 80% of all home loan debt held by banks comes from the Big Four or their subsidiaries.

Thus, their response to the rate hike will have a significant impact on millions of borrowers.

Here's how each of the big four banks is responding so far:

DetailCommBank response

βœ… Passed on full 0.25% hike?

Yes

πŸ“† Days taken to announce

Same day

⏳ Days taken to implement

10 days (effective 13 February)

🏠 Loans affected

Variable rate home loans

Find out more: CommBank to pass on RBA rate hike to home loan holders
DetailNAB response

βœ… Passed on full 0.25% hike?

Yes

πŸ“† Days taken to announce

Same day

⏳ Days taken to implement

10 days (effective 13 February)

🏠 Loans affected

Variable rate home loans

Find out more: NAB to lift mortgage rates from 13 February
DetailWestpac response

βœ… Passed on full 0.25% hike?

Yes

πŸ“† Days taken to announce

Same day

⏳ Days taken to implement

14 days (effective 17 February)

🏠 Loans affected

Variable rate home loans

Find out more: Westpac to hike variable mortgage rates following RBA decision
DetailANZ response

βœ… Passed on full 0.25% hike?

Yes

πŸ“† Days taken to announce

Same day

⏳ Days taken to implement

10 days (effective 13 February)

🏠 Loans affected

Variable rate home loans

Find out more: ANZ to lift variable home loan rates after RBA move

Major banks & lenders: Reactions from other home loan lenders

While the big four banks collectively hold the wealth of Australia's home loans, other major brands often offer more competitive mortgage deals.

For savvy homeowners who haven't borrowed through one of the quadtuplet, here are how other major banks and lenders are reacting to the cash rate hike:

Firstmac Interest Rate Cut

Rate cutPending
AnnouncedPending
Applies toPending

Macquarie Interest Rate Hike

Rate hike+25bp
Announced3 February
Applies toVariable rate home loans
Read more: Macquarie to hike mortgage rates following RBA decision
 

ubank Interest Rate Cut

Rate cutPending
AnnouncedPending
Applies toPending

 

Unloan Interest Rate Hike

Rate hike+25bp
Announced4 February
Applies toVariable interest rates
  Effective from 13 February

loans.com.au Interest Rate Cut

Rate cutPending
AnnouncedPending
Applies toPending
 

Other banks and lenders hiking interest rates

Below is a list of lenders responding to the RBA's February rate hike.

This page was last updated: 

Banks and lenders

Adelaide Bank AMP Bank Arab Bank
Athena Australian
Military
Bank
Australian
Mutual
Bank
Australian
Unity
Auswide
Bank
Bank
Australia
Bank of
Melbourne
Bank of
Sydney
Bank
of Us
BankSA Bank
First
BankVic
Bankwest BCU Bank Bendigo
Bank
Beyond
Bank
BOQ Community
First CU
Defence
Bank
EasyStreet Firefighters
Mutual
Bank
Freedom
Lend
G&C
Mutual Bank
Gateway
Bank
Geelong
Bank
Greater
Bank
Great
Southern
Bank
Health
Professionals
Bank
Heritage
Bank
Homeloans-
.com.au
Horizon
Bank
HSBC Illawarra
Credit
Union
IMB Bank ING La Trobe
Financial
Liberty ME Bank Mortgage
House
MyState
Bank
Newcastle
Permanent
Northern
Inland CU
P&N Bank People’s
Choice CU
Pepper
Money
Police
Bank
Qantas
Money
QBank
Qudos Bank RACQ
Bank
Reduce
Home
Loans
Regional
Australia
Bank
St George Summer-
land
Suncorp SWSBank Teachers
Mutual
Bank
The Mutual
Bank
Tiimely
Home
UniBank
Unity
Bank
Up Bank Virgin
Money
Yard

AMP Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 9 February | AMP Bank home loan rates

Arab Bank Reaction to RBA Rate hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Athena Reaction to RBA Rate hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Australian Military Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Existing variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 20 February

Australian Mutual Bank Reaction to RBA Rate hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Auswide Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 12 February

Bank Australia Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 19 February

Bank First Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 20 February

Bank of Melbourne Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 3 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

BOQ Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 6 February

Bank of Sydney Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Bank of Us Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 6 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies 19 February

BankSA Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 3 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

BankVic Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info 17 February

Bankwest Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 3 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

BCU Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 18 February

Bendigo Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 11 February

Beyond Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Community First Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Defence Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

EasyStreet Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Firefighters Mutual Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Freedom Lend Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

G&C Mutual Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Gateway Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Geelong Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 27 February

Greater Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

Great Southern Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 6 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

Health Professionals Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 6 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Heritage Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Homeloans.com.au Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info 13 February

Horizon Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

HSBC Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 16 February

Illawarra Credit Union Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

IMB Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 6 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

ING Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 10 February

La Trobe Financial Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Liberty Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

ME Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 7 February

Mortgage House Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

MyState Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 12 February

Newcastle Permanent Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

Northern Inland CU Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info

People’s Choice CU Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Pepper Money Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

Police Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

P&N Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 18 February

Pepper Money Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

Qantas Money Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

QBank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info 18 February

Qudos Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 19 February | Repayment changes will kick in for existing customers from 26 March

RACQ Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Reduce Home Loans Reaction to RBA Rate hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Regional Australia Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info 17 February

St George Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 3 February
Applies to Variable rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Summerland Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Suncorp Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable rate home loans
Other info Applies from 13 February

SWSBank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Teachers Mutual Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

The Mutual Bank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 23 February

Tiimely Home Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

UniBank Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 4 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 17 February

Virgin Money Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike 25 bps
Announced 5 February
Applies to Variable-rate home loans
Other info Applies from 6 February for the Reward Home Loan for existing customers, 7 February on the Lite and Loaded home loans for new and existing customers.

Yard Reaction to RBA Rate Hike

Rate hike Pending.
Announced Pending.
Applies to Pending.
Other info Pending.

Why do we need a cash rate?

The cash rate serves as a crucial tool in managing the economy.

By adjusting the cash rate, the RBA can influence economic activity, control inflation, and ensure financial stability.

When the economy is overheating and inflation – that is, the price of goods and services – is rising too quickly, the RBA might increase the cash rate to make borrowing more expensive. That, in turn, can be expected to cool down spending and investment.

On the other hand, when the economy is sluggish and growth is subdued, a lower cash rate can stimulate it by making borrowing cheaper and encouraging spending.

Essentially, the cash rate acts as a lever to balance economic growth and maintain a healthy financial system.

However, the cash rate is not without its faults. It is often described as a 'blunt tool' because changes to the rate ripple across the entire economy, impacting far more than just the intended targets.

Why does the RBA cash rate impact home loan interest rates?

To explain how the RBA cash rate influences home loan interest rates, we need to start with how banks manage their money.

Regulations demand that banks maintain a certain level of liquidity at the end of each day. This means they must have a certain amount of cash on hand.

Cash deposits – such as those in savings accounts and term deposits – count towards a bank’s liquidity, while funds lent to borrowers reduce its liquidity.

If a bank disburses more funds through loans and deposit withdrawals within a single day than it receives in new deposits and loan repayments, it might struggle to meet its liquidity requirements.

That’s when the cash rate comes in. A bank can choose to borrow the necessary funds overnight to meet its liquidity needs, and it will be charged the overnight cash rate set by the RBA.

For that reason, when the cash rate is high, so is the cost of doing business for banks. When the cost of doing business is high, banks increase interest rates charged to borrowers to recoup their higher costs.

However, the cash rate isn’t the only factor that impacts home loan interest rates. Sometimes, lenders will adjust their home loan interest rates even if there has been no change in the cash rate. These ‘out of cycle’ home loan rate changes happen frequently.

Current Home Loan Rates

Update resultsUpdate
LenderHome LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Repayment type Rate Type Offset Redraw Ongoing Fees Upfront Fees Max LVR Lump Sum Repayment Extra Repayments Split Loan Option TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
5.29% p.a.
5.33% p.a.
$2,773
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 10% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • Extra Repayments
  • More details
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Dedicated loan specialist throughout the loan application.
Disclosure
5.19% p.a.
5.10% p.a.
$2,742
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$0
80%
  • Built and funded by CommBank
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 20% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • More details
  • A low-rate variable home loan from a 100% online lender.
  • Backed by the Commonwealth Bank.
Disclosure
5.24% p.a.
5.29% p.a.
$2,758
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$1,100
80%
  • Up to $2,000 cashback
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 20% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • Extra Repayments
  • More details
Disclosure
5.99% p.a.
6.02% p.a.
$2,995
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$845
90%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 10% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • Extra Repayments
  • More details
5.94% p.a.
6.23% p.a.
$2,978
Principal & Interest
Variable
$350
$350
95%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 5% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • More details
6.24% p.a.
6.27% p.a.
$3,075
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$350
90%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 10% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • More details
6.39% p.a.
6.41% p.a.
$3,124
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$350
95%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 5% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • More details
6.49% p.a.
6.49% p.a.
$3,157
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$320
80%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 20% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • Extra Repayments
  • More details
6.82% p.a.
6.96% p.a.
$3,266
Principal & Interest
Variable
$10
$450
80%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 20% Min Deposit
  • Redraw
  • More details
5.39% p.a.
5.43% p.a.
$2,805
Principal & Interest
Variable
$0
$530
90%
  • Owner Occupier
  • Variable
  • Principal & Interest
  • 10% Min Deposit
  • Offset
  • Redraw
  • Extra Repayments
  • More details
  • Available for purchase or refinance, min 10% deposit needed to qualify.
  • No application, ongoing monthly or annual fees.
  • Quick and easy online application process.
Disclosure
More home loans
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

Your Mortgage is one of Australia’s leading home loan information and comparison websites.

Our mission is to educate Australians about all things home loans through fresh, engaging, and accurate news, guides, and exclusive research. We aim to empower homeowners, aspiring buyers, and property investors to better understand – and improve – their financial position.

Brooke Cooper

Editor of Your Mortgage

Brooke Cooper is the Editor of Your Mortgage, having joined the team in 2023 after spending years analysing the Australian finance and wealth landscape at the Motley Fool. She leads a dedicated team of journalists, all passionate about educating current and aspiring homeowners on everything money and mortgages.

...

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