Changes to Credit Card Levy Payments from 1 October 2026
If you pay your body corporate levies by credit card, this affects you.
From 1 October 2026, credit card payments will no longer be accepted for body corporate levy payments through the DEFT payment platform. Owners who currently pay this way will need to move to an alternative payment method before that date.
Here’s what’s happening, why, and what you need to do.
What is changing with credit card levy payments?
DEFT/Macquarie has advised that it will discontinue credit card payment processing for body corporate levy payments from 1 October 2026, due to changes in Australian payment regulations.
After this date, owners will no longer be able to pay levies by credit card through the current DEFT payment platform.
All other payment methods on the DEFT system are unaffected and will continue to work as normal.
Why is this changing?
This is a change being made by DEFT/Macquarie in response to changes in Australian payment regulations.
To be clear: this is an industry-driven change. It is not a decision made by Stratacare, your Committee, or your Body Corporate. Strata managers across the country are passing on the same message, because the change sits with the payment provider rather than with any individual agency or scheme.
What does this mean for me?
If you don’t pay by credit card, nothing changes. Your existing payment arrangement will continue to work exactly as it does today, and you don’t need to take any action.
If you do pay by credit card, you will need to select an alternative payment method and update your payment arrangements before 1 October 2026.
We’d encourage you to do this sooner rather than later. If your levies fall due shortly after the cut-off and your payment method hasn’t been updated, the payment won’t go through – and levies that aren’t paid by their due date can attract interest and recovery action under the body corporate legislation.
Alternatives to credit card levy payments
Owners will continue to have access to the following options through the existing DEFT system:
– BPAY
– Direct Debit
– Post Billpay
Owners seeking cash flow flexibility will still be able to fund BPAY payments using a credit card through arrangements offered by their own financial institution. However, chargeback rights, rewards programs and cash advance treatment may differ between card issuers, so we encourage owners to check directly with their bank regarding their specific circumstances.
Your levy notice shows the payment options available to you, along with the reference numbers you’ll need. If you’re setting up a new arrangement, that notice is the best place to start.
What is Stratacare doing about it?
Stratacare will continue to maintain the current DEFT payment arrangements, and we’ll keep owners informed as further details come through.
At this stage, we are not proposing an immediate transition to an alternative payment platform. We’re continuing to assess future software and payment processing options, and we’ll advise owners and Committees of any developments as they happen.
We’d rather make a considered decision about any future platform than rush a change that affects every owner in every scheme we manage.
Frequently asked questions
Why are credit card payments being removed? DEFT/Macquarie is discontinuing credit card payment processing for levy payments due to changes in Australian payment regulations.
Is this a decision made by Stratacare? No. The change has been initiated by DEFT/Macquarie in response to regulatory changes. It applies to body corporate levy payments processed through their platform, not just to Stratacare schemes.
Will credit card payments still be available after 1 October 2026? No. Credit card payments through the current DEFT platform will cease from 1 October 2026.
What payment methods can I use instead? BPAY, direct debit, Post Billpay, and any other payment options shown on your levy notice will remain available.
Can I still use my credit card to pay my levies another way? Possibly. Some financial institutions allow BPAY payments to be funded by credit card. Chargeback rights, rewards programs and cash advance treatment may differ between card issuers, so please check directly with your bank regarding your specific circumstances.
Is Stratacare moving to a new payment provider? Not at this stage. Stratacare will continue to use the existing DEFT arrangements while assessing future software and payment processing options.
What do I need to do if I currently pay by credit card? Before 1 October 2026, select an alternative payment method and update your payment arrangements accordingly. Your levy notice lists the available options and the reference details you’ll need.
Does this affect my direct debit? No. Direct debit arrangements are unaffected and will continue as normal.
Key date
1 October 2026 – credit card payments through DEFT are no longer available.
If you currently pay by credit card, make the switch before this date.
Questions?
If you’re unsure which payment method suits you, or you need a copy of your levy notice with your payment reference details, get in touch with our team at reception@stratacare.com.au.
