Understanding StrataPay payment options and card payment changes

If your strata scheme offers StrataPay, there are important changes to card payments coming into effect from 1 October 2026.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has changed the rules relating to card payment surcharges. As a result, from 1 October 2026 StrataPay will no longer be able to charge card payment fees directly to owners making levy payments.

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. A decision must be taken at a general meeting for card payments to continue to be offered through StrataPay.

Further information about regulatory changes

If you would like further information about the regulatory changes, you can view the RBA communication announcement.

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Learn about the changes coming up:

Will I still be able to pay by card?

Whether card payments remain available will depend on the outcome of a general meeting held by your owners corporation or body corporate before 1 October 2026.


If your scheme votes to continue accepting card payments

  • Card payments will remain available through StrataPay.
  • Existing card-funded direct debit arrangements will continue.
  • Owners will not pay a separate card surcharge.
  • Card processing costs will be paid by the owners corporation or body corporate.

  • These costs will be shared by all owners through increased strata, owners corporation or body corporate levies.


If your scheme does not hold a general meeting to accept card payments before 1 October 2026

  • Card payments will not be available through StrataPay.
  • Existing card-funded direct debit arrangements will be cancelled.
  • Owners who currently pay by card will need to choose an alternative payment method.

What should I do?

If you currently pay your levies by card through StrataPay, it’s important to understand whether your scheme intends to continue offering card payments, via a vote at a general meeting.

If your scheme does not hold a general meeting before 1 October card payments will not be available. You will need to choose an alternative payment method for future levy payments before 30 September 2026.

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.

Alternative payment options may include:

  • Direct debit
  • BPAY®
  • Australia Post
  • Other payment methods listed on your levy notice

Need more information?

For further information about StrataPay card payment contact StrataPay on 1300 135610. If you want to know if your scheme plans to hold a general meeting contact your committee.

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This article is edited by Lauren Shaw Regional General Manager and Licensee-in-Charge on May 2026.

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