What is DEFT?

DEFT is a payment system that makes it easy for people to pay you, and for you to automatically reconcile payments as you receive them. 

Payment options include: 

  • Debit or credit card (via the DEFT website or your DEFT-integrated software platform)
  • One-off or recurring direct debits (from bank account or card) 
  • BPAY®
  • Cheque or EFTPOS (over the counter at Australia Post).

® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518

How do I get DEFT?

If you’d like access to DEFT, you need to have a Macquarie Business Banking account. To find out more about DEFT and our Business Banking services please reach out to your relationship manager or call us on 1800 620 673 (+61 2 8550 5603 if calling from overseas).  

It’s important to note:

  • Terms and conditions apply
  • Fees and charges may apply
  • DEFT is subject to approval and eligibility criteria. To see if your business is eligible, one of our banking specialists can discuss the application criteria with you, simply request a call

DEFT fees and charges

Fees and charges may apply for DEFT and can differ per payment channel. 

For an outline of DEFT fees, or confirmation of your current DEFT fees, please reach out to your relationship manager or call us on 1800 620 673 (+61 2 8550 5603 if calling from overseas).

DEFT Reference Numbers (DRNs)

A DRN is a unique reference number that is linked to a Macquarie account and is allocated to your customer (payer) by you (biller).  

By using a DRN, DEFT will automatically recognise which of your accounts the payment needs to go to, regardless of your payers’ choice of payment method. Unlike a bank transfer, they don’t need to enter a description or reference when they pay. If your payer uses the correct DRN, there’s no risk of unrecognised payments or payments being sent to the wrong account.  

For more information on DRNs read the relevant section below.

Order a DRN

To order a DRN via Macquarie Business Online:

  1. Log in to Macquarie Business Online
  2. On the menu navigate to Manage, then select DEFT References
  3. You’ll be taken to the Order References page
  4. In the Accounts field, type the account number you require, or select it from the drop-down list
  5. Select the quantity you require
  6. Select Next
  7. Check all details are correct and select Submit.

Orders placed by 3:00pm (Sydney time) will be processed the same business day and will be active from the next business day. 

If you’re ordering a DRN for an account for the first time, you won’t be able to do so from 8:30pm to 3:00pm (Sydney time).

View existing DRNs

You can download DRNs linked to a particular account via Macquarie Business Online.

  1. Log in to Macquarie Business Online 
  2. On the menu navigate to Manage, then select DEFT References
  3. Select the View References page 
  4. Select the account you need to download by clicking the down arrow icon. 

Your file will be automatically downloaded to your downloads folder. The information will be produced in a .CSV file format which will contain the following information for each DEFT reference number linked to that account:

  • Account number: The account number that the DEFT reference number is linked to. 
  • Account name: The account name that the DEFT reference number is linked to.
  • DEFT reference number: The DEFT reference number in question. 
  • Primary ID: A label provided by you to identify the DEFT reference number, for example the payer’s name. If there’s no Primary ID, this field will be blank.
  • Secondary ID: A second label provided by you to identify the DEFT reference number, for example a tenant or lot owner number. If there’s no Secondary ID, this field will be blank.
  • Date last modified: The date of the most recent amendment to the DEFT reference number. Last modified by: The Macquarie ID of the last user to amend DEFT reference number details.

Please note the file will show entries going from the most recent to the oldest references linked to your account.

DEFT via Australia Post

To make a payment at Australia Post, you need to provide your customers with an invoice or other document containing a DEFT-formatted barcode. This can be generated by most DEFT-integrated business management software. Note, payments can’t be made with the DEFT reference number alone. 

For more information on how to generate barcodes, please reach out to your relationship manager or call us on 1800 620 673 (+61 2 8550 5603 if calling from overseas).

Log in to Macquarie Business Online

Macquarie Business Online is an online banking experience that can grow with your business and help you achieve your goals.

Resolve a complaint

Everyone at Macquarie is committed to providing our clients with the highest standard of products and services available. If you have feedback we would like you to tell us about it. 

Request a call

Fill out our form so we can review your application and connect you with the right banking specialist.