Consumers who put their savings in regular savings accounts, as opposed to bonus rate or introductory rate products, have received only half the benefit of higher cash rates, new research shows. Comparison site Canstar reviewed rate changes on savings accounts since April last year and found a wide variation in outcomes, depending on the type of product. In the period under review the cash rate moved from 10 basis points to 4.1 per cent. The best outcome for savers has come from introductory rate savings accounts. Rates on these products have gone up by an average of 427 bps to 4.92 per cent. However, intro rates are only available for four or five months and then lower base rates apply. Rates on bonus (or conditional) rate accounts have gone up by an average of 360 bps to 4.27 per cent. Account holders may or may not receive the bonus rate, depending on whether they meet the monthly deposit and transaction conditions. Rates on regular savings accounts, which have an ongoing rate with no conditions, have gone up by an average of 221 bps to 2.44 per cent. Canstar group executive, financial services, Steve Mickenbecker said the results of the review highlight the importance of consumers actively managing their savings. Twenty-two of 57 savings account providers in the Canstar database currently offer an account with a rate of 5 per cent or more. Rate leaders include ING Bank, MOVE Bank and Bank of Queensland, which are all offering 5.5 per cent on bonus rate accounts.  The top term deposit rate of Judo Bank’s offer of 5.45 per cent for 12 months.