CBA vs ING: which home loan suits you?
Last reviewed
CBA and ING represent two very different models: CBA is Australia's largest branch-based bank, while ING built its home loan book on a lean, digital-first structure with no branch network and, historically, sharper ongoing pricing in exchange for meeting monthly account conditions. Choosing between them is really a choice about service model as much as price.
| Attribute | CBA | ING |
|---|---|---|
| Rate positioning | Broad tiered pricing across owner-occupier, investor and interest-only; competitive but reflects a larger balance-sheet, branch-supported cost base. | Historically positioned at the sharper end of variable pricing, funded by a leaner digital operating model with fewer physical touchpoints. |
| Offset & redraw | Full offset on packaged variable loans; redraw widely available. | Offset available on the Mortgage Simplifier and Orange Advantage products; redraw generally available online. |
| Fees | Annual package fee bundles offset and account discounts. | Historically low or no ongoing fees on core variable products; some conditions (e.g. minimum monthly deposit, card spend) can apply to unlock the best rate tier. |
| Cashback / promotions | Periodic refinance cashback tied to LVR and loan size. | Has run its own refinance cashback campaigns from time to time, generally simpler eligibility than legacy bank packages. |
| Turnaround / service | Branch and phone support nationwide; large-scale call centre and broker channel. | Phone and app-based support only — no branches; service quality is generally solid but there's no in-person option for complex queries. |
| Borrowing power quirks | Conservative on existing investment debt and casual/overtime income treatment relative to some peers. | Own serviceability model; has at times had specific requirements around minimum account activity to retain the lowest rate tier. |
| Best suited to | Borrowers who value a branch relationship, cash handling or in-person support for a complex file. | Digitally comfortable borrowers chasing the sharpest ongoing rate who don't need a branch and can meet any account-activity conditions. |
The trade-off in one sentence
CBA sells convenience and scale — branches, ATMs, a full suite of linked products and a broker-friendly process. ING sells a leaner cost structure that can translate to sharper ongoing pricing, provided you're happy to bank entirely online and meet any conditions attached to the best rate tier.
Read the fine print on 'conditional' rates
- Digital lenders like ING have, at various points, required a minimum monthly deposit or card transaction count to hold the advertised rate tier — miss it and you can revert to a higher rate.
- CBA's packaged pricing is generally not conditional on account activity in the same way, but you're paying an annual fee for that simplicity.
- Always ask a broker to check the current conditions attached to any advertised rate before assuming it's guaranteed.
Who should pick which
If you want a single relationship for everyday banking, a mortgage and in-person help when something goes wrong, CBA's scale is the more comfortable fit.
If you're organised, comfortable managing everything via app, and confident you'll meet any activity conditions, ING is worth comparing on ongoing rate before committing to a bank-branded package.
A note on pricing
Indicative only — check current pricing. Rates, fees and cashback offers change frequently and vary by loan purpose, LVR and lender promotion. Nothing on this page is a quote; speak to an XLOANS broker for live pricing from both lenders.
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Frequently asked questions
Indicative only — check current pricing. This page is general information, not financial advice, and does not quote live rates. Lender policy, pricing and cashback offers change frequently. Speak to an XLOANS broker for advice tailored to your situation.
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