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CSS vs Perpetual 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.

Perpetual Super Wrap

Retail investment platform

Perpetual Super Wrap provides investment choice and consolidated reporting for super and pension portfolios.

Membership

Confirm access, advice requirements and minimum balance in the current Super Wrap PDS before applying.

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 Perpetual Super Wrap: product features and conditions
What to compareCSSPerpetual Super Wrap
Membership and access

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

Sources12

Confirm access, advice requirements and minimum balance in the current Super Wrap PDS before applying.

Sources123
Accounts and products

Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme, including defined benefit and accumulation components.

CSS defined benefit

CSS accumulation component

Sources12

Perpetual Super Wrap superannuation and pension.

Sources123
Investment choices

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

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The wrap offers a broad range of underlying investments. The current menu and each investment's disclosure govern availability, risk and any restrictions.

Sources123
Retirement income

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

Sources12

The service supports accumulation, transition to retirement and retirement income arrangements.

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Comparing investment performance

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

Sources12

Use the selected portfolio and actual costs. A return from WealthFocus or Select does not describe a Super Wrap member's investments.

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Insurance

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

Check Super Wrap's own current terms for any available insurance. Insurance offered through another Perpetual super product should not be assumed to apply.

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Advice and support

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

The value of a wrap usually rests on the portfolio and advice services a member actually uses. Request a clear account of those services.

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Fee details to check

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

Calculate platform charges together with underlying investments, transactions, cash-account effects and any adviser remuneration.

Sources123

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.

Sources12

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 Perpetual Super Wrap

Editorial assessment

May suit someone who needs a broader portfolio service and wants the trustee to handle super compliance.

What deserves a closer look

  • A wrap is an account structure, so investment outcomes depend on what is held in it.
  • Do not confuse Super Wrap with Perpetual's SMSF or small APRA fund administration services.

Sources123

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 Perpetual 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 Perpetual 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 Perpetual Super Wrap

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

  1. Super Wrap and related retirement services
  2. Wrap offer documents
  3. Super Wrap holdings