This information is provided on behalf of the owners corporation or body corporate. Macquarie Bank is changing the payment options it offers. These modifications are focused on moving traditional direct debit to a biller-initiated direct debit within DEFT.
From 30 June 2025, Macquarie Bank will transition away from traditional direct debit payments. This means your current direct debit arrangements will become inactive.
Owners who want a direct debit option need to set up a biller-initiated direct debit via this link or use the BPAY option.
Existing direct debit arrangements will be cancelled once Macquarie Bank transitions its processes in 2025. Please keep an eye out for further information on the official dates for this change.
You can set up a new biller-initiated direct debit arrangement by registering your email with deft.com.au, creating your password and completing the required details to authorise your biller. When you sign up for biller-initiated direct debit, you are providing authority to take the specific amount due on the levy from your account. This is not a one-time permission and is valid even if the levy amount changes. If the total alters, the software will withdraw the correct amount.
If you register for a biller-initiated direct debit arrangement before 30 June 2025, the payment will be taken on the existing due date from 1 July 2025. More information on how to add biller-initiated direct debits can be found here.
You can pay using BPAY via your bank’s app or online banking. Your invoices or levy notices will provide a biller code and reference number.
If your bank offers self-service phone banking, you may be able to pay from your bank account or credit card.
You should check with your financial institution for both options, including if a fee applies. There is no DEFT fee applicable.
If you decide to pay your expenses or levies this way, you can set up one-off or recurring payments from your bank account, debit, or credit card.
American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa cards are accepted. Transaction fees may apply.
You can pay in-store at Australia Post branches using EFTPOS or cheque. Just present the barcode located on your invoice or levy notice.
Check with Australia Post if your local branch offers this service.
Welcome to our FAQ guide, designed to equip you with insightful knowledge and answer your most pressing questions. We hope this guide serves as an invaluable resource. So, let’s demystify any uncertainties you may have, as we believe in promoting transparency and fostering an informed community.
Biller-initiated direct debit is a DEFT payment system managed by Macquarie Bank. It is a payment method that takes the specific amount of your levy from your account on the due date. This is not a one-time permission and is valid even if the levy amount changes.
It’s important to be aware that if there aren’t enough funds in your account on the due date, your account could go into arrears.
This change only applies to your existing direct debit arrangements for levy payments. You can still pay through other methods as usual, such as by BPAY, Australia Post, or directly through DEFT.com.au.
Here is what you need to know if you have an existing direct debit:
This change applies to any direct debits you currently have for the property, regardless of the bank you’re with.
If you would like to continue using direct debits after 30 June 2025, you need to register for biller-initiated direct debits through DEFT.com.au. To set up biller-initiated direct debits, follow the steps under the ‘How to register for biller-initiated direct debits’ in the next section.
To set up biller-initiated direct debit, you will need to know the property’s unique DEFT reference number. You can learn more about how to find this number in the following section. If you have already registered with DEFT, you can follow the steps below to set up biller-initiated direct debits:
Visit deft.com.au and register or sign in to your account.
Go to 'DEFT reference numbers' and locate the DEFT reference number for the property for which you wish to set biller-initiated direct debits.
Click 'Add DEFT reference number' and follow the prompts to register the property that you wish to authorise direct debits for.
Tick' Direct debit authorisation (Biller-initiated)' circle, select a payment method and click 'Add' to finish setting up your biller-initiated direct debit payment.
Visit deft.com.au and register or sign in to your account.
Check that you've cancelled any outstanding active schedules on the DEFT reference number for the property that you wish to set biller-initiated direct debits by going to 'Schedule payments', then Selecting 'Edit' and selecting 'Delete'. Note: If you don't cancel any outstanding active schedules, a warning will pop up when you try to add DEFT biller-initiated direct debit.
Go to 'DEFT reference numbers', select the DEFT reference number for the property that you wish to authorise direct debits for and click 'Edit'.
Tick' Direct debit authorisation (Biller-initiated)', select a payment method, and click 'Update' to finish setting up your biller-initiated direct debit payment.
To set up biller-initiated direct debit, you will need your property’s unique DEFT Reference Number. You can find this on your levy notice or the levy payment section in the CommunityHub portal as outlined below.
To check if you have direct debits set up correctly, you can follow the below steps:
This means that the direct debit is now active. You can update this anytime by clicking ‘Edit’ next to the DEFT reference number. You can also cancel this arrangement by clicking on ‘Edit’ and then unchecking the black tick to remove biller-initiated direct debit.
biller-initiated direct debits will apply to the next levy due after you’ve successfully registered this payment method through DEFT as highlighted below.
This means that If you register for a biller-initiated direct debit arrangement before 30 June 2025, the payment will be taken for the next levy due after 1 July 2025.
Please note: biller-initiated direct debit cannot be used to facilitate arrears or payment plan arrangements. Payment must be for the due levy amount in full.
Once you’ve set up biller-initiated direct debit on DEFT, you can cancel this arrangement anytime by following the below steps:
Once you’ve set up a biller-initiated direct debit on DEFT, you can update the payment method on this arrangement anytime by following the below steps:
For more information on how to set up DEFT payment methods, you can visit the DEFT FAQ website here or view the DEFT guide for payers here.
Alternatively, you can also contact DEFT on 1800 672 162 for further assistance with troubleshooting issues on your DEFT accounts.
If you encounter any issues accessing or opening links, please visit the official deft.com.au websites below:
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