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Pearler Super vs Resource 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

Pearler Super

Retail fund brand

Pearler Super is a digital accumulation account for members who want to choose ETFs and other approved ASX securities.

Membership

The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded.

Resource Super

Retail fund brand

Resource Super concentrates on people working in Australia's resources sector, with employer-specific insurance arrangements.

Membership

People joining through an employer and people joining individually face different insurance processes.

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

Pearler Super and Resource Super: product features and conditions
What to comparePearler SuperResource Super
Membership and access

The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded.

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People joining through an employer and people joining individually face different insurance processes.

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Accounts and products

Pearler Personal Super accumulation.

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Resource Super employer and individual arrangements within Russell Investments Master Trust.

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Investment choices

Members can choose from a menu of ETFs and other ASX-listed securities through the Pearler apps.

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Use the investment menu in the current PDS and plan documents; the brand shares the Russell investment structure.

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Insurance

There is no integrated insurance. Moving an entire balance from another fund can end the cover held there.

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Eligible employer members can receive automatic cover once age and balance conditions are met. Individual joiners must apply and be accepted by the insurer. Limited-cover provisions can apply.

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Retirement income

The current PDS does not offer a pension account.

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Check the retirement pathway and product available under the current plan.

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Advice and support

The app offers investment tools. Any advice arrangement should be assessed separately from access to those tools.

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The fund can refer members for personal advice. Confirm the service and fee first.

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Fee details to check

Administration fees apply to the first $500,000, with eligible family-group caps. Add underlying investment costs, transactions and the effect of the cash account.

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The employer's Super Plan Booklet sets out the insurance and fees applicable to that plan. A corporate employee and a field worker can have different terms.

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Comparing investment performance

Performance depends on the actual securities and cash held. There is no single Pearler portfolio return that applies to everyone.

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Russell's combined APRA product label does not establish an individual employer plan's net member outcome.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on Pearler Super

Editorial assessment

May suit a member who can construct and maintain a diversified listed portfolio and has separately considered insurance.

What deserves a closer look

  • At least 2% of the balance or $200, whichever is greater, must remain in cash.
  • No pension or integrated insurance is currently offered.

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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 Resource Super

Editorial assessment

Particularly relevant for mining and resources workers comparing cover for their occupation.

What deserves a closer look

  • Check waiting periods, income definitions and limited-cover terms in the actual employer booklet.
  • The Russell, Resource and Nationwide brands should not be counted as separate legal funds.

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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 Pearler Super and Resource 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 Pearler Super profile · Read the full Resource Super profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for Pearler Super

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

  1. Pearler Super PDS
  2. Insurance availability
  3. Pricing and legal fund

Sources for Resource Super

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

  1. About Resource Super
  2. Insurance FAQs
  3. 2026 employer plan example