Skip to main content Skip to log on Skip to search Accessibility at CommBank

This article is from the second issue of CommBank's magazine, Brighter.

Download Brighter magazine

What is it?

Benefits finder is a global-first tool that’s available in the CommBank app and NetBank. The idea? To help customers find and apply for benefits, rebates and concessions they may be entitled to. Developed by CBA in collaboration with Harvard University’s STAR (Sustainability, Transparency Accountability Research) Lab, the tool uses AI to connect you with relevant benefits. To find it in the app, tap “For you” and then “Benefits finder”.

How does it work?

You’ll be asked to answer a few questions, like “Which concession cards do you have?”, “Are household bills in your name?” and “Do you have children under 18?”. The finder then generates a list of potential rebates and benefits, which you can tap on for a quick overview. One feature I really like is that if your circumstances change (maybe you buy your own car or have a child), you can update your answers and Benefits finder will change the search parameters and show you more or different results.

Benefits finder has connected customers to $1 billion in grants, rebates and concessions so far.

How did it help this tester?

Having lived and worked overseas for many years, I hadn’t thought about the super I earned in my 20s in a long time. So, when the Benefits finder suggested a claim on lost super, I tapped to learn more. While the tool won’t do all the heavy lifting, it clearly sets out the details of the benefit or rebate, including easy steps on how to claim. There’s also an option to tap “Call now” or “Claim now” to start your claim. In my case, I simply had to link a myGov account to the ATO and select “Super”, which only took a few minutes using the phone app. I was also reminded of some vouchers I had yet to claim for my kids’ extracurricular activities.

Can it help your small business?

While I was only looking for personal benefits, business owners can use this tool to quickly sift through government grants and rebates that may help them retain staff, manage cash flow or provide tax relief.

The tool is regularly updated so it’s worth checking every six months to ensure you don’t miss any rebates and benefits that may have been added recently.

To learn more, visit: commbank.com.au/benefitsfinder

Trialled by Brooke le Poer Trench

Read more articles from Brighter magazine.

Tags

Things you should know

  • Brighter magazine provides general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as personal financial product advice. The views expressed by contributors are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of CBA. As the information has been provided without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should, before acting on this information, consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and Terms and Conditions, and whether the product is appropriate to your circumstances. You should also consider whether seeking independent professional legal, tax and financial advice is necessary. Every effort has been taken to ensure the information was correct as at the time of printing but it may be subject to change. No part of the editorial contents may be reproduced or copied in any form without the prior permission and acknowledgement of CBA.

    For more information about the available products and services mentioned in this publication – including Product Disclosure Statements, Terms and Conditions, Target Market Determinations and Financial Services Guides that are currently available electronically – as well as information about interest rates and any fees and charges that may apply, go to commbank.com.au.