Direct Debit - taking money too early

CLAPTON

BarclaysManager wrote: »

Why do you think this sort of behaviour is acceptable?

Pretty much every direct debit agreement in the land will give a date, but say "on or around." So because you can't budget properly, you expect to be paid for it?

You are owed nothing, and you are a pretty poor citizen if you spend your entire life chancing it on such "long shots."

Can you quote a single example of such an unfair term? One that's checkable would be good.

Extant

CLAPTON wrote: »

Can you quote a single example of such an unfair term? One that's checkable would be good.

Of "on or around"? Google it and you'll see on the front page, from sources including the University of Dundee and UNICEF.

masonic

IIRC, Npower do indeed use the wording "on or around" on their direct debit forms.

olly300

98jdougl wrote: »

Don't all direct debits state that they can be taken 3 days before or after the specified date?

Nope.

There are about 3 variations to the direct debits agreements I've signed up to with various companies.

Most of mine state "on or after" a particular date, even fewer state "after" a particular date and even fewer than that state "on and around" a particular date in a month.

Also it should be noted that some companies don't actually put specific information of when the direct debit will be taken out of your account when you agree to it.

CLAPTON

Well,
I've just put 'on or around' into google and mine doesnot bring up any reference to DD at all on page one or two...

If UNICEF really takes a DD on or around I'm amazed that anyone atall would donate on such a rediculous basis... what does around mean... one day early, two days, early three days early, four days early or what?

Incidently I have had several DD for Barclays products and they have NEVER taken the DD before the due date.

masonic

CLAPTON wrote: »

Well,
I've just put 'on or around' into google and mine doesnot bring up any reference to DD at all on page one or two...

Results 1 - 100 of about 1,450 for "direct debit" "on or around". (0.16 seconds)
Clicky

Extant

CLAPTON wrote: »

Well,
I've just put 'on or around' into google and mine doesnot bring up any reference to DD at all on page one or two...

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=direct+debit+%22on+or+around%22&meta=cr%3DcountryUK|countryGB

Result 1: UoD
Result 3: UNICEF

If UNICEF really takes a DD on or around I'm amazed that anyone atall would donate on such a rediculous basis... what does around mean... one day early, two days, early three days early, four days early or what?

In context of this thread, a monthly bill being paid one day early to nPower - I think it's perfectly reasonable, not remotely ridiculous.

Bear in mind we're talking about a utility company that bills monthly - they have no reason to stray too far from the date.

Incidently I have had several DD for Barclays products and they have NEVER taken the DD before the due date.

I'm very happy for you.

peachyprice

An incorrect amount has been taken or a payment has been taken on the wrong date

A Direct Debit Instruction should be set up as outlined in How to set up a Direct Debit. When the arrangements are in place you should receive advance notice confirming when the payments will be taken and how much they will be – it is advisable to check this to confirm the details are correct.
If a Direct Debit payment has been taken which is not in accordance with the advance notice received i.e. too much has been taken or the payment has been taken on the wrong date (the organistion must take the Direct Debit payment on or within three working days after the specified date as advised in the Advance Notice), you are entitled to an immediate refund of the amount debited from your bank under the Direct Debit Guarantee.

Taking the payment before is not acceptable under the DD guarantee.

CLAPTON

masonic wrote: »

Results 1 - 100 of about 1,450 for "direct debit" "on or around". (0.16 seconds)
Clicky

thanks very much for the references

I will write to both organisation tomorrow to query what they mean by 'on or around'.

Extant

peachyprice wrote: »

An incorrect amount has been taken or a payment has been taken on the wrong date

A Direct Debit Instruction should be set up as outlined in How to set up a Direct Debit. When the arrangements are in place you should receive advance notice confirming when the payments will be taken and how much they will be – it is advisable to check this to confirm the details are correct.
If a Direct Debit payment has been taken which is not in accordance with the advance notice received i.e. too much has been taken or the payment has been taken on the wrong date (the organistion must take the Direct Debit payment on or within three working days after the specified date as advised in the Advance Notice), you are entitled to an immediate refund of the amount debited from your bank under the Direct Debit Guarantee.

Taking the payment before is not acceptable under the DD guarantee.

From the very page you quoted:

If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, the organisation collecting the payment will notify you normally 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed

This means that the person you're paying can stipulate how they will notify you, if at all, when you set up the direct debit.

It also means NOTHING if your mandate has no agreed date attached to it.

I think you also overestimate how valid that guarantee is. Go try and get your immediate refund off the average high street bank.