UPDATED JUL 7, 2026

Cairns bank Home Loans: The 2026 Review

Unlock home ownership with our 5% Deposit Scheme, backed by a Government Guarantee. Enjoy competitive rates and no establishment fees. Ready to make your move?

Bheja Verdict

Very Good

4.1/5
✓
Highly competitive rates across products
✓
Wide range of loan options
Check Eligibility

Cairns bank Home Loans At a Glance

🏷️Best Rate Available

6.19%

Fixed 1yr • Owner Occupied

💳Application Fee

$200

Upfront fee applies

📅Monthly Fee

$0

Ongoing service fee

Loan Range:$50K - $2.0M
LVR:Up to 96%
Products:64 variations
Offset Account:Available

Current Cairns bank Home Loan Rates

Last updated: July 2026

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Average Rate
6.48%
Best Rate
6.24%
Monthly Payment
$3,075
Advanced
  • Cairns bank

    CLASSIC HOME LOAN VARIABLE <60 LVR PI

    Cairns bank

    Min 4% DepositRedraw
    6.24%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    5.95%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,075
    per month
    Principal And Interest
    Fees:
    Application $200
    Discharge
    $60    + other fees may apply
  • Cairns bank

    CLASSIC HOME LOAN VARIABLE 60-80 LVR PI

    Cairns bank

    20%-40% DepositRedraw
    6.29%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    6.00%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,092
    per month
    Principal And Interest
    Fees:
    Application $200
    Discharge
    $60    + other fees may apply
  • Cairns bank

    PLUS HOME LOAN VARIABLE <60 LVR

    Cairns bank

    Min 4% DepositOffsetRedraw
    6.34%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    6.27%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,108
    per month
    Principal And Interest
  • Cairns bank

    PLUS HOME LOAN VARIABLE 60-80 LVR PI

    Cairns bank

    20%-40% DepositOffsetRedraw
    6.39%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    6.32%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,124
    per month
    Principal And Interest
  • Cairns bank

    CLASSIC HOME LOAN VARIABLE 80-90 LVR PI

    Cairns bank

    10%-20% DepositRedraw
    6.49%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    6.20%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,157
    per month
    Principal And Interest
    Fees:
    Application $200
    Discharge
    $60    + other fees may apply
  • Cairns bank

    PLUS HOME LOAN VARIABLE 80-90 LVR PI

    Cairns bank

    10%-20% DepositOffsetRedraw
    6.59%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    6.51%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,190
    per month
    Principal And Interest
    Fees:
    Discharge
    $60    + other fees may apply
  • Cairns bank

    CLASSIC HOME LOAN VARIABLE >90 LVR PI

    Cairns bank

    Min 4% DepositRedraw
    6.69%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    6.40%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,223
    per month
    Principal And Interest
    Fees:
    Application $200
    Discharge
    $60    + other fees may apply
  • Cairns bank

    PLUS HOME LOAN VARIABLE >90 PI

    Cairns bank

    Min 4% DepositOffsetRedraw
    6.79%
    Interest Rate
    Variable
    7.20%
    Comparison Rate*
    $3,256
    per month
    Principal And Interest

* Comparison rate is calculated on a loan amount of $150,000 over 25 years. Rates and fees are subject to change. Terms and conditions apply.

+ Only key fees (application, discharge, ongoing) are displayed - other fees such as redraw, administration, and processing fees may also apply.

Cairns bank Product Statistics

Real-time insights and market analysis

Cairns bank offers 64 home loan products across 64 variations, the average variable rate is 6.61% p.a., the best available rate is 6.19% p.a..

Average Variable Rate

6.61%

28 products

Average Fixed Rate

6.58%

36 products

Best Available Rate

6.19%

1yr Fixed • Owner Occupied • P&I

Total Products

64

64 variations

Fee Summary

Application Fee

$200

Monthly Fee

$0

Discharge Fee

$60 - $100

Late Payment Fee

$25

Key Features

Across Cairns bank's range: 48 include an offset account, 64 offer redraw, 63 allow extra repayments, 48 support split loans.

Offset Account
75%
Redraw Facility
100%
Extra Repayments
98%
Split Loan
75%

Product Ranges

Cairns bank's interest rates range from 6.19% to 7.09% p.a., maximum LVR from 60% to 96%, loan amounts span $50,000 to $2,000,000.

Interest Rates6.19% — 7.09%
Max LVR60% — 96%
Loan Amount$50K — $2.0M

Disclaimer: The key features displayed highlight what's available across the lender's home loan range. Individual products and variations may differ. Use the product table to search for a loan with the specific features you're looking for.

How Cairns bank Compares

FEATURECairns bankAustralian Mutual Bank LTDHume BankFire Service Credit UnionNewcastle Permanent Building Society
Best Variable Rate
6.24%
5.64%
5.99%
5.89%
5.99%
Best Fixed Rate (3yr)
6.34%
6.14%
6.39%
—
6.39%
Application Fee
$200
$250
$199
$150
$350
Monthly Admin Fee
$0BEST
$0
$0
$0
$0
Offset Account
Redraw Facility
Product Variations
64
182
115
5
109
💡

Bheja Insight: Cairns bank offers offset accounts like most community-owned lenders, helping reduce interest while keeping funds accessible.

About Cairns bank

Company overview and contact information

Cairns Bank, established in 1899, is a community-owned financial institution headquartered in Cairns, Queensland. With over 125 years of service, it remains deeply rooted in the local community, providing personalized banking experiences through both branch and online services. As a holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL: 244324), Cairns Bank is committed to maintaining high regulatory standards.

The bank offers a diverse range of 64 home loan products, featuring competitive fixed and variable rates from 6.19% to 7.09%. Cairns Bank is particularly supportive of first home buyers and single parents, offering a 5% Deposit Scheme backed by a Government Guarantee. This initiative underscores their dedication to making home ownership more accessible to the community.

What sets Cairns Bank apart is its fee-friendly structure, with no establishment or account keeping fees, and exemptions on offset account transaction fees. Their community-focused approach and absence of a Visa Debit annual fee highlight their commitment to providing cost-effective banking solutions. This reputation for personal service and competitive offerings makes Cairns Bank a trusted choice for home loans in the region.

Company Details

Legal Name: Cairns bank
ABN: 68087933757
Established: 1899
Headquarters: Cairns, QLD
Ownership: community_owned
AFSL: 244324

Key Features

Cairns Bank provides home loan borrowers with flexible options and cost-saving features, including offset accounts and fee exemptions, ensuring a personalised banking experience.

Offset Accounts

Cairns Bank offers up to 8 offset accounts, allowing borrowers to reduce interest on their home loans. The combined balance of extra repayments in offset accounts and redraws must not exceed $200,000, providing significant interest savings.

Redraw Facility

Borrowers can access extra repayments with a minimum redraw amount of $1,000, capped at a $50,000 advance. This feature offers flexibility in managing finances and accessing funds when needed.

Split Loans

Cairns Bank allows up to 4 loan splits, enabling borrowers to manage different loan portions under varied interest rates. An annual fee is charged to the primary loan account for this service.

No Establishment Fee

The Plus Home Loan from Cairns Bank is exempt from establishment fees, reducing upfront costs for borrowers. This feature enhances affordability when securing a home loan.

No Account Keeping Fee

Cairns Bank's Plus Home Loan includes no account keeping fees, allowing borrowers to save on ongoing costs and manage their finances more effectively.

Interest-Only Repayments

Cairns Bank supports interest-only repayments for investment loans, providing flexibility in managing cash flow, especially beneficial for property investors.

Construction Loans

Cairns Bank offers construction loan options, allowing borrowers to finance the building of a new home with flexible drawdown schedules and repayment terms.

Online Banking

Cairns Bank provides a robust online banking platform, enabling borrowers to manage their loans, make payments, and access account information conveniently from anywhere.

Fees & Charges

Cairns Bank offers a range of home loan products with a transparent fee structure, including both upfront and ongoing fees, as well as specific charges for variations and discharges.

Fee Type
Amount
Description
Establishment Fee
$200-$300
Charged for setting up the loan, varies by product type.
Package Loan Fee
$395/year
Annual fee for maintaining a package loan.
Account Keeping Fee
$12/month
Monthly fee for maintaining the loan account.
Discharge Preparation Fee
$60
Applied when the loan balance is repaid in full and a Form 3 is prepared.
Discharge Settlement Fee
$100
Charged when attendance at settlement is required.
Variation of Loan Contract Fee
$200
Payable when applying to vary the loan contract.
Additional Redraw Fee
$20
Charged for each redraw in a month after the first free redraw.
Break Cost Administration Fee
$400
Applicable when a fixed rate loan is repaid during the fixed rate period.
Loan Switching Fee
$200
Charged when applying for consent to vary the loan contract or security.
Refixing Fee
$300
Payable when changing from one fixed rate to another.

Fees subject to change. Refer to lender documentation for current rates.

Eligibility Criteria

Cairns Bank offers home loans to Australian citizens and residents, focusing on accessibility for a wide range of borrowers, including first-time home buyers and single parents through special programs.

At least 18 years old
Must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
Must be a natural person, not a legal entity
Minimum loan amount of $50,000
Maximum loan amount of $2,000,000
Loan-to-Value Ratio (LVR) between 60% and 96%
Standard documentation required includes identification, income verification, and property details
Eligible for 5% Deposit Scheme for first home buyers and single parents

Important Notes

  • Lenders Mortgage Insurance (LMI) may be required for loans with an LVR above 80%.
  • The 5% Deposit Scheme is backed by a Government Guarantee, aiding first home buyers and single parents.
  • Loan eligibility may vary based on individual circumstances and specific product requirements.

Cairns bank Home Loan Pros & Cons

Our expert take on whether Cairns bank is right for you

Pros

  • +Competitive rates slightly above market average
  • +No establishment or account keeping fees
  • +Personalized service with a community focus
  • +$2,000 cashback offer for new refinance applications (valid until 28 August 2026)

Cons

  • –Rates are slightly above market average
  • –Break costs apply for fixed rate loans

Best For

  • First-time home buyers seeking government-backed deposit schemes
  • Borrowers valuing personal service and community focus
  • Customers looking for competitive rates with no establishment fees

Not Ideal For

  • Borrowers seeking the lowest possible interest rates
  • Customers needing LMI waivers
💡

Bheja Verdict: Cairns Bank offers competitive home loan rates with a strong focus on personalized service and community involvement, making it a great choice for those seeking a more personal banking experience.

Expert Secrets (Why Use Us?)

Insider knowledge about Cairns bank that most borrowers don't know

LMI Cost Examples

1For a $500,000 loan at 85% LVR, LMI costs $6,000.
2At 90% LVR, the LMI for a $500,000 loan increases to $12,500.
3A $500,000 loan at 95% LVR incurs $21,000 in LMI costs.
4A $750,000 loan at 85% LVR requires $9,000 in LMI.

Fee Waivers

$225 Establishment Fee Waiver for new or existing personal loan applications between 30 April 2025 and 7 July 2026.

Offset Benefits

A $10,000 offset account can save approximately $52 per month, totaling $624 annually.
A $25,000 offset account can save approximately $130 per month, totaling $1,560 annually.
A $50,000 offset account can save approximately $260 per month, totaling $3,120 annually.
A $100,000 offset account can save approximately $520 per month, totaling $6,240 annually.

Admin & Logistics (The Help Desk)

Everything you need to manage your loan

Application Process

5 Steps
1
Contact Cairns Bank: Reach out to Cairns Bank to initiate the discharge process. You can contact them at (07) 4047 6900. (Tip: Have your loan details ready when you call to streamline the process.)
2
Repay Outstanding Balance: Ensure that all outstanding balances on your loan are fully repaid. (Tip: Double-check your account to confirm there are no remaining balances.)
3
Prepare Form 3: Complete and submit Form 3 if applicable. This form is necessary for the discharge preparation. (Tip: Ask the bank if they can provide guidance on filling out the form correctly.)
4
Pay Discharge Fees: Pay the necessary discharge fees, including the Discharge Preparation Fee ($60) and the Discharge Settlement Fee ($100 if attending settlement). (Tip: Confirm the total fees with the bank to avoid any surprises.)
5
Schedule Settlement: If required, schedule a settlement date with Cairns Bank to finalize the discharge. (Tip: Coordinate with any other parties involved to ensure a smooth settlement process.)

Processing Times

Discharge Process10-14 business days
💡

Pro Tips

  • Request the discharge at least 2 weeks before your planned settlement date.
  • Ensure all forms are filled out accurately to avoid delays.
  • Keep a record of all communications with the bank for reference.
  • Inquire if any fees can be waived or reduced.
  • Avoid last-minute requests to prevent rushed processing.

Cairns bank Mortgage Calculator

Estimate your repayments using current Cairns bank home loan rates

Over 30 years, borrowing $480,000 at 6.19%, total cost including interest and known fees could be around $1,373,753. Estimated monthly repayment: $2,936.74.

Estimated total cost over 30 years
$1,373,753
Estimated repayment
$2,936.74
monthly repayment
Amount you borrow: $480,000 · At 6.19% · Fixed for 1 years, then may change

About $2,936.74 monthly repayment now — may change to about $3,028.77 later.

After a fixed period you may renegotiate, re-fix, or refinance with your bank.

This loan can be split between fixed and variable. This estimate uses one option only.

Known fees in this estimate

Settlement fee
$100
Monthly fee
$790 / month
Total ongoing fees (30 yrs)
$284,400
How is this calculated?

Estimated total cost includes the amount borrowed, interest over the full loan term, and any upfront, ongoing, and discharge fees published by the lender. It does not include stamp duty, LMI, or savings from an offset account.

The revert rate is the rate your loan may switch to when a fixed, introductory, or interest-only period ends. Where a lender hasn't published this rate, we use an estimate.

Cost breakdown

Amount you borrow
$480,000
Total interest
$609,253
Upfront fees
$100
Ongoing fees
$284,400
Estimated total cost
$1,373,753
  • These figures are estimates only. Your actual repayments and costs may differ. Confirm all details with your lender before making a decision.
  • Where a lender hasn't published their revert rate (the rate that applies after a fixed, introductory, or interest-only period ends), we estimate it. Your repayments may change when this period ends.
  • Split loans and offset accounts aren't included in this estimate.
  • For product comparison and comparison rates, see the rates table above.

Still Unsure? Let a human handle it.

Not sure if Cairns bank is right for you? Our brokers can help you compare options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cairns Bank doesn't specify loan approval timelines online. It's best to contact them directly for a personalized estimate based on your application.

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