The Big Four respond to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 crisis continues to hit the hip pockets of Australians, the big four banks are coming to the table with relief measures for existing customers.

Business closures and job losses have had a flow-on effect for many Australians who are now struggling to manage their home loan repayments. This has prompted the major banks to throw a lifeline to mortgage holders.

The big four banks are aiming at making life a little easier for their customers.

Here’s a breakdown of what the Big Four are currently offering existing mortgage holders in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

1. ANZ

Under a home loan repayment deferral, ANZ customers won’t be required to make repayments to their home loan for a period of time.

Unpaid interest during the period is capitalised, meaning it’s added to the customer’s outstanding loan balance to be paid over the remaining loan term.

ANZ’s COVID-19 support package includes three measures for home loan customers impacted by the crisis:

• A 0.15%pa decrease on variable interest home loan rates in Australia, as of 27 March
• The introduction of a two-year fixed rate of 2.19%pa for owner-occupiers paying principal and interest
• Request for deferral of home loan repayments for up to six months and a review after three months.
  

The bank says customers ahead in their home loan repayments may have options such as accessing their existing redraw balances or using funds in their offset or deposit accounts.

2. Commonwealth Bank

CommBank today announce further changes to support home loan customers impacted by coronavirus.

Mortgage holders who’ve been granted a six-month home loan holiday will also receive a one-time payment “to offset interest on interest costs during the six-month deferral period.” The payment amount is dependant on the loan balance.

Here are the other relief measures for Commonwealth’s home loan customers:

• Options to access redraw facilities for eligible loans, reduce repayments or transition to interest-only payments during the period
• Reduced rate of 2.29% pa (3.99% p.a. comparison rate) for a new one, two and three-year fixed-rate home loans for owner-occupiers paying principal and interest, effective 30 March
• From 1 May, eligible customers paying by direct debit will automatically have their investment/home loan repayments reduced to the minimum. Those wanting to continue higher repayments should contact the bank.
  

3. NAB

As well as a six-month mortgage deferral for struggling owner-occupiers or investors, NAB’s support for home-owners during COVID-19 includes:

• Access to redraw facilities for customers ahead of their home loan repayments, or with savings in an offset account. Eligibility and balances can be checked through NAB online or app banking
• Reducing repayment amounts during the period
• Request for financial hardship assistance on personal loan repayments.

4. Westpac

Under Westpac’s COVID-19 Customer Support Package, home loan customers will be able to apply for a repayment deferral for an initial three-month period, and a possible three-month extension after review.

The bank has also announced a $10 billion home lending commitment, to support more Australians into their next home.

Westpac is also offering new-low fixed home loan rates for one, two or three years for owner-occupier customers paying principal and interest.