Mortgage manager: Our product is cheaper than CBA

By Larry Schlesinger | 23 Jan 2009

Online lender myrate.com.au claims it offers more affordable mortgage products than the CBA's packaged home loan, recently judged the best deal in the country by Canstar Cannex.

The research group said CBA "now offers the lowest mortgage package rate - 6.04% for a $250k loan".

But the mortgage manager, which is funded by ING, hit back claiming this product carried with it "huge annual fees of $350".

Myrate.com.au claims to offer a cheaper interest rate without a heavy annual fee.

Its website offers a rate of 5.99% for a mortgage of less than $600,000 and a rate of 6.03% for a mortgage great than $600,000 with no application, valuation, legal, settlement, redraw, additional repayment or ongoing fees.

Managing director, Kevin Sherman, said: "If families paid the typical $350 packaged loan annual fee into a myrate.com.au loan instead, they'd shave almost two years off their loan." (Based on a loan of $300,000 over the course of 25 years).

In its release, Canstar Cannex claimed the days of non-banks pipping the major lenders on rate were over.

"Traditionally, non-bank lenders offered the lowest mortgage rate but the unstable funding environment has thrown up an opportunity for banks to steal market share from non-banks by selling more loans with a lower margin," said Canstar Cannex financial analyst Frank Lopez.

Canstar Cannex said the major drawcard of a loan package is the home loan itself with its discounted interest rate, which applies for the life of the loan.

It said the package deal was "sweetened" with the addition of a free transaction account and a free credit card.

 

Bookmark and Share ALB


Latest comments
Start a new discussion


Commented by: Naed at 23 Jan 2009 02:09 PM Report this comment
Presumably this is because myrate do not pay Canstar Cannex's $15k annual subscription charge. It certainly highlights why consumers should be very vary of this outfits "free .. comparison service", more so how they could call themselves "Australia's premier financial services research and ratings firm" if they only cover subscribers products.
Commented by: Naed at 23 Jan 2009 02:14 PM Report this comment
Alright, so myrate are included - however I guess CBA and the larger banks pay higher subscription fees and are bestowed greater coverage and awards (not based on merit of course)
Commented by: Cynical at 28 Jan 2009 01:42 PM Report this comment
Where's the transparency. It starts with rating Agencies that are paid a fee and generally ends with some schmuck relying on a so called independent rate monitoring company (do I get 5 fries with my outrageous subscription fee) who then ends up with a home loan from (who knows who the real lender is) often managed by a one time lawn mower. That works 4 me - NOT
Commented by: Gavin at 28 Jan 2009 01:54 PM Report this comment
The point that Myrate is missing is that the report by CANNEX was based on 'Package' home loans. Myrate doesn't offer a package with this loan (no credit card discount, no 100% offset account, no insurance discounts, and no deposit accounts that offer additional interest). Don't be fooled by Myrate's media release, which this article is obviously based on. If the report was the 'Cheapest' home loan they would have something to complain about, but as they don't offer a 'Package' they can't complain about not being in the report.
Commented by: Michael at 28 Jan 2009 02:06 PM Report this comment
Why is it always about the rate.........?
Commented by: Maurie at 28 Jan 2009 02:18 PM Report this comment
It's a pretty obvious Canstar Cannex can't provide the general public with independent factual advice. Myrate.com.au is not the only independent manager that can provide a better and cheaper product than the majors especially CBA. Unfortunately myrate.com.au and others don’t grease the Canstar Cannex wheels
Commented by: Apples and Oranges at 28 Jan 2009 06:12 PM Report this comment
Got to agree with Gavin. The award was for best Packaged Home Loan, not the lowest rate. As we all know, the cheapest rate does not always mean the best product. Myrate and CBA MAV Package are not apples for apples comparisons.

The effect of the free 100% Offset account (albeit a crappy MISA), an interest free period Gold credit card with no annual fees, discounted insurance, free transaction account and a huge ATM network should, used correctly, save the client more than the $350 annual fee.

Let's also not forget that myrate does not offer a face to face meeting - it's all online (no brokers to guide and explain, not even a banker).

Commented by: Right said Fred? at 28 Jan 2009 06:48 PM Report this comment
Why is the loan rate higher for a larger loan (>$600k)? This is the opposite of other Banks and doesen't seem to make any sense. Try explaining that to my larger lending clients. You sure you got this the right way around?
Commented by: Jim at 28 Jan 2009 10:54 PM Report this comment
Funny how myrate on their website quote the other main banks but ignore CBA altogether.
I'd also be very wary of exit fees charged by this mob.
Commented by: Ben at 01 Feb 2009 11:54 PM Report this comment
>Why is the loan rate higher for a larger loan (>$600k)?

Its not, maybe you got your greater than and less than signs around the wrong way. Loans over 600k are 5.99%, less than that is 6.03%

Leave your comment
Start a new discussion

Broker news forum is the place for positive industry interaction and welcomes your professional and informed opinion.

You must login with your Broker news username and password to leave a comment. If you are not already a member, sign up now!



Post a comment
Broker news welcomes your contribution. Your IP address is recorded in the event of a complaint.
Name *
Comment *
You are about to submit your comment. Is it:
  • Professional
  • In your own name or pseudonym, not impersonating someone else
  • Free from rude language
  • Free from advertising
  • If you prefer not to post but are still keen to get your viewpoint across, you can always e-mail the editor.
  • Site search: Go