Stapled Super Funds in 2026: What Australians Need to Know

A stapled super fund is your existing superannuation account that stays with you as you change employers. Instead of being signed up for a new default fund every time you start a new job, your main super fund is ‘stapled’ to you. This means your employer must use your existing fund unless you choose a different one.

Key points:

• Introduced in November 2021 as part of the Your Future, Your Super reforms.
• Designed to prevent multiple super accounts and reduce unnecessary fees.
• Employers are required to check with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for your stapled fund before creating a new account.

By 2026, the stapled super fund process is well established:

1. Starting a New Job: When you begin work with a new employer, they must check with the ATO to see if you have a stapled super fund.
2. Using Your Stapled Fund: If you have one, your employer pays your super contributions into that fund.
3. No Stapled Fund? If you don’t have an existing fund, your employer will use their default fund, unless you nominate a different fund.
4. Choice Remains: You can always choose a different super fund by submitting a choice of fund form to your employer.

The stapled super system has seen some refinements since its introduction:

• Improved Digital Access: Employers now have easier digital access to check for stapled funds, making onboarding smoother.
• Stronger Compliance: The ATO monitors employer compliance more closely, with increased checks and reminders to ensure the correct fund is used.
• Employee Notifications: Employees receive notifications from the ATO when their stapled fund is used or if a new account is being set up.
• Ongoing Education: There are ongoing efforts to inform workers—especially younger employees and new arrivals to Australia—about how stapled super funds work and why they matter.

Stapled super funds offer several advantages for most Australians:

1. Fewer Fees

Having a single super account means you’re less likely to pay multiple sets of administration and insurance fees. Over time, this can help preserve your retirement savings.

2. Less Paperwork

You don’t need to fill out new super forms every time you change jobs. Your fund details are automatically provided to your new employer, making transitions easier.

3. Easier Super Management

With just one fund, it’s simpler to track your balance, monitor investment performance, and manage your insurance cover.

4. Reduced Risk of Lost Super

Fewer accounts mean less chance of losing track of your super or having small balances eroded by fees.

While stapled super funds offer clear benefits, there are some things to keep in mind:

1. Old or Underperforming Funds

If your stapled fund has high fees or poor investment returns, you could miss out on better growth elsewhere. The stapled system doesn’t automatically move you to a better fund.

2. Insurance Gaps

Some super funds may cancel insurance cover if no contributions are received for a period. If you change jobs and there’s a gap in contributions, check your insurance status with your fund.

3. Employer Mistakes

While compliance is stronger in 2026, errors can still happen. Always check your super statements after starting a new job to ensure contributions are going to the correct fund.

4. Multiple Funds Still Possible

If you’ve had more than one super fund in the past, you may still have multiple accounts. Consider consolidating your super to avoid unnecessary fees.

Stapled super is designed to be simple, but a little attention can help you get the best results:

• Review Your Fund Regularly: Check your fund’s fees, investment returns, and insurance cover at least once a year.
• Consider Your Fund’s Performance: If your current fund isn’t competitive, you can switch by submitting a choice of fund form to your employer.
• Check for Insurance Gaps: If you have a break in employment, confirm your insurance cover hasn’t lapsed.
• Stay Alert for ATO Notifications: Pay attention to messages from the ATO about your stapled fund, especially when starting a new job.

Your super statement is a valuable tool for managing your retirement savings. Here’s what to look for:

• Fees and Charges: Review administration and insurance fees to see how much you’re paying.
• Investment Returns: Check how your super is performing compared to previous years.
• Insurance Cover: Make sure you have the right level of cover for your needs.
• Contributions: Confirm your employer’s payments are being received by your fund.

If you’re unsure about your super fund’s performance or need help planning for retirement, consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser. They can help you understand your options and tailor advice to your situation.

Looking ahead, several trends are shaping the superannuation landscape:

• Digital Tools: More funds are offering digital platforms to help you track your super and make informed decisions.
• Sustainable Investing: There’s growing interest in funds that offer sustainable and ethical investment options.
• Policy Changes: Ongoing government reforms continue to focus on making the super system fairer and more efficient.

What if I don’t have a stapled super fund?

If you don’t have an existing super fund, your employer will use their default fund. You can always choose a different fund by submitting a choice of fund form.

Can I have more than one super fund?

Yes, but having multiple funds can lead to extra fees. The stapled system is designed to help you keep your super in one account as you change jobs.

How do I change my stapled super fund?

You can change your super fund at any time by submitting a choice of fund form to your employer. Your new fund will become your stapled fund for future jobs.

What should I check on my super statement?

Review your fees, investment returns, insurance cover, and employer contributions to ensure your super is on track.

Stapled super funds have become a core part of Australia’s superannuation system by 2026. They help reduce unnecessary fees, simplify super management, and make it easier to keep track of your retirement savings. By understanding how the system works, reviewing your fund regularly, and staying informed about your options, you can make the most of your superannuation for the future.