> (After taking into account fees, many depositors pay a negative rate to maintain banking privileges.) This isn't strictly true in Australia. Savings accounts

> (After taking into account fees, many depositors pay a negative rate to maintain banking privileges.) This isn't strictly true in Australia. Savings accounts where short term savings go typically provide 1 to 1.5% interest after adjusting for inflation (i.e 2% interest account with Australia's 1% consumer price index). If you don't have a mortgage or credit card debt, having money in an Australian bank savings account is usually a net positive.