Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Retail fund brand
Acclaim offers a direct-investment super account and a separate Core product built around managed investment options.
Applications are available for current Acclaim products. AMG Personal Super is a separate legacy product closed to new members.
Restricted public sector fund
ADF Super holds retirement savings for eligible current and former Australian Defence Force members.
Entry is tied to ADF service. Members who meet the continuous-service rules can keep contributing after leaving Defence.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
| Measure | Choose an investment option | ADF MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 9.65% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.68% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.99% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | Not reported |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 69.06% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $455 a year (0.91%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $75 a year |
| 2026 performance test | Choose an option | Pass |
| New-member status at reporting date | Check the current product eligibility rules | Check the current product eligibility rules |
Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.
Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.
| What to compare | Acclaim Super | ADF Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | Applications are available for current Acclaim products. AMG Personal Super is a separate legacy product closed to new members. Sources1234 | Entry is tied to ADF service. Members who meet the continuous-service rules can keep contributing after leaving Defence. Sources123 |
| Accounts and products | Acclaim Super and Pension; Acclaim Core Super and Pension. Sources1234 | Accumulation super for eligible Defence personnel; ADF Cover is a separate death and invalidity arrangement. ADF Super ADF Cover lifePLUS Protect after service Sources123 |
| Investment choices | Acclaim Super supports listed securities and term deposits, with individual share-trading arrangements. Core offers diversified and sector index managed funds. Sources1234 | MySuper Balanced The four options are MySuper Balanced, Cash, Income Focused and Aggressive. Sources123 |
| Insurance | Insurance applications and employer-plan guides are available. Occupation ratings and the precise product determine the relevant terms. Sources1234 | Eligible serving personnel receive ADF Cover death and invalidity benefits at no extra cost. Eligible former members may obtain lifePLUS Protect, including automatic death and TPD cover or cover applied for separately. Sources123 |
| Retirement income | Both product families have pension arrangements with their own disclosure. Sources1234 | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. |
| Advice and support | The service is built around adviser-managed portfolios and reporting. Establish the cost of any advice arrangement separately. Sources1234 | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. |
| Fee details to check | Use the PDS for either Acclaim or Core and read the July 2026 product and administrator updates. Direct share costs differ from Core's managed-option costs. Sources1234 | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. |
| Comparing investment performance | Core options have their own investment histories. A direct-investment Acclaim account has no single return that represents all members. Sources1234 | Compare the selected investment option separately from ADF Cover and any civilian insurance premiums. Sources123 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Acclaim may suit an advised member with a defined direct-investment strategy; Core is a different proposition for someone choosing managed options.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
A useful comparison for Defence members starts with service status. The retirement account, serving-member cover and insurance after discharge have different rules. Treating them as one ordinary retail insurance package can obscure what changes when you leave.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.
Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.
Read the full Acclaim Super profile · Read the full ADF Super profile · Choose another comparison
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.