Key takeaways
- The main government registers generally do not set an expiry date on money they hold.
- Since 31 December 2015, bank accounts are generally treated as unclaimed after seven years without deposits or withdrawals.
- Superannuation and state revenue rules have their own dormancy periods.
How long the money is held
Australian government registers are designed to protect money, not to absorb it. Whether it is ASIC holding a forgotten bank account, Revenue NSW holding a business refund, or the ATO holding a small super balance, the amount remains in the owner's name until it is claimed.
| Type of money | Dormancy period before transfer | Held by |
|---|---|---|
| Bank accounts | Seven years without deposits or withdrawals (some account types exempt) | ASIC, searched via Moneysmart |
| Superannuation | Varies; small inactive balances may transfer to the ATO | ATO |
| State unclaimed money | Set by each state or territory; periods vary | State or territory register |
| Rental bonds | Rules vary by jurisdiction; in the NT the landlord or agent holds the bond | State or territory bond authority |
| Unpaid wages | Held after recovery by Fair Work | Fair Work Ombudsman |
Why institutions transfer money
The transfer to a government register is a safeguard. It prevents businesses from quietly absorbing dormant balances and gives owners a central place to search. After the transfer, the original institution usually still holds the records needed to prove a claim.
Interest on unclaimed money
Moneysmart says interest is paid on unclaimed money held by ASIC (bank accounts, shares and life insurance) from 1 July 2013. No interest is payable for any period before that date, and some record types, such as company gazette and deregistered company trust money, do not earn interest. The rate is based on the change in CPI. State registers set their own rules, so check the register holding your money.
Ready to search?
Not sure which registers apply to you? Our free search guide turns six quick answers into a personalised checklist of official searches. Every register it links to is a government service and free to use.
Official sources checked
- Researched and reviewed by
- Find Lost Money Australia
- Information last verified
- 1 August 2026 (first published August 2026)
Find Lost Money Australia is an independent information service, not a government agency. Our review checks the responsible agency's current page, search location and claim instructions. Agencies can change their rules, so confirm details on the official site before you act.
Continue your lost-money search
Time is not the problem. Coverage is. Check each of these once.
- Where should I search? (free search guide)Answer six quick questions and get a personalised list of the official registers to check.
- Bank accounts, shares and dividendsASIC holds bank money inactive for seven years, plus unclaimed dividends and share proceeds.
- Your state or territory registerEach state holds unclaimed refunds, deposits and trust money from businesses in that state.
- Lost superSuper from old jobs, plus balances the ATO is holding in your name.
Searching is free. Every register we link to lets you search at no cost, and you can lodge a claim yourself. Be cautious of any business that asks for an upfront fee simply to search a public register on your behalf. Find Lost Money Australia is an independent information service. We are not a government agency and we do not hold or search unclaimed money databases.