Your Super Mate

MySuper vs Choice — which super investment option to pick

MySuper is the performance-tested default every APRA fund must offer. Choice options let you pick your own mix. For most Australians, MySuper is fine — but not always.

Last updated April 2026 · General information only · Cites ATO, APRA, ASIC MoneySmart

What MySuper is

MySuper is a regulatory category, not a specific investment. Every APRA-regulated fund must offer one MySuper product. It must be:

  • A single diversified strategy — usually Balanced (70/30 growth/defensive) or a lifecycle option that dials down risk as you age
  • Capped, transparent fees with no commissions
  • Basic default insurance (life + TPD, sometimes IP)
  • Subject to APRA’s annual performance test — two consecutive fails and the fund must stop accepting new members

If you’ve never actively chosen an investment option, you’re in your fund’s MySuper.

What Choice means

Every fund also offers a menu of Choice options — you have to actively pick them. Typical categories:

  • High Growth (85-100% growth assets) — more volatile, higher expected long-term return
  • Conservative Balanced (50/50) — smoother but lower expected return
  • Indexed — passive index tracking, usually much cheaper fees
  • International shares, Australian shares, property, cash, fixed interest — single-asset-class options
  • Ethical / ESG — screened portfolios

Choice options are not subject to the same APRA performance test as MySuper (yet). You’re on your own for due diligence.

When to stay in MySuper

  • You don’t want to think about it. MySuper is engineered to be the default for a reason.
  • Your fund’s MySuper has passed the APRA test every year.
  • Fees are competitive for your balance.

When to switch to a Choice option

  • You’re very young (20s–30s) and want more growth exposure than a Balanced mix gives.
  • You’re close to retirement and want less volatility than MySuper’s default mix.
  • You want indexed (passive) to cut fees — indexed options at most funds charge less than half the MySuper fee.
  • You have strong ESG views and want screening applied.

Warning

Switching investment options is not the same as switching funds. It’s done inside your existing fund, usually via the member portal. Do not roll to a new fund just to access a specific option your current fund already offers.

Sources

General information only — not financial advice. Super decisions are long-term; verify with a licensed adviser.