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 GuildSuper
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
GuildSuper
Retail fund brand
GuildSuper is retaining its brand while transferring into Smart Future Trust. The transition is still underway on the research date, so current notices matter more than an old fee table.
Membership
Use the current GuildSuper joining documents and the transfer notice. The brand remains available, although some member transactions are temporarily limited during the transition.
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 | GuildSuper |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Use the current GuildSuper joining documents and the transfer notice. The brand remains available, although some member transactions are temporarily limited during the transition. Sources12 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | GuildSuper accumulation and pension products. Sources12 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | The transfer notice says insurance cover and policy terms remain the same, but the insurance administration fee increases. Sources12 |
| 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 | Pension members remain in GuildSuper. The notice adjusts some September payment dates and temporarily limits member-initiated withdrawals and switches. Sources12 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Any future comparison spanning the transfer needs the option mapping and strategy-history note. Do not splice two different strategies without explanation. Sources12 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | The transfer introduces a refreshed investment menu and maps existing balances to comparable new options. Check the mapping for the precise option instead of assuming its old name and asset mix persist. Sources12 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Use the current contact and advice information in the product disclosure. Confirm the service and price before commissioning personal advice. Sources12 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | New fund details apply to contributions from 5 September 2026. Compare the fee schedule applying after the transfer, including the higher insurance administration fee. The notice says most members are expected to pay lower overall fees, not all members. Sources12 |
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 GuildSuper
Most immediately useful for existing GuildSuper members checking where their account is going and how their particular fees change.
What deserves a closer look
- The scheduled account transfer is 12 September 2026, with services expected to resume on 14 September; it is not complete on 11 September.
- Some member transactions are unavailable from 4 to 14 September. The new contribution identifiers started earlier than the account transfer.
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 GuildSuper
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 GuildSuper profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for GuildSuper
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.