Upcoming Changes to DEFT Payments: What You Need to Know

We want to keep our clients informed about an important upcoming change to levy payment options. While this is not a decision made by Civium, it will affect our owners who currently pay their strata levies via credit or debit card through DEFT.

Why Are Card Payments Being Removed?

According to Macquarie Bank, the change follows new Reserve Bank of Australia standards and card scheme rules that will prohibit businesses from applying surcharges to card payments from October 2026.

As a result, DEFT has decided to discontinue card payments and focus on payment methods that are fee free, transparent and sustainable for both payers and billers. This is a system-wide change implemented by DEFT and is not a change initiated by Strata Managers or Owners Corporations.

What Does This Mean for Lot Owners?

If you currently pay your levies using a credit or debit card through DEFT, you will need to switch to an alternative payment method after 1 October 2026.

Any recurring or scheduled card payments set to occur on or after this date will be automatically cancelled by DEFT. Owners using card payments

should take action well in advance to ensure levy payments continue without interruption.

Alternative Payment Options

DEFT will continue to offer several payment methods, including:

• PayID® for fast, fee free payments through online or mobile banking
• BPAY® using your DEFT Biller Code and Reference Number
• Direct debit from a bank account through DEFT
• Australia Post (Post BillPay) where available on your levy notice

Please note that available payment methods may vary depending on your scheme’s billing arrangements.

We understand that payment changes can be inconvenient, and we want to ensure our owners stay informed.

For more information, visit www.deft.com.au/change.