What’s the loyalty tax? It’s this sneaky lender trick where borrowers with older mortgages are typically charged a higher interest rate than borrowers with new loans, and it was confirmed in a study by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) last year. You see, the banks don’t think you’re paying attention, and as such, they only offer their lowest rates going to new customers in a bid to win them over. For example, RBA June 2021 figures show the average difference in home loan interest rates between new and existing owner-occupier borrowers was 0.46%. On an average loan size of about $400,000, that 0.46% difference on a 30-year loan means a borrower would pay an additional $37,462 in interest over the life of the loan. That’s $1,249 per year, per household. Athena Home Loans research estimates this costs Australian households a total of $9.1 billion per year.  

Borrowers feeling ripped off and angry

It should come as no surprise then that 91% of borrowers want new and existing customers to receive the same rate, according to a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken by CoreData and commissioned by Athena. The vast majority of those surveyed say they also feel “ripped off” (82%), “angry” (74%), and “outraged” (72%) at the opaque pricing practice. “We know transparency is at the heart of trust. There is an enormous opportunity for those lenders with clear pricing and a simple value proposition,” says CoreData Global CEO Andrew Inwood.  

You don’t need to feel trapped

Now, the ACCC published a report in December 2020 with several recommendations to prevent this unfair practice, but nothing much has come of it since. Meanwhile, more than half (56%) of those surveyed in the CoreData report say they feel trapped in their current deal, while one in three people (36%) asked their lender for a drop in their interest rate but were rejected. But with competition among lenders quite fierce right now, it’s important to know the power is in your hands. “Rates are at an all-time low at the moment, so it’s at a crucial time when Australians need the money in their pockets, not the banks,” explains Athena CEO and Co-Founder Nathan Walsh. Adds the RBA: ​​“Well-informed borrowers have been able to negotiate a larger discount with their existing lender, without the need to refinance their loan.”  

There’s no loyalty tax with us

We like to reward loyalty around here. We’ll always have your back. So, if you haven’t refinanced recently, get in touch today and we’ll work with you to help save you thousands of dollars in interest repayments. That might involve renegotiating with your current lender, or looking around for another lender who will give you a fairer rate. Either way, we’ll make sure your lender isn’t taking advantage of your loyalty.   Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute tax or financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.