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Centric Super vs DFRDB

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

Centric Super

Retail investment platform

Centric is an adviser-led super platform for members who want a portfolio built around selected investments.

Membership

Designed for members working with a financial adviser. Confirm the available service and minimum balance with the adviser.

DFRDB

Closed public sector scheme

DFRDB is a closed Defence pension scheme with benefits determined by salary and service rules.

Membership

The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

Choose an investment option to see the figures

The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.

Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.

Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.

How the products differ

Centric Super and DFRDB: product features and conditions
What to compareCentric SuperDFRDB
Membership and access

Designed for members working with a financial adviser. Confirm the available service and minimum balance with the adviser.

Sources123

The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.

Sources1
Accounts and products

Centric Super accumulation and retirement accounts.

Sources123

Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme.

DFRDB pension and scheme benefits

Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible

Sources1
Investment choices

Centric Choice provides a broad investment menu. Centric One centres on multi-asset model portfolios, with consolidated online reporting.

Sources123

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Insurance

Insurance arrangements should be checked in the current super disclosure and the proposal supplied by your adviser; investment-platform access alone does not establish your cover.

Sources123

Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection.

Sources1
Retirement income

The platform supports transition-to-retirement and pension accounts.

Sources123

Service and super salary affect retirement pay. Eligible members can consider a pension and an optional lump-sum commutation under scheme rules.

Sources1
Advice and support

Portfolio selection is part of an advised service. Ask for the ongoing advice scope and fee in writing.

Sources123

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Fee details to check

Add the platform and account charges, cash-account margin, investment costs, transaction costs and any adviser remuneration. A monthly account fee alone does not describe the whole cost.

Sources123

This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents.

Comparing investment performance

There is no single Centric return. Compare the actual model or selected holdings after all relevant costs, using a consistent period and risk level.

Sources123

Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate.

Sources1

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on Centric Super

Editorial assessment

May suit someone who has a clear reason for using an adviser and wants that adviser to manage investments within super.

What deserves a closer look

  • The extra services need to justify their total cost.
  • Cash is part of the platform arrangement and can affect both fees and investment exposure.

Sources123

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on DFRDB

Editorial assessment

DFRDB belongs in an explanation of retirement entitlements. It does not belong in a league table of funds to switch into. The value of pension income and any commutation decision needs individual calculation.

Who this profile is for

  • Current DFRDB members and pensioners reviewing entitlements.

What deserves a closer look

  • Any investment menu applies to a separate ancillary account, not to the core DFRDB pension.
  • A commutation changes the form of retirement benefits; compare its full effect before deciding.

Sources1

Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between Centric Super and DFRDB

Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.

Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.

Read the full Centric Super profile · Read the full DFRDB profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for Centric Super

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. Centric Super
  2. Policies and disclosure documents
  3. Investment administration

Sources for DFRDB

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. CSC DFRDB overview