Australian Retirement Trust Super Review

fees and investment returns

Australian Retirement Trust (ART) is one of Australia's largest super funds, created from the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper, making it the biggest superannuation fund merger in Australian history. With over 2.4 million members and $370 billion in retirement savings, many Australians ask: Is Australian Retirement Trust good? Let's explore ART's fees, returns, and features to help you decide if it's the right super fund for you, and how it compares to Stockspot.

Stockspot's Super product offers a transparent, low-cost alternative for investors who prefer ETFs and automated portfolio management to grow their retirement savings.

Who is Australian Retirement Trust?

Australian Retirement Trust is an industry super fund providing retirement solutions for over 2.4 million members. With its diverse investment options and strong performance history, it manages over $370 billion in retirement savings. ART is based in Brisbane, Queensland, which serves as the primary Australian Retirement Trust location.

All figures are accurate as at 30 June 2026 unless otherwise stated.

ART_Homepage

Learn more about Australian Retirement Trust

Australian Retirement Trust’s default lifecycle Investment Strategy High Growth Pool superannuation product (MySuper option) currently charges $417.20 per year (on a $50,000 balance). This is made up of:

  • $1.10 per week administration fee
  • 0.10% p.a. of account balance (on the first $500,000 of your account balance) administration fee and 0.06% from general reserves.

The default lifecycle Investment Strategy High Growth Pool also charges:

  • 0.51% p.a. investment fee
  • 0.05% p.a. transaction fee

Australian Retirement Trust has a historic 1 year investment performance of 9.2% for its lifecycle Investment High Growth Pool product. ART has also seen a 10 year return of 10.1% p.a. for the Lifecycle High Growth Pool product.

Australian Retirement Trust pays a super retirement bonus.

Australian Retirement Trust super members must be invested in a super product for a minimum of 12 months, have money in an Accumulation account or Transition to Retirement Income account and are using that money to start a Retirement Income account or Lifetime Pension, to be eligible for the retirement bonus.

Australian Retirement Trust retirement bonus value depends on how much money you transfer to a Retirement Income account and/or Lifetime Pension, you could get a bonus of up to $10,500.

Compare Australian Retirement Trust Super Fund

Australian Retirement Trust Super vs Stockspot Super

Australian Retirement TrustStockspotLearn more about our investment approach
Investments
ETFs-only portfoliosNoYesThe benefits of combining ETFs and Super
Investment styleCombination of active and indexedIndexed onlyWhy active stock picking rarely works
Includes unlisted assetsYesNoThe risks of unlisted asset valuations
All strategies include >10% gold allocationNoYesWhy you should consider gold in your super
ESG (Sustainable) investment optionsYesYesSustainable portfolio options
Fees
Capped administration feeYesYes
Investment options with total annual cost under 1% p.a.YesYesHow Stockspot Super invests your money
Service
Personal investment advice provided at no extra feeNoYesWhy age matters for your super investment strategy
Mobile app & web dashboard accessYesYesUsing the Stockspot dashboard
Investment options beyond super available in dashboardNoYesHow Stockspot saves you time and money
Access to support via phone, webchat & emailYesYesConnect with our client care and advice team
Structure
Individual-level tax calculation for all holdingsNoYesHow is Stockspot Super tax efficient
Super fund optionDefault MySuper fund option & Choice super optionsChoice super options only
Insurance
Insurance optionGroup and individualIndividual

As at 30 June 2026

This table compares Stockspot Super with Australian Retirement Trust's MySuper option (unless otherwise stated). It is general information only.

Discover the power of low-cost index investing with Stockspot Super

An ETF-only super product with personalised advice that's tailored to your age. Stockspot Super is offered as the Stockspot MDA on Super Simplifier.

If you're looking for an alternative to traditional pooled super funds, Stockspot plans to offer Australia's first ETF-only super product. With its focus on low-cost indexing, it aims to provide a more transparent, tax-efficient, and tailored investment approach that aligns with your age.

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Frequently asked questions

Who owns Australian Retirement Trust?

Australian Retirement Trust is a Queensland state government-owned trust, formed by the merger of Sunsuper and QSuper. The trustee for Australian Retirement Trust is Australian Retirement Trust Pty Ltd, which oversees its operations from the head office in Brisbane, Queensland.

What does Australian Retirement Trust invest in?

Australian Retirement Trust's Super invests globally in various asset classes, depending on the investment option selected by the member. ART invests in infrastructure, property, Australian and international shares, private equity, fixed income, cash, and alternative strategies, - offering a well-diversified portfolio for members.

Is Australian Retirement Trust good?

Yes, ART is regarded as one of Australia's leading super funds. With competitive fees, solid long-term performance and diverse investment options, it is a strong choice for many Australians. ART's ability to deliver consistent returns and its low-cost structure make it a reliable super fund.

Learn more about super