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CSS vs Superhero Super

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.

Superhero Super

Retail fund brand

Superhero Super offers managed investments, thematic choices and direct shares and ETFs within super.

Membership

Public membership under the applicable MySuper or Choice documents.

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
MeasureChoose an investment optionSuperhero Super MySuper
Return basisChoose an optionMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member
3-year return, per yearChoose an option9.95%
5-year return, per yearChoose an option5.96%
7-year return, per yearChoose an option6.67%
10-year return, per yearChoose an option6.79%
APRA strategic growth allocationChoose an option80.50%
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000Choose an option$350 a year (0.70%)
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)Choose an option$195 a year
2026 performance testChoose an optionPass
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

CSS and Superhero Super: product features and conditions
What to compareCSSSuperhero Super
Membership and access

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

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Public membership under the applicable MySuper or Choice documents.

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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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Superhero Super Choice and MySuper.

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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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Diversified, single-sector, thematic and direct options. At least 25% of a Choice balance must remain across diversified or single-sector options.

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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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Retirement and transition-to-retirement accounts are available, with a $20,000 minimum under the PDS dated 2 June 2026.

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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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The website's investment returns exclude administration fees and costs. Direct portfolios have member-specific returns.

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Insurance

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

MySuper and Choice insurance terms differ. There is no insurance in the retirement division; retaining accumulation cover requires a sufficiently funded super account.

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Advice and support

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

The service supports self-directed investment decisions. Personal advice should be arranged where needed.

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Fee details to check

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

Choice administration is $52 a year plus a balance-based fee; investment fees vary and direct investing adds costs. MySuper has its own schedule.

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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 Superhero Super

Editorial assessment

Relevant for an investor who wants more control but accepts the portfolio limits and costs.

What deserves a closer look

  • The required 25% managed or single-sector allocation limits a wholly direct portfolio.
  • A newly registered legal fund is not evidence that the current consumer product has already transferred.

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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 Superhero Super

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 Superhero Super 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 Superhero Super

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

  1. Investment options and return basis
  2. Product and fees
  3. Current additional information guide
  4. Retirement and transition-to-retirement PDS, 2 June 2026