NAB deposit tactics show promise

The matrix of deposit gathering tactics employed by National Australia Bank over the last year or so appears to be producing short-term results.

While other big banks reported negligible growth for the month of October 2009, NAB reported growth of 1.2 per cent in household deposits.

CBA reported no growth in deposits, though this largely reflects a continuing shift of hot money out of Bank of Western Australia to other banks offering better rates (such as NAB).

ANZ and Westpac each reported growth of 0.3 per cent for October.

NAB has reported the fastest growth in deposits over three months, at 4.3 per cent compared to growth for the banking sector of 2.2 per cent.

The introduction of the companion brand UBank a year or so ago will be one factor helping NAB in the deposit market. UBank has had the highest interest rate on at-call deposits from as low as one dollar since its debut. The current rate is 5.46 per cent.

Public relations around NAB's decision to eliminate many penalty fees on household and business accounts will also have helped.