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BUSSQ vs smartMonday

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

BUSSQ

Industry fund

BUSSQ focuses on the building and construction industries. Its insurance is designed to accommodate high-risk jobs, including eligible casuals and contractors.

Membership

The fund also provides cover for white-collar workers. Check the product's joining rules and the insurance eligibility rules for the job you actually do.

smartMonday

Retail fund brand

smartMonday PRIME has an age-based default and a choice menu, plus a pension product. Its MySuper design changed in August 2026.

Membership

Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

APRA product data to 30 June 2026
MeasureMySuperChoose an investment option
Return basisMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative memberChoose an option
3-year return, per year7.41%Choose an option
5-year return, per year5.02%Choose an option
7-year return, per year6.24%Choose an option
10-year return, per year6.66%Choose an option
APRA strategic growth allocation69.77%Choose an option
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000$470 a year (0.94%)Choose an option
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)$95 a yearChoose an option
2026 performance testFailChoose an option
New-member status at reporting dateCheck the current product eligibility rulesCheck 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.

How the products differ

BUSSQ and smartMonday: product features and conditions
What to compareBUSSQsmartMonday
Membership and access

The fund also provides cover for white-collar workers. Check the product's joining rules and the insurance eligibility rules for the job you actually do.

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Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.

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Accounts and products

BUSSQ Super and Income accounts, with existing term allocated pensions.

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PRIME super and PENSION.

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Investment choices

The fund offers a diversified Balanced Growth portfolio and other investment choices under its Foundation + Flex approach. The menu changed in 2026, including a new Bonds option.

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LifeStage MySuper now uses four age bands. Members can also select pre-mixed and sector options.

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Insurance

Death, TPD and income protection cover are available. BUSSQ says casuals and contractors can access its insurance options when they meet minimum-hours conditions.

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Insurance is available; advice about a member's smartMonday insurance is included without a separate advice charge.

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Retirement income

Income accounts and transition-to-retirement arrangements have separate investment and fee information. Existing term allocated pensions should be compared under their own rules.

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A pension account is available under separate disclosure.

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Advice and support

Personal advice about BUSSQ insurance, investment choice, contributions and retirement is included in administration fees. The scope is limited to BUSSQ products.

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smartCoach provides account-related advice. Check the scope before seeking broader planning.

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Fee details to check

The current page lists a balance-based administration fee, capped annually, plus investment and transaction costs that depend on the option. Include any insurance charge separately.

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From 14 August 2026, the standard annual administration charge fell to $67.60 plus 0.16% of balance, with a $1,000 cap on that percentage component. Investment costs rose for most options; employer terms may differ.

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Comparing investment performance

BUSSQ's published long-run headline uses Balanced Growth and includes specified administration deductions. Match those deductions before comparing it with another fund's investment-only return.

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Do not compare the new LifeStage strategy as though its allocation has remained unchanged throughout the historical LifeCycle record.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on BUSSQ

Editorial assessment

A relevant fund to examine for construction workers who need to check whether another insurer excludes or limits their occupation.

What deserves a closer look

  • Minimum hours and policy definitions still apply; industry branding does not guarantee a claim.
  • A return since 1985 is not comparable with a competing fund's five-year number.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on smartMonday

Editorial assessment

Worth comparing for members who prefer an age-based investment strategy or have a negotiated employer plan.

What deserves a closer look

  • Old pages still refer to LifeCycle; the August 2026 notice is the current guide.
  • The administration reduction does not mean every member's total fees fell.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between BUSSQ and smartMonday

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 BUSSQ profile · Read the full smartMonday profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for BUSSQ

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. BUSSQ insurance
  2. Investment options
  3. Fees and costs
  4. Investment performance basis

Sources for smartMonday

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. August 2026 product changes
  2. Current disclosure documents
  3. FAQs and advice