Is direct debit safe

The United Kingdom's Direct Debit Guarantee plays a vital role in giving users complete reassurance, knowing they are protected by a number of safeguards.

Organisations using the Direct Debit Scheme go through a careful vetting process before they're authorised, and are closely monitored by the banking industry. The efficiency and security of Direct Debit is monitored and protected by your own bank or building society.

The Direct Debit Guarantee applies to all Direct Debits. It protects you in the rare event that there is an error in the payment of your Direct Debit.

Direct Debit Guarantee

The Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instruction to pay Direct Debits.

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit the organisation will notify you (normally 10 working days) in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request the organisation to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit, by the organisation or your bank or building society, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when the organisation asks you to

You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify the organisation.

A direct debit must be authorised by the account holder in order for the bank to confirm the transaction. A direct debit guarantee protects banks in the event of a problem with a payment the bank has made. This guarantee offers the bank a full refund in the event of a dispute and holds the bank innocent while the investigation takes place. This guarantee protects not only the bank but also the customer. All money is refunded, without question, until the investigation is complete.