Seniors Investment Bond

At Australian Seniors, we know that your financial legacy matters. Whether you're planning for retirement or looking to support your loved ones in the future, Seniors Investment Bond offers a simple and flexible way to grow your wealth – even after 50.

You can get started with just $1,000, with the option to make regular contributions from $50. With a range of professionally managed investment options to choose from, it’s easy to tailor your investment to suit your goals and comfort with risk – keeping things simple and stress-free!

Plus, you can nominate beneficiaries and assign payout percentages, giving you full control over how your investment is passed on. It’s easy to get started – no complex paperwork, just a straightforward way to invest in your future.

DARE magazine

As a valued Australian Seniors customer, when you open a Seniors Investment Bond, you’ll receive ongoing complimentary digital issues of DARE magazine, sent straight to your email inbox. Learn more and view the applicable Terms and Conditions.

Proudly powered by Australian Unity

Enjoy the confidence of knowing your investment is supported by Australian Unity – a member-owned organisation with over 180 years of experience helping Australians secure their financial wellbeing.

Benefits of choosing Seniors Investment Bond

Start investing from just $1,000

Start with a low minimum investment and grow your wealth over time.

Choose from a range of investment options

Select options from conservative to growth to ethically conscious, to suit your goals and comfort with risk.

No personal tax reporting required

The earnings on your investment are taxed inside the bond at a rate of up to 30%, so you usually don’t need to include anything in your personal tax return – unless you make a withdrawal in the first 10 years. After 10 years, withdrawals generally incur no additional personal income tax, subject to the 10 year rule.

Withdraw anytime with no personal income tax after 10 years

Access your money when you need it, and pay no personal income tax on withdrawals if you hold the bond for more than 10 years (subject to the 125% rule). If you make a withdrawal before the 10-year period expires some or all of your earnings may be assessable for personal income tax. In these circumstances, you may also be able to take advantage of the 30% tax offset to reduce your personal income tax.

Nominate unlimited beneficiaries

Assign specific payout percentages and ensure your investment is passed on according to your wishes.

Add regular contributions from $50

You can choose to top up your investment monthly, quarterly, or whenever suits you. Just keep in mind the 125% rule outlined below to make the most of your contributions.

Estate planning made easy

Payments go directly to your nominated beneficiaries, bypassing probate delays.

Switch investment options without triggering capital gains tax

Adjust your strategy as your needs change, without tax consequences.

Contribute up to 125% of the previous year’s amount

Grow your investment each year by adding up to 125% of what you contributed the year before. If you contribute more than 125% of the previous year’s contributions, you will reset the 10-year period of your investment. Further, if you don’t make any contributions in a particular year, but then make contributions in the following year, then you will reset the 10-year period for your investment.

Simple to set up – no complex paperwork

Apply online in just a few steps.

Your investment options – powered by Vanguard®

Conservative

Designed for risk-averse investors, the fund targets allocation 70% to income assets and 30% to growth assets.

Summary

  • Vanguard® Conservative Index Fund
  • Risk level: Medium
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 3 years

Balanced

Designed for investors seeking a balance between income and growth, the fund targets allocation 50% to each asset class and offers low-cost, diversified access to sector funds.

Summary

  • Vanguard® Balanced Index Fund
  • Risk level: Medium
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 5 years

Growth

For long-term growth seekers, the fund targets allocation 70% to growth assets and 30% to income, offering low-cost, diversified access to sector funds.

Summary

  • Vanguard® Growth Index Fund
  • Risk level: High – Very High
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 7 years

Australian Shares

Offers low-cost, diversified exposure to Australian companies and property trusts, with potential for long-term growth, dividend income, and franking credits.

Summary

  • Vanguard® Australian Shares Index Fund
  • Risk level: High – Very High
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 7 years

International Shares

Provides low-cost, diversified exposure to leading global companies, enabling participation in international growth. Currency exposure is unhedged, so returns may fluctuate with foreign exchange movements.

Summary

  • Vanguard® International Shares Index Fund
  • Risk level: High – Very High
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 7 years

Ethically Conscious International Shares

Provides diversified, low-cost exposure to developed markets, excluding companies in sensitive sectors or with controversial conduct under UN Global Compact principles.

Summary

  • Vanguard® Ethically Conscious International Shares Index Fund
  • Risk level: High – Very High
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 7 years

High Growth

The Fund invests mainly in growth assets, and is designed for investors with a high tolerance for risk who are seeking long-term capital growth. The Fund targets a 10% allocation to income asset classes and a 90% allocation to growth asset classes.

Summary

  • Vanguard High® Growth Index Fund
  • Risk level: High – Very High
  • Minimum suggested timeframe: 7 years

Trusted investment for your future – and theirs


What is the 125% rule and why 10 years?

The 125% rule and 10-year tax rule can make your Seniors Investment Bond more tax-friendly. After 10 years, you can withdraw your money personal tax-free. But if you take it out earlier, you may pay tax on earnings – though a 30% offset helps.

You can top up your investment each year by up to 125% of the previous year’s contribution. Go over that or miss a year, and your 10-year clock resets.

So, steady contributions and a little patience can lead to a tax-smart outcome. It’s a simple, long-term strategy designed to reward consistency and support your financial wellbeing.

How to apply

  1. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to understand our product and the options that best fit your needs.

  2. Complete an online application

  3. We invest your initial deposit, you receive your welcome pack with instructions to sign up to the Investor Portal and you’re good to go!

Things you should know

  • Full tax benefits apply after holding the bond for 10 years, withdrawals before 10 years may attract full or partial personal income tax implications and will reset the 10-year period.
  • Contributions above 125% of the previous year will reset the 10-year tax period.
  • You can invest on behalf of a child up to age 16 years old and retain full control until it transfers to them at a vesting age you choose (between 10–25), while preserving the 10-year tax benefits.

Why Australian Seniors

You and your family need solutions that deliver real value. With Australian Seniors, you get just that and more. 

Simple solutions

Protect you and your loved ones financially with products that are simple to use and understand.

Award-winning insurance

We’ve got years of experience, helping you to protect your family and assets with award-winning products and award-winning service.

Dedicated to seniors

We focus on providing the best possible solutions for Australians over 50.

Backed by experience

We’ve been doing what we love for years, just like you. Put yourself in good hands with Australian Seniors.

Investment solutions for over 50s

Grow your wealth for peace of mind.

Simply give us a call or apply online.

Investment Bond Frequently Asked Questions

What is an investment bond?

Investment bonds are not government or corporate debt instruments. They’re an investment vehicle offered by friendly societies and life companies, designed to help you invest over the long term with potential tax benefits. Investment bonds offer a range of underlying investment options to suit a range of risk and return profiles.

Your money is pooled with other investors and allocated across selected investments, allowing you to grow your wealth in a tax-effective way – especially when held for 10 years or more.

How to invest in bonds?

Simply complete the application form online, choose your investment options, and make an initial contribution of at least $1,000.

Are bonds a good investment?

Investment bonds as an investment vehicle can be a smart choice for long-term investors, especially those looking for tax-effective growth, estate planning benefits, or an alternative to superannuation. They’re also useful for investing on behalf of children or building a legacy. You should obtain and read the Product Disclosure Statement before making any decisions about whether to invest in the Seniors Investment Bond. We recommend you speak to your financial adviser who can help you understand the risks associated with investing and assess whether this product and the underlying investment option(s) are appropriate for you.

How an investment bond works

You invest a lump sum (and optionally make regular contributions), which is pooled with other investors’ funds and managed by professional fund managers. Earnings are taxed within the bond up to a maximum rate of 30%, and if held for 10 years, withdrawals are tax-paid subject to the 10-year rule. See below for more information on this requirement.

What is the investment process?

  1. Read the Product Disclosure Statement 
  2. Choose your investment options
  3. Complete the application form and provide supporting information (e.g. ID)
  4. Make your initial contribution
  5. Set up regular contributions (optional)
  6. Monitor and adjust your investment as needed

We're here to help you invest with confidence

For peace of mind and support in planning your financial future, speak with our friendly team today on 1300 027 889.