An ING discharge authority form is the paperwork that tells ING to release its mortgage over your property so a new lender can settle in its place. Rather than chasing the form and lodging it yourself, most borrowers let their new lender and broker prepare it as part of the refinance file, which keeps things moving in the background at no cost to you.
This guide is general information from Kookaburra Finance. We are not affiliated with ING Bank (Australia) Limited, and readers should confirm current forms, fees and processing times directly with ING before acting.
What is the ING discharge authority form?
A discharge authority is a formal instruction to your existing lender to remove its mortgage from the property title once the 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 generally will not need to fill this in yourself if you are refinancing through a broker. Once 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 ING on your behalf, coordinating it alongside the approval of your new loan.
Where do I get the ING discharge form?
ING is a digital and direct bank with no branch network, so the discharge process runs entirely through ING's website, its online banking platform, or by phoning ING's home loan team. Because there is no branch to visit, having the right details ready when you call, such as your loan account number and property address, can help move things along faster.
Most people never touch the form directly. A broker managing your refinance will request it as part of the switch, matching the details to your new loan and settlement date so nothing gets missed. Given ING's phone and digital-only service model, a broker who is used to dealing with ING's processes can be a genuine time saver here.
Should I refinance or ask ING to reprice first?
Before committing to a switch, it is worth asking ING whether it can offer a sharper rate on your current loan. Banks will sometimes improve pricing for an existing customer who raises the issue, particularly one with a good repayment history and reasonable equity. This gap between rates for new customers and existing ones is sometimes called the loyalty tax.
A broker will usually suggest requesting a repricing quote from ING as a first step, then comparing it against the rest of the market. If ING's revised offer is competitive, staying may save you the cost and hassle of switching. If it still falls short, a refinance is worth pursuing, and either way you end up with a clear comparison rather than a guess.
What does it cost to leave ING?
Exit costs are generally modest relative to the savings a better rate can deliver, but it is worth knowing what to expect. Figures below are indicative only and should be confirmed with ING and your state revenue office, since fees can change.
| Cost | Typical range | |---|---| | Discharge fee (lender admin) | Around $350 to $400 | | Government discharge and registration fees | A few hundred dollars, varies by state | | Fixed-rate break cost | Variable; request a payout figure from ING if you are on a fixed rate |
If your loan is on a fixed rate, ask ING for a specific break cost estimate rather than relying on general figures, since this depends on how far into the fixed term you are and how rates have moved since. Some new lenders also offer refinance cashbacks, 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 with ING typically run around two to four weeks from when the request is lodged, similar to other major lenders. 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 by phone if ING needs anything further, can help keep the process on track for your planned settlement date.
What happens on settlement day?
On settlement day, representatives for ING, your new lender, and often a conveyancer or solicitor coordinate to finalise the switch. ING's mortgage is discharged from the title, your outstanding ING 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 ING
1. Compare your current rate against the market. Use a rate check to see whether your ING rate is still competitive. 2. Ask ING for a repricing quote. Give the bank the chance to match or improve your rate before you commit to switching. 3. Compare that quote against other lenders. A broker can weigh ING's offer against 60+ lenders in one conversation. 4. Accept a new loan offer. Your broker prepares the ING discharge authority as part of the refinance file. 5. Sign and lodge the discharge. The paperwork is submitted to ING and tracked through to settlement. 6. Settle and switch. ING is paid out, its mortgage is discharged, and your new loan takes over.
Thinking about leaving ING? Book a free call and we will compare your current rate against 60+ lenders, at no cost to you.