Where's the best place to keep your savings in 2026?

Checking in with your finances each year can help ensure your setup is suited to your current needs. Plus, you might uncover new opportunities to optimise how you’re managing your money. Here’s what to consider when it comes to savings in 2026.

What’s changed when it comes to savings?

The economic landscape has changed a lot in recent years. Uncertainty around inflation means interest rates are fluctuating, and what worked for you a couple of years ago may no longer be the best fit. When rates are higher, savings accounts can offer a tidy return. When they drop, though, it’s not always clear where best to keep your nest egg.

Investment products like managed funds or exchange-traded funds can offer higher returns than a savings account. However, these are far riskier places to hold your money. Global conditions and higher new-normal rates of inflation are creating further uncertainty. As such, it’s important to understand your own risk tolerance when making decisions about your finances.

Balancing risk and return in your savings

“The challenging, fast-moving global conditions combined with local cost-of-living pressures have created uncertainty around the path ahead for interest rates. It’s an environment where getting the most out of your savings and protecting against downside risks is as important as ever”, said Bendigo Bank’s Chief Economist, David Robertson.

If you’re sitting on savings that you plan to use in the short to medium term, term deposits offer consistency. Certainty around returns can be more valuable than higher returns from a risk perspective. This makes term deposits an attractive consideration for those looking to earn a return for cash parked for short term goals.

Alternatively, a high interest savings account remains a sound option if you’re looking for easy access to their savings should you need to unexpectedly. Bendigo Bank’s Reward Saver offers an ongoing variable bonus rate each month. Not only does this offer a bonus return, However, if you’re not growing your balance each month, the Bendigo Bank EasySaver may be better suited to your needs.

Explore Bendigo Bank Term Deposits, the Bendigo Bank EasySaver and the Bendigo Bank Reward Saver if you’re looking for consistency and stability in your savings in 2026.