To ensure accurate, efficient, and fully compliant trust accounting under the OTA+ system, Felix requires a combination of correct bank account configurations, read-only access, and ABA file enablement. This guide outlines all necessary steps and requirements for onboarding.
1. Bank Account Requirements
Providing the correct banking details is essential for seamless trust accounting operations. Below are the three types of accounts involved, how they’re used, and the access required:
1.1. Client Short-Term Rental Bank Account (Hosting Account)
This is the primary trust account where all guest payments are deposited from platforms such as:
EFT/direct transfers
Airbnb
Stripe (for Direct, Google, VRBO, Booking.com, etc.)
Felix reconciles every transaction from this account daily, mapping funds to bookings to maintain trust compliance.
Details Required:
Account Name
Account Number
BSB
Access Required:
Felix must be granted read-only access to this account for daily reconciliation and compliance (see section below for details).
Payment Processing:
Felix will send ABA files for bulk payments to cleaners, owners, and for fees. These files are uploaded by you to your bank platform for approval (see section on ABA files for setup).
1.2. Client Business Operating Bank Account
This is your standard business account, used to receive net income after trust disbursements. Once all payouts (owners, cleaners, etc.) and fees are accounted for, the remaining revenue is transferred to this account.
Details Required:
Account Name
Account Number
BSB
This account ensures a clear separation between trust-managed funds and your business earnings, keeping you compliant.
1.3. Owner Bank Account Details
If you manage properties on behalf of others, Felix requires valid Australian bank details for each owner.
⚠️ Note on Foreign Accounts:
ABA files cannot process payments to international accounts. We recommend obtaining Australian bank account details for all owners to ensure reliable and compliant disbursements.
2. Providing Read-Only Access to Your Trust Account
Granting read-only access allows Felix to securely view and reconcile all transactions in your trust account—without any ability to make changes or process payments.
Why Is This Needed?
Read-only access enables us to:
Track incoming guest payments (e.g. Stripe, Airbnb, EFT)
Reconcile bookings in real-time with no manual input
Maintain compliance by mapping every cent
Minimise delays, errors, and manual oversight
Felix cannot transact or alter anything in your account—access is strictly view-only.
How to Grant Read-Only Access
Most Australian banks allow read-only or third-party access via online banking. Look for:
“Share Account Access”
“Third Party Access”
“Authority to Access Accounts”
Or visit a branch for assistance. You’ll typically need to provide:
Felix representative’s full name and date of birth
Customer ID (if applicable)
Identification for verification
What to provide during onboarding to Felix
Once set up, you will place these details in your onboarding form:
Confirmation of access granted
Account name and BSB/account number
Any restrictions that may impact reconciliation
3. ABA File Setup for Bulk Payments
ABA files allow Felix to generate batch payment files that you can upload to your bank platform to disburse funds efficiently and accurately.
What Is an ABA File?
ABA (Australian Banking Association) files are used by nearly all banks in Australia for bulk transactions such as:
Owner payouts
Franchisee disbursements
Management and service fees
Benefits of Using ABA Files
Speeds up the payout process
Reduces human error
Streamlines your end-of-month settlements
ABA files end in .aba and can be uploaded to most online banking platforms.
What’s Included in Your ABA File
Each file from Felix includes:
Payments to property owners
Franchisee (if applicable) disbursements
Management fees
Residual booking fees (e.g. booking fee less Stripe fees)
You will place the following details required to generate valid ABA files in your onboarding form:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Apply Strict ABA Input | Yes/No – check with your bank |
| ABA Remitter Name | Max 16 characters |
| ABA Bank Code | Bank mnemonic (e.g. ANZ, NAB, CBA) |
| ABA User Name | As registered with your bank |
| ABA User ID | Six-character User ID |
| ABA File Description | Short descriptor (e.g. “Creditors”) – optional |
| ABA Batch File Limit | Max file size before splitting required |
Check-list:
| Hosting Bank Account | |
| Read Only Access for Felix | |
| Hosting Operating Bank Account | |
| Business Operating Bank Account | |
| ABA Files information |
Need Help?
If you encounter any issues with read-only access or ABA setup, our onboarding team is here to assist you every step of the way. Don’t hesitate to reach out.