superguru
MenuClose menu

Prime Super vs smartMonday

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

Prime Super

Industry fund

Prime Super is an independent fund with rural and regional roots. Its members work across agriculture, health, education, aged care, recruitment and other industries.

Membership

Serves members across several industries. Check the joining criteria and any employer-specific insurance arrangements in the current member guide.

smartMonday

Retail fund brand

smartMonday PRIME has an age-based default and a choice menu, plus a pension product. Its MySuper design changed in August 2026.

Membership

Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.

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
MeasureMySuperChoose an investment option
Return basisMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative memberChoose an option
3-year return, per year8.49%Choose an option
5-year return, per year5.59%Choose an option
7-year return, per year6.35%Choose an option
10-year return, per year7.00%Choose an option
APRA strategic growth allocation75.75%Choose an option
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000$505 a year (1.01%)Choose an option
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)$235 a yearChoose an option
2026 performance testPassChoose an option
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

Prime Super and smartMonday: product features and conditions
What to comparePrime SupersmartMonday
Membership and access

Serves members across several industries. Check the joining criteria and any employer-specific insurance arrangements in the current member guide.

Sources1234

Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.

Sources123
Accounts and products

Superannuation and retirement income products.

Sources1234

PRIME super and PENSION.

Sources123
Investment choices

Members can choose a mix of investment options or use the MySuper default. The menu includes diversified choices and sector options such as Australian shares, international shares, property and cash.

Sources1234

LifeStage MySuper now uses four age bands. Members can also select pre-mixed and sector options.

Sources123
Insurance

The member guide describes insurance choices. Use the cover available under your employer or personal membership arrangement when comparing benefits.

Sources1234

Insurance is available; advice about a member's smartMonday insurance is included without a separate advice charge.

Sources123
Retirement income

Income Stream accounts are available. The investment option corresponding to MySuper is called Balanced for pension accounts, so comparisons must use the correct account phase.

Sources1234

A pension account is available under separate disclosure.

Sources123
Advice and support

The fund has superannuation specialists and a book-a-chat service. Confirm whether you are receiving general guidance or personal advice, and the fee for any detailed plan.

Sources1234

smartCoach provides account-related advice. Check the scope before seeking broader planning.

Sources123
Fee details to check

Use the member guide and each option's current fee disclosure. Investment costs vary with the chosen portfolio, and insurance is a separate comparison.

Sources1234

From 14 August 2026, the standard annual administration charge fell to $67.60 plus 0.16% of balance, with a $1,000 cap on that percentage component. Investment costs rose for most options; employer terms may differ.

Sources123
Comparing investment performance

Prime publishes returns by option and period. Its current page refers to periods ending 30 June 2026; any ranking needs the same dates, peer group and fee basis on both sides.

Sources1234

Do not compare the new LifeStage strategy as though its allocation has remained unchanged throughout the historical LifeCycle record.

Sources123

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on Prime Super

Editorial assessment

Worth researching for someone who values a fund with experience in rural work and care industries, particularly when its member support is useful to them.

What deserves a closer look

  • Industry familiarity does not establish whether the fees or insurance suit an individual.
  • Do not substitute a pension Balanced return for an accumulation MySuper return.

Sources1234

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 smartMonday

Editorial assessment

Worth comparing for members who prefer an age-based investment strategy or have a negotiated employer plan.

What deserves a closer look

  • Old pages still refer to LifeCycle; the August 2026 notice is the current guide.
  • The administration reduction does not mean every member's total fees fell.

Sources123

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

Before choosing between Prime Super and smartMonday

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 Prime Super profile · Read the full smartMonday profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for Prime Super

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

  1. About Prime Super
  2. Investments
  3. Member guide
  4. MySuper option

Sources for smartMonday

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

  1. August 2026 product changes
  2. Current disclosure documents
  3. FAQs and advice