Marks & Spencer Credit Card didn't set up my direct debit-and now want to charge me!

lilylaundry

Hi guys, I wonder if anyone can help? I recently got a 0% credit card from M&S. I dutifully ticked the box to instruct them to set up a direct debit for the minimum amount and filled in my bank details so they could do this. On receiving my first statement, I paid little notice to it as I thought I was covered for a wee while having paid the minimum amount. Having checked my bank yesterday (the due date for payment) I realised that M&S hadn't set up the DD and I was now going to be late with my payment. To show that I had wanted to pay the money off, I paid £25 by phone and £25 over the internet, but these two methods take 4 and 5 days repectively to clear. I did call M&S money first thing this morning to see if I could avoid charges, interest and bad credit, but I only managed to speak to an automaton-sounding guy who couldn't promise anything. I have also sent an email but have heard nothing back yet - does anyone have any advice for when I do? As far as I'm concerened I had given them all the details and the permission to set up a DD so surely they have to take a little responsibility for the late payment...? Any advice gratefully received!

kaisersoze_2

It does take a while for the DD instruction to be set up. CC companies usually tell you to make a payment by cash or similar aswell just in case it hasnt been set up in time, its annoying but it will only show as 1 late payment which if you have a descent credit history anyway shouldnt have too much of an adverse effect.

I guess the moral is dont trust the CC companies.

oceanscape

I'm not sure you'll have much luck - CC companies usually disclaimer their way out of this by saying that the DD may not kick in until your second statement date and that you should make the first payment manually.

baggies666

With all the cards I have had they always say check the statement and make manual payment if the dd does not show as being set up, all you can do is plead with them really. Normally when you mess up payments they can take away the 0% so its lucky they have not mentioned doing this as well.

NickX

baggies666 wrote: »

Normally when you mess up payments they can take away the 0% so its lucky they have not mentioned doing this as well.

I agree, but I have a suspicion that they may have done this anyway and NOT mentioned it.

OP, if I were you I would speak to them and ask about your 0% promotion being revoked. If this is the case, you really want them to re-instate it as the interest will cost you much more than the late payment fee.

Usually for a first offence they are prepared to be fairly lenient.