CHANGES TO DEFT PAYMENT METHODS
IMPORTANT CHANGES FROM 1 OCTOBER 2026
This change is being introduced by Macquarie Bank, the provider of DEFT, in response to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) ban on card payment surcharges.
It is not a change being introduced by Quantum United Management.
From Thursday 1 October 2026, DEFT will no longer accept credit or debit card payments through deft.com.au.
If you currently pay your Owners Corporation fees using a credit or debit card through DEFT, you will need to choose another available payment method before this date.
Any scheduled or recurring DEFT payments that are linked to a credit or debit card and are due from 1 October 2026 will also be cancelled by DEFT.
The good news is that several alternative payment methods will continue to be available.
WHY IS DEFT MAKING THIS CHANGE?
DEFT has advised that the change follows recent developments affecting card payment surcharges.
From 1 October 2026, DEFT is moving away from credit and debit card payments and focusing on alternative payment methods, including PayID, BPAY and payments directly from a bank account.
This decision has been made by DEFT/Macquarie Bank and applies to organisations that use the DEFT payment platform. Further details can be found HERE.
Quantum United Management has not made the decision to remove card payments.
WHAT PAYMENT OPTIONS WILL STILL BE AVAILABLE?
1. PayID®
PayID provides a fast, fee-free way to make your Owners Corporation payment through your mobile or internet banking.
Your DEFT PayID is unique and based on your individual DEFT reference number.
2. Direct Debit from a bank account
DEFT will continue to allow one-off, scheduled and recurring payments from a bank account.
If you currently have a recurring or scheduled payment linked to a credit or debit card, you will need to update the payment method to a bank account before 1 October 2026.
This can be managed through your DEFT profile at deft.com.au.
3. BPAY®
You can continue to make payments using BPAY through your mobile or internet banking.
You will need:
- the DEFT Biller Code shown on your fee notice; and
- your individual DEFT Reference Number as the Customer Reference Number.
4. Australia Post
Where this payment option appears on your fee notice, payment can also be made in person at participating Australia Post outlets using EFTPOS or cheque.
You will need to bring along your Fee Notice with the Post Bill Pay barcode shown at the bottom.
WHERE CAN I FIND MY PAYMENT DETAILS
Your available payment options are shown on the payment slip at the bottom of your Owners Corporation fee notice.
This includes important information such as your:
- PayID®
- DEFT Reference Number
- BPAY Biller Code
- Australia Post Post Bill Pay barcode
We recommend keeping your most recent fee notice handy when setting up a new payment method.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I currently pay my fees by credit card. What do I need to do?
You will need to select another payment method before 1 October 2026.
Options may include PayID, BPAY or payment directly from your bank account through DEFT.
We recommend making the change before your next Owners Corporation payment is due rather than waiting until the October change takes effect.
What happens to my existing recurring card payment?
DEFT has advised that payments scheduled using a credit or debit card from 1 October 2026 onwards will be cancelled.
If you would like to continue making recurring payments, you can update your DEFT payment method to an eligible bank account.
Can I still use Direct Debit?
Yes.
The important distinction is that the Direct Debit must be linked to a bank account rather than a credit or debit card.
Can I still pay using BPAY?
Yes.
BPAY remains available. Use the DEFT Biller Code and DEFT Reference Number shown on your fee notice.
Can I use PayID?
Yes.
PayID is available through DEFT and allows payments to be made using mobile or internet banking.
You can obtain the PayID associated with your DEFT reference number through deft.com.au.
Does Quantum receive a fee from DEFT payments?
No. Quantum does not receive the card surcharge or payment processing fee associated with DEFT.
DEFT is a payment service provided by Macquarie Bank.
I rely on my credit card to pay my Owners Corporation fees. Is there another credit card option?
DEFT has advised that it will not provide a like-for-like replacement for its current credit card payment option.
Other third-party payment services may exist, however they are independent of Quantum and DEFT. Owners should make their own enquiries regarding any associated fees, terms and suitability before using a third-party provider.
If you are experiencing difficulty meeting an Owners Corporation fee payment, please contact your Quantum Owners Corporation Manager as early as possible to discuss your circumstances.
I live overseas. How can I pay?
DEFT advises that owners can continue to use available payment methods through an Australian bank account, including PayID, BPAY or bank-account payments through DEFT.
International payment providers may also be available, however these are independent services and owners should make their own enquiries regarding their suitability, fees and conditions.
When should I make the change?
We recommend reviewing your payment arrangements now.
If your current payment is linked to a credit or debit card, changing your payment method before 1 October 2026 will help avoid disruption to future Owners Corporation payments.
Need more information?
For detailed information about the DEFT payment changes, including instructions for updating scheduled or recurring payments, visit the DEFT website and DEFT Digital Payment Methods Guide
If you have a question relating specifically to your Owners Corporation fee notice or account, please contact your Quantum Owners Corporation Manager.