By Paul Feeney, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Otivo
For most people with more than one super account, combining them is a tidy win, fewer fees, less paperwork, one balance to watch. But there's a catch that catches people out. Some super accounts carry insurance you may not know you have, and closing the account can cancel it. So the smart move isn't just combine, it's check first. Here's what to weigh before you consolidate.
Quick answer
Combining your super means moving multiple accounts into one, which can reduce duplicate fees and insurance premiums and make your super easier to manage. Before consolidating, it's worth checking any insurance attached to accounts you'd close, since cover can be lost. As at July 2026, you can consolidate through your fund or ATO online services via myGov.
Why do people end up with multiple super accounts?
Mostly through changing jobs. For years, starting a new job often meant defaulting into that employer's chosen fund, so a fresh account appeared with each move. Stapling changed that from 2021 by keeping most people with their existing fund, but anyone who was working before then may still be carrying two, three or more accounts from earlier jobs. Each one typically charges its own fees, which is why they're worth rounding up.
What are the benefits of combining super?
The main benefit is cost. Holding one account instead of several usually means one set of administration fees rather than several, and often a single insurance premium instead of duplicated ones quietly draining separate balances. Fees compound against you over time the same way returns compound for you, so trimming duplicates can make a real difference across a working life. There's an admin benefit too, one balance to track, one login, one statement, which makes it far easier to actually keep an eye on your super.
What should you check before consolidating?
This is the step worth slowing down for. Before closing any account, it's worth checking a few things:
- Insurance cover on the account you'd close, since it can be cancelled when the account closes, and re-applying elsewhere may require health questions.
- Any exit or withdrawal terms that apply to the account you're leaving.
- Differences in investment options or features you'd be giving up.
- That your employer is paying into the fund you intend to keep.
Working through that short list first is what turns consolidation from a gamble into a clean decision.
How do you actually combine super accounts?
The process is straightforward once you've done the checks. You can consolidate through ATO online services by logging in via myGov, which shows your accounts and lets you roll them together, or you can ask the fund you want to keep to arrange the transfer. Once you've chosen the fund to keep, it's worth telling your employer so future contributions go to the right place. Rollovers are often processed within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Is it free to combine my super?
Rolling super from one fund to another generally doesn't attract a direct fee, but some accounts have exit or withdrawal terms worth checking first. The saving usually comes from no longer paying duplicate ongoing fees.
Will I lose my insurance if I combine super?
You can, because insurance is attached to the account it sits in. Closing an account can cancel its cover, so it's worth confirming what you hold and arranging any replacement before you consolidate.
How long does it take to consolidate super?
Often somewhere between a few days and a couple of weeks, whether you use ATO online services via myGov or ask your chosen fund to arrange the transfer.
Where to from here
Bringing your super together is one of the simpler ways to stop paying for accounts you'd forgotten you had. Otivo, a licensed Australian financial advice platform holding AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 485665, offers a retirement planning module that shows how your super is tracking once it's in one place, based on your age, income, balance and goals. It's a good next step after tidying things up.
Sources
- Australian Taxation Office — consolidating super and keeping track of your super — ato.gov.au
- ASIC MoneySmart — consolidating super funds — moneysmart.gov.au
Disclaimer
The information in this communication is current as at July 2026 and has been prepared by Otivo Pty Ltd ABN 47 602 457 732, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence No. 485665. This content is general information only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not personal financial or taxation advice and should not be relied on as such. Before acting on any information, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your personal circumstances. This material must not be reproduced in whole or in part, or posted on any social media platform, without the prior written consent of Otivo Pty Ltd.