Quick answer (updated 16 October 2026): the RBA cash rate is 4.60%. The Reserve Bank raised it by 0.25% on 29 September 2026, its fourth rise of 2026, taking it up 1.00% from 3.60% at the start of the year. The next decision is at 2:30pm on 3 November 2026, then 8 December 2026. A 0.25% rise adds about $82 a month per $500,000 owed on a variable loan.
This page always shows the current cash rate, every decision this year, and what it means for your repayments and borrowing power. We update it on the afternoon of every RBA decision. For a full explanation of each decision, follow the links in the table.
RBA decisions in 2026
| Decision date | Change | Cash rate | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Sep 2026 | +0.25% | 4.60% | RBA statement · What it means |
| 11 Aug 2026 | Hold | 4.35% | RBA statement |
| 16 Jun 2026 | Hold | 4.35% | RBA statement |
| 5 May 2026 | +0.25% | 4.35% | RBA statement |
| 17 Mar 2026 | +0.25% | 4.10% | RBA statement |
| 3 Feb 2026 | +0.25% | 3.85% | RBA statement |
Source: Reserve Bank of Australia media releases. Next decisions: 3 November 2026 and 8 December 2026.
What the cash rate means for your home loan
- Variable rates usually follow. When the cash rate moves, most lenders change their variable home loan rates, often by the same amount, within a couple of weeks. Each lender decides the size and timing. After the September 2026 rise, CommBank, Westpac and ANZ moved from 9 October and Macquarie from 15 October.
- Fixed rates don’t change until the fixed term ends. New fixed rates reflect where lenders expect rates to go. Coming off a fixed rate? See what to do first.
- Your rate is not the cash rate. Lenders add their own margin, and borrowers on older loans often pay more than new customers. That gap can matter more than a single RBA move.
What rate changes cost
| Loan balance | Each 0.25% move | The 1.00% net change in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | about $82 | about $321 |
| $750,000 | about $124 | about $481 |
| $1,000,000 | about $165 | about $641 |
Assumes the lender passes on the full change; illustrative owner-occupier rate of 6.45% now and 5.45% at the start of the year.
Rate rises also cut borrowing power, by roughly 2% for each 0.25%, because lenders test you at your rate plus a 3% buffer. See how much less you can borrow.
What to do when rates move
- Check your rate against new-customer offers. Our refinance calculator shows whether switching beats staying, and when refinancing is worth it.
- Use an offset account. Every dollar in an offset saves interest at your loan rate.
- Don’t panic-fix. Expected rises are usually built into fixed rates already. Fixed vs variable, explained.
- Buying? Re-check your pre-approval after a rise.
- Struggling? Talk to your lender early. Here are your options and rights.
Rates and market guides
RBA cash rate: common questions
What is the RBA cash rate now?
The cash rate is 4.60%. The Reserve Bank raised it by 0.25% on 29 September 2026, its fourth rise of 2026, taking it up 1.00% from 3.60% at the start of the year.
When is the next RBA meeting?
The next decision is announced at 2:30pm Sydney time on 3 November 2026, and the one after that on 8 December 2026.
How many times has the RBA raised rates in 2026?
Four times: on 3 February, 17 March, 5 May and 29 September 2026, each by 0.25%. It held the rate in June and August.
How does the cash rate affect my home loan?
Lenders usually move their variable home loan rates when the cash rate changes, often by the same amount, but each lender decides the size and timing. Fixed rates don’t change until the fixed term ends. A 0.25% rise adds about $82 a month for every $500,000 owed on a 30-year loan.
Will interest rates go down?
Nobody knows for sure. The RBA said it will do what it considers necessary to bring inflation back to its 2–3% target. Some economists expect another rise before the end of 2026; others expect a hold.
Is your rate still competitive?
Whatever the RBA does, the rate you pay matters more than the cash rate. We’ll compare your loan against today’s offers from 40+ lenders in a free 15-minute review. This is general information, not advice for your situation.