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.
DFRDB vs Essential Super
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Essential Super
Retail fund
Essential Super is an accumulation product that can be managed through the CommBank app. It offers an age-based default and a smaller investment menu than a full platform.
Membership
Members can apply through NetBank or the CommBank app after registration. Check the PDS and target market determination for eligibility and whether the product fits your intended use.
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
| What to compare | DFRDB | Essential Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Members can apply through NetBank or the CommBank app after registration. Check the PDS and target market determination for eligibility and whether the product fits your intended use. Sources14 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Essential Super distributed by CommBank and provided by CFS; distinct from FirstChoice. Essential Super accumulation Sources12345 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | Cover is provided through AIA Australia and is subject to eligibility and acceptance. The target-market information flags limitations on cover for an existing illness or injury in some circumstances, with different treatment for tailored cover. Confirm the actual policy before relying on it. Sources125 |
| Retirement income | Service and super salary affect retirement pay. Eligible members can consider a pension and an optional lump-sum commutation under scheme rules. Sources1 | The current product information says Essential Super is not designed for people who are retired and need a retirement income. Someone approaching drawdown should compare pension products separately rather than assume the banking-app account becomes a pension. Sources1 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Use Essential Super's own Lifestage cohort or chosen investment results. FirstChoice's investment returns are a separate product comparison, even though both are provided by CFS. Match the same age, risk and period. Keep Essential Super separate from FirstChoice and CFS Edge. Include the planned move into a pension when comparing options for someone near retirement. Sources3 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Lifestage The Lifestage option adjusts investments according to the member's birth cohort. Members can instead choose pre-mixed or DIY investment options, or combine them with Lifestage. The product does not offer a full direct-share trading menu. Sources3 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | CFS provides product support and disclosure documents. This research has not verified that personal financial advice is included for all Essential Super members; confirm the service available and any cost directly. Sources5 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The cost includes administration, investment and net transaction charges. Buy/sell spreads can also apply to contributions, withdrawals and switches, with insurance additional. The current public comparison uses a particular Lifestage cohort and balance, so it should not be generalized to every member. Sources24 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Our take on DFRDB
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.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Our take on Essential Super
The app integration may help someone pay attention to their super, and a limited menu can reduce unnecessary decisions. It still needs to earn its place on investment cost, risk and insurance. The absence of a retirement-income product is a practical issue for members nearing that stage.
Who might put it on their shortlist
- People who prefer to view their accumulation account alongside their CommBank banking.
- Members who want an age-based investment approach without a large platform menu.
What deserves a closer look
- Convenient banking access does not make the investment a bank deposit or capital-guaranteed.
- The product does not meet every direct-investment or retirement-income need.
- Insurance may limit cover for existing illness or injury depending on the cover type.
- Buy/sell spreads can apply even when there is no separate switching fee.
Sources1
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Before choosing between DFRDB and Essential Super
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 DFRDB profile · Read the full Essential Super profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for Essential Super
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.