If you pay your strata levies through DEFT for a property managed by one of our branches, some important changes are coming to DEFT payment options. Following a review by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), new card payment regulations will come into effect from 1 October 2026. As a result, payment providers across Australia, including DEFT, are changing the way card payments are offered and processed. DEFT, which is owned and operated by Macquarie, is phasing out card payments across its platform.
For properties managed by our branches, credit and debit card payments through DEFT will continue to be available until 31 January 2027. We encourage owners to review alternative payment options and update their payment arrangements ahead of this date to help ensure levy payments continue without interruption.
If you would like further information about the regulatory changes, you can view the RBA communication announcement.
DEFT has announced that card payments will no longer be available as a payment option. For properties managed by our branches, card payments can continue to be used until 31 January 2027.
After this date, card payments and any associated recurring card payment arrangements will be cancelled. If you currently pay your levies by card, you should arrange an alternative payment method before 31 January 2027 to avoid missed payments.
If you own properties with different strata, owners corporation or body corporate management providers, please refer to the communications issued for each property for the relevant payment information and transition dates.
If you currently pay your strata levies by credit or debit card through DEFT, you’ll need to choose an alternative payment method before card payments are discontinued on 31 January 2027.
Failure to update your payment arrangements may result in missed levy payments. Depending on your scheme’s arrangements, overdue levies may incur interest, recovery costs or other applicable fees.
Depending on the payment methods available for your scheme, DEFT offers several alternatives to card payments.
Set up one-off or recurring direct debit payments from your bank account through the DEFT Payer Portal. This is a convenient way to automate levy payments and avoid missing due dates.
Make fee-free payments through your mobile or internet banking using your DEFT PayID details.
Pay through your bank's mobile or internet banking service using the DEFT Biller Code and your DEFT Reference Number (DRN).
Pay in person at Australia Post using the barcode on your levy notice or invoice. Payments can be made by EFTPOS or cheque.
Some strata schemes also offer StrataPay as a levy payment option. Depending on your scheme, StrataPay may allow you to make payments online and set up recurring payment arrangements.
From 1 October 2026, StrataPay will no longer be able to charge card payment fees directly to owners who choose to pay their levies by card. This means the cost of processing card payments will become an expense of the owners corporation or body corporate and be shared by all owners through levies.
Because these costs would be shared across all owners, approval at a general meeting is required for card payments to remain available through StrataPay. If approval is not obtained, card payments will no longer be available through StrataPay from 1 October 2026.
You can manage your payment preferences and set up an alternative payment method through the DEFT Payer Portal at www.deft.com.au.
We recommend reviewing your payment arrangements well before 31 January 2027 to help your levy payments continue without interruption.
For more information about these changes and available payment methods, visit www.deft.com.au/change.
Before renewing your agreement, take a moment to compare your options. Our quick and easy form can be completed in less than 30 seconds.
This article is edited by Lauren Shaw Regional General Manager and Licensee-in-Charge on May 2026.
