A CBA discharge authority form is the paperwork that tells CommBank to release its mortgage over your property so a new lender can settle in its place. The fastest way to complete a switch is to let your new lender and broker prepare and lodge it for you, rather than requesting it yourself and managing the process alone.
This guide is general information from Kookaburra Finance. We are not affiliated with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, and readers should confirm current forms, fees and processing times directly with CBA before acting.
What is the CBA discharge authority form?
A discharge authority (sometimes called a discharge request) is a formal instruction to your existing lender to remove its mortgage from the property title once your loan is paid out. It is the legal step that clears the way for a new lender to register their own mortgage at settlement.
You do not need to fill this in yourself if you are refinancing through a broker. When you accept an offer from a new lender, your broker typically prepares the discharge request as part of the refinance file and lodges it with CBA on your behalf, at no cost to you. It runs in the background while the new loan is being approved.
Where do I get the CBA discharge form?
If you want to see or start the form directly, CBA customers can usually request a discharge authority through online banking or by contacting the bank's home loan team. CBA will confirm the exact requirements for your loan type, including any documents needed for jointly owned properties or loans with multiple securities.
That said, most people never touch the form. A broker coordinating your refinance will request it as part of the switch, matching the details to your new loan and settlement date so nothing is missed. This is usually the simpler path, since a form with an error or missing signature is one of the most common causes of a delayed discharge.
Should I refinance or ask CBA to reprice first?
Before you commit to leaving, it is worth asking CBA for a better rate on your current loan. Banks will sometimes reduce the rate for an existing customer who raises the issue, particularly if that customer has a strong repayment history and reasonable equity. This is sometimes referred to as the loyalty tax: new customers are often offered sharper rates than existing ones, and a quick call can close some of that gap.
A broker will usually suggest requesting a repricing quote from CBA as the first step, then comparing it against offers from other lenders. If CBA's revised rate is competitive, staying may cost you less in fees and paperwork. If it still lags the market, a refinance is worth pursuing. Either way, you end up with a clear comparison rather than guessing.
What does it cost to leave CBA?
Exit costs are generally modest compared with the potential savings from a lower rate, but it pays to know what to expect. Figures below are indicative only and should be confirmed with CBA and your state revenue office, since fees can change.
| Cost | Typical range | |---|---| | Discharge fee (lender admin) | Around $350 to $400 at major banks | | Government discharge and registration fees | A few hundred dollars, varies by state | | Fixed-rate break cost | Variable; request a payout figure from CBA if you are on a fixed rate |
If your loan is on a fixed rate, ask CBA for a specific break cost estimate rather than relying on general figures, as this depends on how far into the fixed term you are and how rates have moved. Some new lenders also offer refinance cashbacks, often in the range of $2,000 to $4,000, which can offset some or all of the exit costs. Check current offers on our home loan rates page.
How long does the discharge take?
Discharge and settlement timelines across the major banks typically run around two to four weeks from when the request is lodged. Delays usually come down to incomplete or incorrect forms, mismatched account details, or missing signatures from all borrowers on the title.
This is one of the main reasons brokers handle the discharge paperwork rather than leaving it to the customer. A broker who lodges the form correctly the first time, and follows up if CBA needs anything further, can keep the process on track for your planned settlement date.
What happens on settlement day?
On settlement day, representatives for CBA, your new lender, and often a conveyancer or solicitor coordinate to finalise the switch. CBA's mortgage is discharged from the title, your outstanding CBA loan balance is paid out from the new loan funds, and the new lender registers its mortgage in its place. Any surplus funds, if applicable, are handled according to your settlement instructions.
You are not expected to attend or negotiate any of this directly. Your broker and conveyancer manage the coordination between the two lenders, and you will typically receive confirmation once settlement has completed and your new loan is active.
Step by step: switching your home loan away from CBA
1. Compare your current rate against the market. Use a rate check to see whether your CBA rate is still competitive. 2. Ask CBA for a repricing quote. Give the bank the chance to match or improve your rate before you commit to switching. 3. Get a fixed-break payout figure if relevant. Ask CBA directly if you are still inside a fixed term. 4. Compare refinance offers, including cashbacks. Look at rate, fees, and any cashback on offer through refinance options. 5. Apply with the new lender. Your broker submits the application and supporting documents. 6. Broker lodges the CBA discharge authority. This runs alongside the new loan approval, at no cost to you. 7. New lender approves and issues loan documents. Review and sign these when ready. 8. Settlement is booked and coordinated. CBA, the new lender and your conveyancer agree a date. 9. Settlement completes. CBA is paid out and discharged, and the new mortgage is registered. 10. Confirm the switch. Check your new loan account and repayment details are set up correctly.
Use our calculators to estimate repayments and compare the numbers before you commit to a switch.
Leaving CBA or just want a better rate? Run our free rate check or book a call with Tom Smith at Kookaburra Finance. We're FBAA members, accredited with 60+ lenders, and there's no cost to you. Get in touch to start the conversation.