To help committees and lot owners understand the upcoming changes to credit card levy payments, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions below. These changes take effect from 1 October 2026 and reflect new payment industry requirements. Our aim is to provide clear, transparent information about what’s changing and what it means for your scheme.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Contact your Strata Manager or get in touch with the SSKB team.
This affects every scheme managed by SSKB. Macquarie Bank holds the accounts for all SSKB-managed schemes, and Macquarie is removing the ability to accept credit and debit card payments across its merchant facilities from 1 October 2026.
From 1 October 2026, you will no longer be able to pay levies using a credit or debit card. All other payment methods — see below — remain available and are not affected.
New Australian payment regulations mean payment providers can no longer pass credit card surcharges on to the person making the payment. In response, Macquarie Bank — which holds the accounts for all SSKB-managed schemes — is removing credit and debit card payment facilities from its merchant accounts, rather than shift those processing costs elsewhere.
Because levy payments are collected on behalf of each scheme and deposited into its own bank account, the Owners Corporation or Body Corporate — not SSKB — is considered the merchant for card transactions. Under the new regulations, any card processing costs would need to be paid by the scheme, not by SSKB. Under the new regulations, any card processing costs would need to be paid by the scheme, and Macquarie is not providing this as an option currently
Macquarie Bank, which holds the trust accounts for all SSKB-managed schemes, is removing card payment facilities entirely from 1 October 2026, so there is no ability for any scheme to retain card payments, even by covering the processing cost themselves.
No. Because this change is being made by Macquarie Bank rather than by SSKB or any individual scheme, there is no vote or decision required from committees.
Other payment methods offered through your existing levy payment arrangements
Details will continue to appear on levy notices where applicable.
For more information about these payment changes, visit deft.com.au/change
Please switch to one of the payment methods listed above before 1 October 2026. Any card payments scheduled on or after that date will be automatically cancelled, so it’s important to update your payment method ahead of time to avoid a missed payment.
Card payments won’t be available after 1 October 2026, regardless of any loyalty programme you’re on. You may wish to check with your bank or card provider about other ways to earn points on bill payments.
No. If you already pay by BPAY, direct debit or bank transfer, nothing changes for you.
No. Because Macquarie is not offering credit card payments, no processing fees will be charged to your Owners Corporation or Body Corporate as a result of this change.
There are international payment providers available which may allow payers to pay their bills. Payers should complete their own research and assess if these providers are suitable to their needs.
Alternatively, payers can arrange an international transfer to their Australian bank account. They’ll need to set up an Australian bank account if they don’t already have one. They can then pay their bills via DEFT payment options including PayID, BPay or deft.com.au, from their Australian bank account.
Please contact your Strata Manager, or reach out to the SSKB team directly.
1 October 2026 — credit and debit card payments removed for your scheme. All other payment methods continue as normal.
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