SuperGuide

Superannuation and retirement planning information

What are unit pricing and crediting rates and why do they matter?

What are unit pricing and crediting rates and why do they matter?

Understanding why your super balance goes up and down – and comparing the performance of your super fund with others – is about more than just checking fees, super contributions and insurance premiums.

It’s also knowing how – and when – your super fund calculates and applies investment earnings to the balance of your super account.

There are two ways super funds go about this, as we explain below.

Learn how to compare super funds in 7 easy steps.

Read more about super fund fees and charges.

How do super funds calculate investment earnings?

There is no right or wrong way to allocate investment earnings, but super funds tend to use two methods:

About the author

Kate Crawford

Kate has worked in the superannuation sector since 2003. Her experience ranges from customer service to financial advice, member education, complaints management, trustee services, and learning and development.

She currently develops content and facilitates learning sessions for super professionals with the Association of Superannuation Funds (ASFA) as well as writing for SuperGuide.

Learn more about super investing strategies in the following guides:

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IMPORTANT: All information on SuperGuide is general in nature only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether any information on SuperGuide is appropriate to you before acting on it. If SuperGuide refers to a financial product you should obtain the relevant product disclosure statement (PDS) or seek personal financial advice before making any investment decisions. Comments provided by readers that may include information relating to tax, superannuation or other rules cannot be relied upon as advice. SuperGuide does not verify the information provided within comments from readers. Learn more