Choosing the wrong MySuper default superannuation product could cost the average worker almost $600,000 by the time they retire.

Research has found that if an employee selected and stayed with the lowest performing MySuper default super fund their entire working life, they could end up with $265,000 by the time they retire. Comparably, if they were instead with Australia's top performing MySuper default super product through their careers they could end up with $832,000.

These startling findings are revealed by SelectingSuper, the superannuation comparison service of Rainmaker Information. SelectingSuper's lifetime superannuation savings model assesses the performances of all funds after taking into account the same typical employee profile with identical salaries, fees and contributions over their career.

Dunnin said "If you apply these differences in performance through a super fund member's 45 year working life, it has terrifying implications for hard working Australians who are relying on their super fund to look after them and help them save for their retirement."

Dunnin said that "While the recent Productivity Commission recommended major reforms to the superannuation industry that should see Australia's poorest performing super funds chased out of the market, the good news for consumers is they don't need to wait. Switching to one of Australia's best funds is easy and consumers can do it today."

"But first they should check how their super fund is performing against industry averages across three, five or maybe even 10 years. If their returns are consistently below average it may be time to think about switching." Dunnin said.

Not all funds have histories this long but just because a fund is younger doesn't mean members should tolerate low ranking returns, added Dunnin.