Offset Account vs Extra Repayments Calculator

Compare putting spare cash in a mortgage offset account versus making a lump-sum extra repayment. Both strategies save interest, but offset preserves your liquidity and may protect tax deductions on investment properties.

Your current outstanding mortgage balance.

The lump sum to put in offset or use for extra repayment.

Some lenders charge a monthly fee for offset accounts.

Offset preserves tax-deductible debt for investment loans.

Used for investment property tax deduction calculation.

Enter your loan details and spare cash amount to compare offset vs extra repayments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a mortgage offset account?
An offset account is a transaction account linked to your home loan. The balance in the offset account is deducted from your loan balance when calculating interest. For example, if you owe $500,000 and have $50,000 in offset, you only pay interest on $450,000.
Do offset accounts and extra repayments save the same interest?
If the amounts are identical and there are no fees, both strategies reduce the interest you pay by the same amount. The key difference is that offset preserves your access to cash — you can withdraw it anytime — while extra repayments reduce your loan principal and may require a redraw facility to access.
Why is an offset better for investment properties?
For investment properties, the loan interest is tax-deductible. An offset account reduces the interest charged without reducing the loan balance itself, so you maintain the full tax deduction. Extra repayments reduce the loan balance, which permanently reduces your deductible debt.
Are offset account fees worth paying?
It depends on how much spare cash you have and your interest rate. If you only have a small amount in offset (e.g., $5,000), the monthly fee may outweigh the interest saving. This calculator factors in the fees so you can see the net benefit.
Can I have both an offset account and make extra repayments?
Yes. Many borrowers use an offset for their everyday banking (keeping liquidity) while also making small extra repayments. For investment properties, however, it is generally better to use only the offset to preserve the tax deduction.
How does the offset affect my minimum repayment?
An offset account does not change your minimum monthly repayment. You continue to pay the same amount, but because less interest is charged, more of each payment goes toward reducing the principal. This is why offset accounts help you pay off your loan faster.
What happens if I withdraw money from my offset account?
Your interest charge increases because the offset balance is lower. This is one of the key advantages of offset over extra repayments — you have full liquidity. With extra repayments, accessing your money requires a redraw, which may have restrictions or fees.
Is a 100% offset account the same as a partial offset?
A 100% offset means every dollar in the account offsets your loan dollar-for-dollar. A partial offset only offsets a percentage (e.g., 40%). Most major Australian lenders offer 100% offset accounts, which provide the full interest-saving benefit. This calculator assumes a 100% offset.

Tax Accuracy & Sources

Reviewed: March 2026 · Tax year: 2025-26

This calculator uses standard amortization formulas with monthly compounding. It assumes a 100% offset account, fixed interest rate, and a one-off lump sum. It does not account for variable rate changes, redraw fees, or ongoing additional deposits to the offset account.

Uses 2025 ATO rates.