Commonwealth Bank Celebrates Australia Day With Term Deposit Rate Of 6.00% 1

Commonwealth Bank celebrates Australia
Day with term deposit rate of 6.00 per cent
Top tips to kick start your New Year savings plan

Sydney, 25 January 2010: The Commonwealth Bank is giving Australians another reason to celebrate
this Australia Day by offering a great term deposit rate of 6.00 per cent.

According to Michael Cant, Executive General Manager of Retail Products, Commonwealth Bank, this is
a chance for Australians to kick start a new savings plan for the New Year.

"As the country comes together to celebrate our national holiday, we are offering Australians the chance
to boost their 2010 savings plan with a great term deposit rate of six per cent.

"With more Australians saving with us than any other bank, we are committed to giving new and existing
customers competitive offerings that deliver value and a significant fixed return," said Mr Cant.

The 6.00 per cent applies to seven month term deposit accounts with balances from $5,000 to less than
$500,000.

Top savings tips

Michael Cant, Commonwealth Bank, shares his tips on ways to save money and boost your savings.

Budget

> Take control of your finances and track your spending. It is important to know where your money

goes so you can identify areas to cut back and save.

> Set a realistic weekly or monthly budget by using the Commonwealth Banks on-line Budget

Planner, visit www.commbank.com.au.

Minimise bank fees

> Understand your regular account fees and ensure you are using the right account for your financial

needs.

> Ensure you make your minimum credit card repayment and stay within your approved credit card

limit. Commonwealth Bank credit card customers can also elect to have over-the-limit transactions

declined.

> Avoid over-the-limit fees. Commonwealth Bank offers a range of opt-in ,,safety nets. These

include SMS and email balance or credit limit alerts to help customers better manage their money.

> Pay and withdraw cash using EFTPOS. If you withdraw cash when you pay using EFTPOS, youll

avoid paying excess withdrawal fees.

> Dont use foreign ATMs as they may charge fees. Commonwealth Bank customers have access to

the largest network of ATMs more than 4,000 Commonwealth Bank and Bankwest ATMs across

the country.



Commonwealth Bank of Australia
ABN 48 123 123 124









> Know what transactions you can do on internet and telephone banking to avoid or minimise fees.

> Combine all your transaction accounts into one account.

> Consider consolidating your credit card debt onto one card so you can closely monitor the true

state of your finances.

Every little bit helps

> Automatically transfer a portion of your salary into your savings account each month as soon as

you get paid. If you dont see the cash, you cant spend it!

> Bring your lunch to work ($10 per day x 10 working days = $100), cut out the take away coffee and

save on travel costs (and improve your fitness) by walking or running to work!

> Buy a weekly train, ferry or bus ticket as it minimises the cost of travel. If you travel by car

consider car pooling with a colleague who lives nearby.

> Save your gold coins or even $5 notes and once a month deposit your cash in your savings

account. Youll be amazed how it adds up ($20 a week x 52 weeks = $1,040 plus interest)!

Make your savings go further

> Open a high interest account to make sure you are getting the most out of your savings. Whether

you have a short-term or long-term savings plan, want a fixed return or instant access to your

funds, choose an account which best meets your financial goals. For example consider in the:

o Short-term (02 years), an online savings account if your goal is saving for a new car

or your next holiday;

o Medium-term (05 years), a mix of saving strategies using both a savings and term

deposit account if you want to save for an extended overseas trip or a mortgage

deposit; or

o Long-term (5+ years), use a term deposit account if you are saving towards a major

home renovation or retirement.

For more information visit: commbank.com.au/australia



ENDS

For further information:

Sarah Gibbons

Commonwealth Bank

P (02) 9118 1706 M 0403 681 515






Commonwealth Bank of Australia
ABN 48 123 123 124