Are you trying to cancel a Direct Debit payment?
If you want to cancel a Direct Debit, you need to contact your bank or building society. You can do this by phone, online banking, or in-branch.
Anybody can cancel a Direct Debit payment at any time, but you must cancel at minimum 1 day in advance of the next payment date, or you might still be charged. We recommend you also notify the payee to confirm you want to cancel a Direct Debit payment with them.
Are you allowed to cancel a Direct Debit payment?
Yes, you are entitled to cancel a Direct Debit at any time. However, it is best to make sure that the cancellation will not cause you any financial problems.
Remember, if you are paying for a service which you need to keep, you will need to set up another payment method to avoid losing the service. It is also best to make sure that you don’t affect your credit score or get a late payment penalty.
Lastly, make sure you aren’t violating a contract before you cancel. Cancelling a Direct Debit may be a breach of contract, so be sure to check the paperwork!
What happens when you cancel a Direct Debit?
When you cancel a Direct Debit, the bank or building society will inform the payee via an ADDACS message. The payee then has three days to apply the cancellation. So it is up to the payee to make sure you are not charged.
What information do you need to provide?
- You will need to get hold of the following information:
- The name of the organisation you are paying (the payee)
- Your bank or building society account number
- The name(s) on your account
- The branch sort code (see your debit card or banking app)
Can I cancel a Direct Debit with online banking?
Yes, most apps for online banking have a function that lets you cancel Direct Debits. However, accompanying written confirmation may also be required.
Can I cancel a Direct Debit over the phone?
Yes, your bank will be able to cancel a Direct Debit for you over the phone. They may ask additional questions, like why you want to cancel or how you will make other recurring payments.
Can I cancel a Direct Debit by letter?
Yes, however this is probably the least effective method. It will take some time for your letter to be delivered and processed, and by that time more payments could be taken.
Did London and Zurich appear on your bank statement?
If you’re trying to cancel a Direct Debit but you’re not sure who your payee is, use our DDI reference tool to find out who you’re paying, so you can get in contact with them directly.
To access our DDI reference tool, click here
