RBA interest rate decisions

Frequently asked questions:

• Who is the RBA, what is the cash rate and what does it all mean?

  The RBA is Australia's central bank. The RBA is responsible for making monetary policy decisions, including setting the cash rate, announced on the first Tuesday of every month (except January).  

  Depending on a range of domestic and global factors, the cash rate may change often, or remain the same for an extended period of time, in this case rates have not increased for almost 12 years.  
  

  The RBA increases the cash rate to manage the performance of the Australian economy. One key factor they consider is the inflation rate. When inflation is on the way up it means the cost of living goes up too and things are more expensive.  
  

  The price of food, materials and fuel has surged in recent months along with the rising cost of new dwelling purchases by owner-occupiers. 
  

• Why does BOQ Specialist sometimes pass on the rate rise?

  While the RBA’s monetary policy has been to keep the cash rate low, the central bank is now raising rates to combat rising inflation. 

   When the RBA lifts rates, the amount it costs BOQ Specialist to acquire the funds we lend to our clients also increases. This increased cost needs to be factored into the interest rates we charge and, sometimes, this will result in an increase to our interest rates for home and business lending clients. 

   BOQ Specialist regularly reviews interest rates to ensure they balance the needs of savers and borrowers and are competitive in the market. 

• How much extra will I need to pay on my home loan? And when? How do I find this out?

  For existing home lending clients on a variable rate,  BOQ Specialist will send you a letter to inform you of the new monthly repayment amount and when this will take effect.  

   You can use BOQ Specialist’s loan repayment calculator to calculate how your repayments may change. 

   For existing home loan clients currently on a fixed rate, your loan repayment amount will not change for the duration of the period you have chosen to fix the rate of your loan.

• Is there any change to my fixed rate loan?

  For our existing home loan clients currently on a fixed rate, your loan repayment amount will not change for the duration of the period you have chosen to fix the rate of your loan.

• When you approved my loan how did you know I could afford it? 

  BOQ Specialist applies a number of ‘tests’ when assessing  a client's ability to repay a loan.  

    These ‘tests’ include consideration of potential movements in interest rates over the life of the loan and evaluate a client’s living expenses against their income.

    Along with requirements by Australia’s banking regulators, these ‘tests’ are put in place to assess if a client can still meet repayments in a higher interest rate environment before approving a loan. 

• What if I can’t afford any increases to my loan? 

  We’re here to help. If you are having trouble making loan repayments, the best thing you can do is get in touch with your financial specialist directly as soon as you can once you know what your new repayments are.  

   Further details on the BOQ Specialist’s assistance for those experiencing financial difficulty, can be found here.

  The Australian Banking Association’s Financial Assistance Hub is also an excellent resource to help you understand the options that may be available if you are in financial difficulty. 

• What about my business loan rates?

  BOQ Specialist regularly reviews interest rates to ensure they balance the needs of savers and borrowers and are competitive in the market. 

  If the RBA increases rates, we may increase our business loan rates and will advise clients of any changes to their repayment amount.