While Australia’s superannuation system is often lauded as one of the world’s best, global finance watchers are increasingly curious about the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)—the US government’s flagship retirement savings vehicle for federal employees and military personnel. As debates heat up in 2025 about superannuation reforms and the future of retirement saving, the TSP’s simplicity, low fees, and investment options are drawing attention from policy makers and everyday Australians alike.
What is the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)?
Launched in 1986, the Thrift Savings Plan is the US federal government’s answer to retirement savings for its 6.7 million eligible participants. It operates much like a 401(k) but is specifically designed for civil service and uniformed service members. Participants can choose from a handful of low-cost index funds, with the government offering automatic and matching contributions for most employees.
- Automatic enrolment: Eligible employees are automatically enrolled, with a default contribution rate that can be adjusted.
- Matching contributions: The US government matches up to 5% of pay for civilian employees, boosting long-term balances.
- Limited investment menu: Five core index funds plus lifecycle (target-date) funds, keeping choices simple and costs down.
- Ultra-low fees: The average expense ratio is just 0.029% in 2025, compared to 1% or more for some retail super funds.
How Does the TSP Compare to Australian Superannuation?
Australia’s super system is compulsory, private, and offers a vast menu of investment options. The TSP, in contrast, is government-run, limited in scope, but laser-focused on minimising costs and confusion. Here’s how they stack up:
- Investment Choice: Super funds can offer hundreds of investment options. The TSP offers just five main funds—G, F, C, S, and I—plus lifecycle options based on retirement age.
- Fees: Australians pay an average of 0.9% in super fees (APRA, 2025), while TSP participants enjoy near rock-bottom costs.
- Employer Contributions: Super mandates 11% employer contributions in 2025, while TSP civilian employees can receive up to 5% in matching, plus automatic 1% contributions.
- Portability: Super balances are portable across jobs and funds. TSP accounts are tied to federal service but can be rolled over to IRAs or other plans after leaving government employment.
One key similarity: Both systems offer tax-advantaged growth, giving savers more bang for their buck over the long haul.
2025 Developments: Why is the TSP in the Spotlight?
In 2025, the TSP is making headlines for several reasons:
- Fee reductions: The TSP’s expense ratios are at all-time lows, reinforcing pressure on super funds to keep costs competitive.
- Cybersecurity upgrades: Following data breach scares in 2023-24, the TSP has rolled out multi-factor authentication and enhanced fraud detection, setting new standards for large-scale retirement schemes.
- Roth options and withdrawal flexibility: As of 2025, the TSP allows after-tax Roth contributions and more flexible withdrawal rules, bringing it closer to the choice and flexibility of Australian super.
- Policy debate in Australia: With the Federal Government’s 2025 review of superannuation fees and member outcomes, some experts are calling for a “TSP-style” default fund for Australians who want simplicity and value.
Australian policy makers are watching closely, especially as new data shows that fee differences of even 0.5% can mean tens of thousands of dollars more (or less) in retirement.
Lessons for Australian Savers and Policy Makers
While the TSP isn’t perfect—it lacks some of the personalisation and ethical investment options many Australians want—it offers clear lessons:
- Simplicity works: A streamlined investment menu can reduce decision fatigue and help savers avoid costly mistakes.
- Fees matter—immensely: The TSP’s ultra-low costs show what’s possible when scale and public interest align.
- Security is paramount: The TSP’s cybersecurity overhaul is a timely reminder for all retirement systems in an era of rising digital threats.
- Transparency builds trust: The TSP’s regular, plain-English disclosures set a benchmark for clear communication.
As Australia weighs its next steps on super reform, the TSP stands out as a global case study in how simple, low-cost design can deliver better retirement outcomes for millions.
