Money announces Bank of the Year winner

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BANK OF THE YEAR: BANKWEST

For just the second time in this award's 13-year history, the title of Bank of the Year has been taken out by a bank other than one of the big four.

"To be Bank of the Year is no small feat, with the eventual winner having to offer competitive products across home loans, savings accounts, credit cards, business banking and personal loans," says Watson.

consumer finance awards money magazine bank of the year canstar

"Bankwest's achievement is recognition of the outstanding value they are delivering across their range of products."

Rowan Munchenberg, Bankwest managing director, had this to say about the win: "As the leader of Bankwest, I am very proud of this accolade, which is the result of the great work that all of our people continue to deliver for our customers nationwide.

"I've only been at Bankwest for a relatively short period of time but I've been blown away by our people and their unwavering commitment to our customers and the communities in which we operate.

"I've seen time and again how they keep the customer at the heart of everything they do as we deliver what matters to our customers today, and for generations to come."

Watson says Bankwest performed strongly across all the categories considered but its performance in Money Minder as well as the Home Lender of the Year categories really pushed it to the top.

There are a couple of standout transaction and savings accounts, says Watson.

"Bankwest's Hero Saver offers a total rate of 2.65% with some bonus conditions - a healthy rate in this low-interest-rate environment.

"In addition, Bankwest TeleNet Saver has a standard rate equivalent to the cash rate at 1.5% for those who are wanting more flexibility in how they can access their money."

In the home loan space, Watson singles out Bankwest's Complete Home Loan Package, which he says is currently offering an interest rate of 3.99%. This is 0.29% below the market average for a package variable loan.

Munchenberg says Bankwest is continually evolving to meet changing customer needs and expectations amid challenging economic conditions and intensifying competition.

"We constantly review our product offerings to ensure they are among the most competitive and attractive for consumers nationwide. We also continue to break new ground in Australian banking, beyond traditional products and services," he says.

He gives the example of the home loan application tracker, launched last year, which allows customers to check the details and status of their home loan application using a real-time, 24/7 online service, and receive push notifications at key milestones.

Bankwest plans to continue to evolve and improve its online application options and digital offerings to deliver paperless, real-time trackable experiences that will radically simplify processes, adds Munchenberg.

Runner-up is Commonwealth Bank, which actually owns this year's winner, Bankwest.

"Commonwealth Bank's focus on being Australia's most accessible bank continues to ring true with their win in Mobile Banking Provider of the Year. This is particularly pronounced with a number of innovations they have brought in with bill payments and credit card limit controls," says Watson.

Last year's winner, NAB, has been relegated to third. One of its impressive products is its classic banking account, says Watson.

"With no account-keeping fees it continues to be a point of difference to its peers who require a minimum deposit or a salary credit to receive a similar benefit," he says.

WHY THEY WON

Strong performance across all categories considered but in particular transaction and savings accounts and home loans.

TOP PRODUCTS

Hero Saver, TeleNet Saver, Complete Home Loan Package

RANKINGS

1. Bankwest

2. Commonwealth Bank

3. NAB 4. Westpac

5. Suncorp Bank

6. St George Bank

7. ANZ

8. BankSA

9. Heritage Bank

10. Bank Australia

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Comments
Steve Palfreyman
June 8, 2017 2.31pm

Bankwest hunt their customers in unethical ways, and are owned by Commonwealth who are the least supportive of the future of our country of all banks. No matter how strong products are, the way a company acts should be considered for awards like these.

Sue Harrold
September 28, 2017 10.09am

Having difficulty with an ATM, I called the number provided on the machine but there is NO OPTION to speak with anyone regarding ATM problems.
The ATM basically wouldn't give me MY money and I had NO ASSISTANCE at all from the Bank.
Bank of the Year????? Lord help us!

Just another unhappy ex customer
March 31, 2018 10.05pm

Have only just found this article. What a joke!! Have you not read UNHAPPY BANKING? This bank caused so many people much anguish with their very questionable banking practises. I'm amazed they could win anything apart from maybe a wooden spoon award. Even now if you are unfortunate enough for your account to be overdrawn for a period if only 2 hours you cop a $35 fee!!! What a JOKE!!