Learn how to check your super balance in Australia with simple steps, real-life stories, and expert tips. Stay in control of your retirement savings in 2025.
How to Check Your Super Balance Easily: The Ultimate Aussie Guide with Real Stories and Practical Tips
Superannuation is one of the most important financial tools Australians have for building a secure retirement. Yet, millions of people don’t know how much super they have, where it’s held, or whether it’s working as hard as it should. In 2025, with rising living costs and longer life expectancies, staying on top of your super isn’t just smart—it’s essential.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about checking your super balance, avoiding common mistakes, and making the most of your retirement savings. We’ll include real-life stories from everyday Aussies, practical tips, and step-by-step instructions to help you take control of your financial future.
Why Checking Your Super Balance Matters
Your super isn’t just another bank account—it’s your future income. The average Australian retires with around $150,000 in super, but experts suggest you’ll need at least $60,000 per year to live comfortably in retirement. That means your super balance today directly impacts your lifestyle tomorrow.
Yet, research shows that only 38% of Australians check their super regularly. Many assume their employer is paying it correctly, their fund is managing it well, and everything is under control. But without checking, you could be losing money through:
- Unclaimed or lost super accounts
- High fees eating into your balance
- Duplicate accounts with multiple funds
- Outdated personal details causing delays
- Missed employer contributions
Checking your super balance helps you catch these issues early and make informed decisions about your retirement.
Real-Life Story: Sarah’s Surprise Super Discovery
Sarah, a 34-year-old nurse from Perth, hadn’t looked at her super in over five years. She assumed her employer was paying into her default fund and that everything was fine. But during a routine check using the ATO’s online services, she discovered something shocking: she had three separate super accounts.
One was her current fund, another was from a job she held in 2018, and the third was an old account the ATO was holding because the fund had lost contact with her. The combined total? Over $28,000—nearly $7,000 of which she didn’t even know existed.
“I was stunned,” Sarah says. “I didn’t realise I’d been paying fees on three accounts this whole time. I consolidated them immediately and now check my balance every six months.”
Sarah’s story isn’t unique. The ATO currently holds over $30 billion in unclaimed super, much of it sitting in accounts people have forgotten about.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Super Balance in 2025
The easiest and most reliable way to check your super balance is through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) online services via myGov. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Create or Log In to Your myGov Account
If you don’t already have a myGov account, go to my.gov.au and follow the prompts to create one. You’ll need your:
- Tax File Number (TFN)
- Identity documents (e.g., driver’s licence or passport)
- Email address and mobile number
Once your account is set up, link it to the ATO.
Step 2: Access ATO Online Services
After logging in:
- Select Australian Taxation Office from your myGov dashboard.
- Click on Super in the top menu.
- Choose Fund details to see all your super accounts and their current balances.
This screen will show:
- All your active super accounts
- Lost or unclaimed super held by the ATO
- Employer contributions made during the year
- Total superannuation balance (TSB)
Step 3: Review Your Total Superannuation Balance (TSB)
Your TSB is a key number that includes:
- Accumulation phase value (money in your main account)
- Retirement phase value (pension accounts)
- Roll-over amounts
- Outstanding limited recourse borrowing arrangement (LRBA) amounts (if applicable)
You can find your TSB under Information → Total superannuation balance. This figure is used to determine your eligibility for:
- Carry-forward of concessional contributions
- Non-concessional contributions cap
- Government co-contributions
- Spouse tax offsets
Note: If your TSB shows as zero, it may be because your fund hasn’t reported the latest data, or your SMSF hasn’t lodged its annual return. Always cross-check with your fund’s member statement.
Step 4: Check Employer Contributions
To ensure your employer is paying your super correctly:
- Go to Information → Employer contributions.
- Select the financial year you want to review.
- View the total contributions made and individual transactions.
Your employer must pay super at least every three months. If you’re not receiving contributions, or the amounts seem low, contact your employer or report it to the ATO.
Common Super Mistakes Aussies Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Having Multiple Super Accounts
If you’ve changed jobs over the years, you may have a super account for each one. Each account charges fees, which can add up quickly. For example, $600 in annual fees across three accounts means $1,800 lost every year—money that could be growing your retirement.
Solution: Consolidate your super into one account using the ATO’s Transfer super tool under Manage.
2. Not Updating Personal Details
Outdated contact details can lead to lost super. If your fund can’t reach you, your account may be flagged as inactive and eventually transferred to the ATO.
Solution: Update your name, address, email, and bank details in myGov under My profile → Personal details and Financial institution details.
3. Ignoring Insurance in Super
Most super funds include life, TPD, and income protection insurance. But if you don’t review it, you could be over-insured—or worse, under-insured.
Solution: Log in to your fund’s website and review your cover. Adjust it based on your current needs, especially after major life events like marriage or having children.
4. Not Comparing Fund Performance
Not all super funds perform the same. Some have higher fees or lower returns. Over 20 years, a 1% difference in annual return can mean hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost growth.
Solution: Use tools like MoneySmart’s superannuation calculator or ASFA’s Super Balance Detective to compare your fund’s performance against others.
Table: How to Use ATO Online Services to Manage Your Super
| Action | Where to Find It | What You’ll See |
|---|---|---|
| View all super accounts | Super → Fund details | List of all active and lost accounts |
| Check employer contributions | Super → Information → Employer contributions | Total and transaction history |
| See total super balance (TSB) | Super → Information → Total superannuation balance | Accumulation and retirement phase values |
| Consolidate accounts | Super → Manage → Transfer super | Option to close and transfer funds |
| Update personal details | My profile → Personal details | Name, address, contact info |
| Find lost super | Super → Fund details or Manage → Transfer super | ATO-held or inactive accounts |
Real-Life Story: James and the Missing $12,000
James, a 42-year-old tradie from Geelong, always thought his super was on track. But when he checked his balance ahead of buying a home, he noticed a gap. His current fund showed $98,000, but based on his salary and contributions, he expected closer to $110,000.
After digging deeper in the ATO portal, he found an old account from a job in 2015 with $12,000 in it—plus $1,200 in unclaimed interest. The fund had lost touch with him after he moved interstate.
“I couldn’t believe it,” James says. “That extra $13,200 could be the difference between getting a home loan or not. I transferred it straight away and now I check my super every April.”
How Often Should You Check Your Super?
The ATO recommends reviewing your super at least once a year. But if you’ve recently changed jobs, moved house, or had a major life event, check it sooner.
Best times to check:
- After tax time (July)
- Before and after changing jobs
- When updating your will or financial plan
- If you’re planning a big purchase (e.g., home, retirement)
Regular checks help you stay on track and catch issues early.
Tools and Resources to Help You
1. ATO Online Services (via myGov)
The most comprehensive tool for checking and managing your super. You can view balances, track contributions, and consolidate accounts.
2. MoneySmart Super Calculator
This tool helps you estimate your super balance at retirement and see how fees affect your final amount.
3. ASFA Super Balance Detective
Enter your age and see how your super compares to others in your age group.
4. Your Super Fund’s Website
Log in to see investment performance, insurance cover, and member statements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I check my super balance without a myGov account?
A: Not easily. While some funds allow you to log in directly, only the ATO portal shows all your accounts, including lost and unclaimed super.
Q: Why does my TSB show as zero?
A: This could mean your fund hasn’t reported your balance yet, or your SMSF hasn’t lodged its return. Check with your fund or wait a few weeks for data to update.
Q: How long does it take to transfer super between funds?
A: Usually 3–10 business days, depending on the funds involved.
Q: Can I have more than one active super account?
A: Yes, but it’s not recommended due to extra fees. Consolidating saves money and simplifies management.
Q: Is my super included in the Age Pension assets test?
A: Yes, the value of your super is counted under both the assets and income tests when assessing Age Pension eligibility.
Final Thoughts
Checking your super balance isn’t just a financial chore—it’s a powerful step toward securing your future. With just a few minutes online, you can uncover lost money, stop paying unnecessary fees, and ensure your retirement savings are on track.
As super expert and author Alan Kohler says, “Your super is the most important investment you’ll ever make—because it’s the one that pays you back when you can no longer work.”
Don’t leave your future to chance. Take control today.
Call to Action
Ready to take charge of your super? Log in to your myGov account now and check your balance. If you don’t have one, create it today—it’s free and secure. For more tips, tools, and real stories, visit au.savewithrupee.com and stay ahead of your financial future in 2025.
