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 REI Super
Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
REI Super
Industry fund
REI Super is built around real estate and property work, including the insurance needs of people paid by commission. Membership is open beyond that industry.
Membership
Anyone can join, including people outside real estate, subject to the product rules. Industry membership is not a requirement.
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.
| Measure | Choose an investment option | Rei Super MySuper |
|---|---|---|
| Return basis | Choose an option | MySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative member |
| 3-year return, per year | Choose an option | 8.45% |
| 5-year return, per year | Choose an option | 5.61% |
| 7-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.28% |
| 10-year return, per year | Choose an option | 6.45% |
| APRA strategic growth allocation | Choose an option | 73.25% |
| Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000 | Choose an option | $480 a year (0.96%) |
| Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total) | Choose an option | $120 a year |
| 2026 performance test | Choose an option | Pass |
| New-member status at reporting date | Check the current product eligibility rules | Check the current product eligibility rules |
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 | REI Super |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 | Anyone can join, including people outside real estate, subject to the product rules. Industry membership is not a requirement. Sources1234 |
| Accounts and products | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 | Superannuation, transition-to-retirement and pension accounts. Sources1234 |
| Insurance | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 | Death, TPD and income protection are available, depending on age and employment status. The fund specifically describes insurance for commission-based salaries. Sources1234 |
| 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 default pension strategy combines Balanced and Cash and rebalances the allocation by age. The Cash allocation funds nearer-term income needs, while Balanced retains growth exposure. Sources1234 |
| Comparing investment performance | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 | Super and pension performance are published separately. Compare current returns across a shared date range and similar exposure to growth assets. Sources1234 |
| Investment choices | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Diversified and sector-specific investment options. Members can select their own investment mix. Sources1234 |
| Advice and support | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Members can access financial advice, including help with investment choice and retirement. Check the scope and cost of the service requested. Sources1234 |
| Fee details to check | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. | Use the current schedule for super or pension and the chosen investment option. Compare any insurance quote using the same definition of commission income. Sources1234 |
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 REI Super
Worth investigating for real estate salespeople and property professionals whose earnings pattern makes an ordinary salary-based insurance comparison incomplete.
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 REI 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 REI Super profile · Choose another comparison
Sources for DFRDB
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Sources for REI Super
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.