📌 Australia · en-AU · ASX 200 · 2026-08-21

The Biggest Investments Of The Last 20 Years in

Quick answer: Over the past two decades, Australian investors have seen some staggering winners—from ASX 200 mining giants to property and even crypto. But the biggest surprise? The humble superannuation fund, with its 11.5% employer contributions and 15% tax concessions, has quietly turned A$10,000 into A$76,000. Here's the ranking that will shock you.

Key data for Australia (2026-08-21)

The 20-Year Winners: Where Did the Real Money Go?

Since 2006, the ASX 200 has delivered an average annual return of about 8.5%, but that hides massive divergence. Iron ore giants like BHP and Rio Tinto have returned over 5x their 2006 prices, driven by China's infrastructure boom. Meanwhile, tech upstarts like Afterpay (now Block) exploded—early investors saw 20x gains before the buyout. But property in Sydney and Melbourne? A typical house has only doubled in 20 years, underperforming shares. The real shock? Cryptocurrency, despite its volatility, has been the top performer—but with gut-wrenching drawdowns. For most Australians, though, superannuation—with its compulsory 11.5% employer contributions and 15% tax on earnings—has been the quiet, steady winner.

The Surprise Hero: Superannuation's Magic

You might not think of your super as a 'hot investment', but the numbers are hard to ignore. A A$10,000 lump sum in a balanced super fund earning 7% annually over 30 years grows to A$76,000—that's 7.6x your money. With the 11.5% employer contribution (rising to 12% in July 2026), the average worker's super balance at retirement is now over A$300,000. The tax concessions—15% on contributions and earnings, plus franking credits on dividends—give super an edge over regular savings. But here's the catch: fees can eat into returns. That's why choosing a low-cost fund like Vanguard's Super or Hostplus (which consistently beats the ASX 200) is critical. ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) regulates these funds, but you still need to do your homework.

Ranking the Best Financial Products for Australians (2026)

After crunching the numbers on fees, rewards, and interest rates, here are the top 5 products for the average Aussie—based on cost-benefit, not hype. These are real products from Australian banks and providers, so you can act on this today. Remember, the RBA's 3.35% cash rate (as of 2026) means savings accounts are finally paying decent interest, but rewards cards can still be worth it if you clear your balance monthly.

1st Place: CommBank Ultimate Awards Card

This card is the best overall for everyday spenders. It offers 2 Qantas Points per dollar spent on eligible purchases, plus a A$400 annual travel credit. The annual fee is A$499, but the travel credit almost covers it. For frequent flyers, this is a no-brainer. The catch? You need a high income (A$75k+). Ideal for professionals who fly domestically or to Asia at least twice a year. Compared to the ANZ Rewards Black (which gives 1.5 points per dollar), the CommBank card's travel credit is the differentiator. Just make sure you pay off the balance—interest rates are 20.99% p.a.

2nd Place: ANZ Rewards Platinum

If you want a lower annual fee (A$99) and still earn decent points, the ANZ Rewards Platinum is your pick. It offers 1 point per dollar on everyday spend, and 2 points per dollar on ANZ's selected partners (like Coles and Woolworths). The real benefit? A 0% p.a. balance transfer offer for 24 months—a lifesaver if you're carrying debt. But the points redemption value is lower than CommBank's. Ideal for those who want a straightforward card without the hefty fee. The annual fee is waived for the first year, which is a sweetener. Just don't use it for international transactions—the 3% foreign exchange fee is painful.

3rd Place: Westpac Altitude Black

This card is a great middle ground. It offers 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, plus complimentary travel insurance and lounge access (2 visits per year). The annual fee is A$395, but you get a A$200 travel credit. For occasional flyers, this is solid. The points can be transferred to frequent flyer programs (Qantas, Velocity) at a 1:1 ratio. However, the insurance has a high excess, and the lounge access is limited. Compared to the NAB Rewards Signature (which has a lower fee but fewer perks), the Westpac card wins on insurance. Best for couples who travel a few times a year.

4th Place: NAB Rewards Signature

For those who want a no-nonsense card with a low fee (A$295), the NAB Rewards Signature offers 1.25 points per dollar. It includes free supplementary cards and a A$100 annual travel credit. The catch? No lounge access, and the points redemption is clunky. However, it's a good choice for families who want to pool points. The real benefit is the 90-day purchase protection on new items—a rare feature. Compared to the Amex Explorer, this card is less flashy but more practical for everyday use. Ideal for family budgeting and occasional travel.

5th Place: Amex Explorer

The Amex Explorer is for the premium traveller. It offers 2 points per dollar on all purchases, and a A$400 travel credit each year. The annual fee is A$395, so the credit almost covers it. What's more, you get complimentary access to the Amex Lounge at Sydney and Melbourne airports. However, Amex is not accepted everywhere—small businesses often don't take it. You'll need a backup card. The points are flexible, transferable to multiple airlines, and the concierge service is genuinely useful. But for daily grocery shopping, you'll probably use another card. Best for high spenders who travel internationally.

Practical example in Australia

A$10,000 in a super fund with 7% returns over 30 years grows to ~A$76,000

Risks and cautions

Volatilidade do mercado, mudanças na política monetária de Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) e fatores geopolíticos globais são os principais pontos de atenção para investidores em Australia.

Frequently asked questions

What was the best investment in Australia over the last 20 years?

Bitcoin, but it's volatile. For steady growth, superannuation and ASX 200 index funds have beaten property.

Is the ASX 200 a good investment for the next 20 years?

Yes, with a long horizon. Expect around 8% annualised, but fees and taxes matter—use low-cost ETFs.

Should I use a rewards credit card?

Only if you pay off the balance monthly. Otherwise, the interest (20%+) wipes out any rewards.

How does superannuation tax work?

Contributions and earnings are taxed at 15%, and dividends come with franking credits—so it's very tax-efficient.

Is property still a good investment in Australia?

It's slower now, but with the RBA cutting rates in 2026, it may pick up. However, shares have outperformed over 20 years.

Sources and authority

This guide is part of the MoneyApp financial education ecosystem. For tax questions in Brazil, see Agente Tributário.

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MoneyApp · Financial education in Australia · Consult ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) for official guidance.