superguru
MenuClose menu

Equip Super vs First 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

Equip Super

Industry fund

Equip Super combines a conventional super investment menu with retirement income products and a MyPension investment strategy.

Membership

Public joining is available, with separate terms for certain employer and defined benefit arrangements. A workplace plan may differ from the standard accumulation offer.

First Super

Industry fund

First Super has a compact investment menu and offers super, transition-to-retirement and retirement income accounts. Members can get help with their investment choice without a separate advice charge.

Membership

The fund accepts new members through its public joining process. Read the relevant PDS and target market determination before opening an account.

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 optionBalanced - accumulation
Return basisChoose an optionMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member
3-year return, per yearChoose an option8.35%
5-year return, per yearChoose an option6.94%
7-year return, per yearChoose an option6.62%
10-year return, per yearChoose an option7.25%
APRA strategic growth allocationChoose an option79.50%
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000Choose an option$560 a year (1.12%)
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)Choose an option$175 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

Equip Super and First Super: product features and conditions
What to compareEquip SuperFirst Super
Membership and access

Public joining is available, with separate terms for certain employer and defined benefit arrangements. A workplace plan may differ from the standard accumulation offer.

Sources12345

The fund accepts new members through its public joining process. Read the relevant PDS and target market determination before opening an account.

Sources1234
Accounts and products

Accumulation super, retirement income and transition-to-retirement accounts, alongside existing defined benefit arrangements.

Sources12345

Accumulation super, transition-to-retirement account and Retirement Income account.

Sources1234
Investment choices

The menu includes diversified and sector options, with MySuper as the default for accumulation members who do not choose. Check the current menu: the Future Focus option closed on 17 June 2026.

Sources12345

Balanced is the MySuper default. The other options are Conservative Balanced, Growth, Shares Plus and Cash. Members can split their balance across options.

Sources1234
Insurance

Use the insurance guide for the relevant membership or employer category. Standard and workplace arrangements should not be treated as interchangeable.

Sources12345

Insurance through super is available. Check the current insurance guide for the cover offered to your membership category and the cost at your age.

Sources1234
Retirement income

MyPension is a strategy for managing retirement savings across investment options. It is not a guaranteed lifetime pension.

Sources12345

A Retirement Income account allows a choice of investment mix and payment frequency. Pension payments can be fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or yearly, subject to the required annual minimum.

Sources1234
Advice and support

Members can receive advice about their super at no extra cost. Ask about the scope and separate fees before proceeding with broader financial planning.

Sources12345

The fund says advice about its investment options is available to members at no extra cost. A wider advice request needs a separate scope and cost check.

Sources1234
Fee details to check

Use the schedule effective for the current year and chosen product. Equip published investment fee and cost changes effective 1 July 2026.

Sources12345

The current fees page gives a $50,000 Balanced example of $465.80 a year, including administration, investment and transaction costs, before any additional applicable fees. This is an example for that option and balance, not a universal member bill.

Sources1234
Comparing investment performance

Use current option names and the same account phase. The June 2026 option closure and earlier integration mean old menus and performance screenshots may mislead.

Sources12345

Compare Balanced with portfolios carrying a similar growth allocation, over the same dates. Shares Plus and Cash have different risk profiles and should not be ranked as though they pursue the same outcome.

Sources1234

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on Equip Super

Editorial assessment

Worth comparing for someone who wants support moving from super to pension, or who already belongs to an Equip employer plan.

What deserves a closer look

  • Catholic Super and Equip are brands within the same legal fund, not fully independent fund providers.
  • An existing defined benefit member needs scheme-specific information before any transfer.

Sources12345

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 First Super

Editorial assessment

A useful shortlist candidate for someone who wants to choose among a small number of diversified strategies rather than manage individual securities.

What deserves a closer look

  • The fixed weekly administration charge matters proportionately more on small balances.
  • A limited menu may not meet a need for direct shares or a specific index exposure.

Sources1234

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

Before choosing between Equip Super and First 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 Equip Super profile · Read the full First Super profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for Equip Super

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

  1. Equip history
  2. FAQs
  3. 2026 changes
  4. Unit prices and option closure
  5. Investment guide

Sources for First Super

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

  1. Investment options
  2. Fees and costs
  3. Retirement Income account
  4. Why join First Super