CBA vs NAB: which home loan suits you?
Last reviewed
CBA and NAB are both big four banks with branches, packaged home loans and large broker channels. CBA is Australia's largest home lender with a strong banking app. NAB is known for business banking and has run sharp refinance offers. The real differences are in each bank's borrowing-power calculator and current pricing.
| Attribute | CBA | NAB |
|---|---|---|
| Rate positioning | Tiered basic-vs-package pricing; pricing reviews possible for strong files. | Tiered basic-vs-package pricing; has run competitive refinance-focused offers. |
| Offset & redraw | Offset on the Wealth Package; redraw on variable loans. | Offset on the Choice Package; redraw on variable loans. |
| Fees | Annual package fee for full features. | Annual package fee for full features. |
| Turnaround / service | Huge branch network and app; turnaround can vary in busy periods. | Branches, business bankers and broker channel. |
| Borrowing power quirks | Own serviceability model; outcomes can differ from NAB's for the same file. | Own serviceability model; can treat some overtime and allowance income differently. |
| Best suited to | Borrowers who want Australia's biggest banking app and wide branch access. | Business owners and borrowers wanting linked business and personal banking. |
Two big four banks, different strengths
On paper CBA and NAB look alike: packaged loans with offset, branches and broad product ranges. In practice, the bank that lends you more — or prices your loan better — depends on your income type, debts and deposit.
What to check before choosing
- Compare the package fee against the rate discount for your loan size.
- Ask your broker to run borrowing power at both — the gap can be significant.
- If you're refinancing, check any cashback conditions and minimum loan sizes.
Who should pick which
Choose CBA if you value its app, branch reach, and already bank there.
Choose NAB if you run a business, want business banking alongside your mortgage, or NAB's calculator gives you more borrowing power.
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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