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CSS vs IconiQ Super Wrap

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

CSS

Closed public sector scheme

CSS is a closed Commonwealth scheme whose benefit depends on more than the investment return shown on a statement.

Membership

Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing.

IconiQ Super Wrap

Retail investment platform

IconiQ Super Wrap is an advised portfolio account with accumulation, transition-to-retirement and retirement pension arrangements.

Membership

An adviser relationship is normally required to join; losing that relationship restricts some account features.

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.

Choose an investment option to see the figures

The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.

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

CSS and IconiQ Super Wrap: product features and conditions
What to compareCSSIconiQ Super Wrap
Membership and access

Relevant to existing contributors, deferred members and pensioners. Some returning employees must or may resume contributing.

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An adviser relationship is normally required to join; losing that relationship restricts some account features.

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Accounts and products

Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme, including defined benefit and accumulation components.

CSS defined benefit

CSS accumulation component

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Accumulation, Transition to Retirement Pension and Retirement Pension portfolios.

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Investment choices

Investment earnings affect the funded component; they are only part of the overall benefit calculation.

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The menu includes managed funds, listed investments, managed accounts, cash and term deposits. Its SMA service provides access to managed portfolios.

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Retirement income

The main retirement benefit is generally a pension. Age, service, reason for leaving and sometimes final salary affect its calculation.

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Both transition-to-retirement and retirement pension accounts are available under the super PDS.

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Comparing investment performance

Explain benefits beside other schemes without treating CSS as a fund anyone can join.

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Judge the chosen holdings and cash allocation. Platform reporting is useful for monitoring a portfolio but is not a fund-wide investment strategy.

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Insurance

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

No insurance cover is offered within the division.

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Advice and support

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

The adviser helps set and maintain the portfolio. Their advice fee and responsibilities are separate from the platform service.

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Fee details to check

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Include administration, underlying investments, transactions, advice and the cash administration fee. The product cost example excludes some costs of accessible investments.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on CSS

Editorial assessment

For a CSS member, an ordinary fund ranking answers too little. Get a benefit estimate for the actual exit date and compare the pension and lump-sum choices before considering any transfer.

Who this profile is for

  • Existing CSS members reviewing retirement or a return to eligible employment.

What deserves a closer look

  • The scheme is closed to ordinary new membership.
  • A higher investment return elsewhere does not by itself show a better outcome than a CSS pension.

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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 IconiQ Super Wrap

Editorial assessment

May suit an advised household that can use the portfolio and aggregation features.

What deserves a closer look

  • Insurance must be arranged separately.
  • Read the supplementary PDS for revised cash-management rules; automatic sales can occur when cash falls below requirements.

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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 CSS and IconiQ Super Wrap

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 CSS profile · Read the full IconiQ Super Wrap profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for CSS

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

  1. Department of Finance CSS guide, updated 10 September 2026
  2. CSC membership restrictions

Sources for IconiQ Super Wrap

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

  1. Current super disclosure library
  2. Super Wrap PDS
  3. Platform features
  4. Managed portfolios