Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Retail fund brand
Pearler Super is a digital accumulation account for members who want to choose ETFs and other approved ASX securities.
The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded.
Retail fund brand
Virgin Money Super is a Mercer Super Trust product with an age-based LifeStage Tracker default and index-oriented choices.
Public membership under the Virgin Money product rules.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
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.
| What to compare | Pearler Super | Virgin Money Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The PDS allows a zero initial investment, but an operating cash balance is required once the account is funded. Sources123 | Public membership under the Virgin Money product rules. Sources1234 |
| Accounts and products | Pearler Personal Super accumulation. Sources123 | Virgin Money Super. Sources1234 |
| Investment choices | Members can choose from a menu of ETFs and other ASX-listed securities through the Pearler apps. Sources123 | LifeStage Tracker changes the asset mix with age. Choice investments include diversified and sector index strategies and Cash. Sources1234 |
| Insurance | There is no integrated insurance. Moving an entire balance from another fund can end the cover held there. Sources123 | Automatic and tailored cover are available subject to eligibility. Premiums and a separate insurance cost-recovery charge apply. Sources1234 |
| Retirement income | The current PDS does not offer a pension account. Sources123 | The reviewed super pages do not establish a dedicated Virgin Money pension account; check the intended retirement-income pathway. Sources1234 |
| Advice and support | The app offers investment tools. Any advice arrangement should be assessed separately from access to those tools. Sources123 | Member support can explain the product. Ask which personal advice services are available and what they cost. Sources1234 |
| 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. Sources123 | The current fee page separates a $58 annual fixed administration fee, a balance-based administration charge, administration costs, option fees and transaction costs. A low investment fee is not a low total fee by itself. Sources1234 |
| Comparing investment performance | Performance depends on the actual securities and cash held. There is no single Pearler portfolio return that applies to everyone. Sources123 | Compare the correct LifeStage cohort or selected option, including all relevant costs. Sources1234 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
May suit a member who can construct and maintain a diversified listed portfolio and has separately considered insurance.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Worth comparing for someone seeking that default structure or who can use the product's specific benefits.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
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 Virgin Money Super profile · Choose another comparison
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.