Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Industry fund
BUSSQ focuses on the building and construction industries. Its insurance is designed to accommodate high-risk jobs, including eligible casuals and contractors.
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.
Retail fund brand
Virgin Money Super is a Mercer Super Trust product with an age-based LifeStage Tracker default and index-oriented choices.
Public membership under the Virgin Money product rules.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
| Measure | MySuper | Choose an investment option |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member | Choose an option |
| 3-year return, per year | 7.41% | Choose an option |
| 5-year return, per year | 5.02% | Choose an option |
| 7-year return, per year | 6.24% | Choose an option |
| 10-year return, per year | 6.66% | Choose an option |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | 69.77% | 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 year | Choose an option |
| 2026 performance test | Fail | Choose an option |
| 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 | BUSSQ | Virgin Money Super |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Sources1234 | Public membership under the Virgin Money product rules. Sources1234 |
| Accounts and products | BUSSQ Super and Income accounts, with existing term allocated pensions. Sources1234 | Virgin Money Super. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1234 | LifeStage Tracker changes the asset mix with age. Choice investments include diversified and sector index strategies and Cash. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1234 | Automatic and tailored cover are available subject to eligibility. Premiums and a separate insurance cost-recovery charge apply. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1234 | The reviewed super pages do not establish a dedicated Virgin Money pension account; check the intended retirement-income pathway. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1234 | Member support can explain the product. Ask which personal advice services are available and what they cost. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1234 | The current fee page separates a $58 annual fixed administration fee, a balance-based administration charge, administration costs, option fees and transaction costs. A low investment fee is not a low total fee by itself. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources1234 | Compare the correct LifeStage cohort or selected option, including all relevant costs. Sources1234 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
A relevant fund to examine for construction workers who need to check whether another insurer excludes or limits their occupation.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Worth comparing for someone seeking that default structure or who can use the product's specific benefits.
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 BUSSQ profile · Read the full Virgin Money 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.