Using someone else's card to pay of a debt

MrsTinks

Instead of using your card tell her to look at a pre-paid card to pay things with - she can top them up online (which she could give you the cash to do to avoid fees) and it would mean no risk for you http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cards/prepaid-cards

pippitypip_2

Crikey, having been in your friend's position a few times, I'm quite surprised at how many people are being so negative about this in relation to the "should you" not the card issue.

If she's giving you the cash then you're not actually lending her any money - so that shouldn't be in question. And if you were, it's down to you but I've been on the other side of it and think you should make that decision based on trust and if you can afford to lose it or not. Definitely an individual decision to make with caution though.

A friend of mine paid my mobile bill a couple of times in the last year because of the same situation as yours (I gave her cash, she paid by debit card for me) as they don't accept another payment method.

Although my direct debit has bounced a few times before and since, they have never charged her card.

It's a one off payment - you can get them to confirm this over the phone when you pay. Your friend will have to make the call as she's the account holder, then pass the phone to you for payment details and you can request confirmation that this will be a one off payment.

In reference to the insurance issue - this is common practice and signing up for insurance and paying by card you are often agreeing to renewal unless you inform them otherwise - it's in the terms and conditions. It's a completely different situation.

For the future, a pre-paid card is a brillaint idea but maybe not useful in the short term if it's urgent to pay - not sure how quickly they can be set up ??

hth,
pippitypip

pippitypip_2

I should add that the friend who did help me out had known me for over 10 years and was also my housemate - so she kinda knew where I lived and all - .

I think trust is a huge issue over something like this and if you're happy to - why not. But if you're unsure then no way - a niggling doubt would end up making you feel really uncomfortable and might end up affecting your friendship.

I'll stop rambling now!! :rolleyes::rotfl:
pippitypip

chnelomi

B.E.N wrote: »

This might sound like a stupid question, but there's something in my head jolting a memory of a story of a debt co trying to take money from a card that was used in making a payment, even though the card wasn't owned by the debtor.

They are not meant to but i know that they do they tried to do it with my card years ago but as a coincidence at the time(same day in fact)My card was stolen from my bag and reported stolen so the bank had blocked my account and they never got any money.

zzzLazyDaisy

B.E.N wrote: »

This might sound like a stupid question, but there's something in my head jolting a memory of a story of a debt co trying to take money from a card that was used in making a payment, even though the card wasn't owned by the debtor..

Sorry, should have said, I remember something similar, but have no idea where from. I'll have a look around, f I can find it I'll post you a link.

Crisp_£_note

You could always take the cash from your friend and write out a cheque for them to post off and put the cash into your bank account straight away. Thats what I did when approached or approaching situations like this. Dont however get lured into paying it monthly for them even if they cough up the cash in advance!

Alternatively friend could lower their tarif or better still transfer to pay and go asap. If their in this situation once its likely to start repeating itself sooner rather than later. I speak from experience as I was in your position!

Thanks

zzzLazyDaisy

Not the case I was thinking of, but a similar situation.

Girlfriend makes a payment with her debit card on bf's debt. Later bf defaults and organisation takes this additional money from gf's card, without her knowledge or consent.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=492432

No satisfactory replies. But it shows that is can happen.

pippitypip_2

Debts are treated differently from existing contracts that are not in arrears. I don't agree they should be allowed to use your card on separate occasions but I'm sure you would have to stipulate non consent to prevent it.

I also recall I did this for someone else a few years back and they confirmed to me over the phone (at my insistance) they don't record the card details and it's a one off transaction.

You should always get this confirmed at the time and each time you do it.

hth,
pippitypip

Paulgonnabedebtfree

pippitypip wrote: »

Crikey, having been in your friend's position a few times, I'm quite surprised at how many people are being so negative about this in relation to the "should you" not the card issue.

If she's giving you the cash then you're not actually lending her any money - so that shouldn't be in question. And if you were, it's down to you but I've been on the other side of it and think you should make that decision based on trust and if you can afford to lose it or not. Definitely an individual decision to make with caution though.

A friend of mine paid my mobile bill a couple of times in the last year because of the same situation as yours (I gave her cash, she paid by debit card for me) as they don't accept another payment method.

Although my direct debit has bounced a few times before and since, they have never charged her card.

It's a one off payment - you can get them to confirm this over the phone when you pay. Your friend will have to make the call as she's the account holder, then pass the phone to you for payment details and you can request confirmation that this will be a one off payment.

In reference to the insurance issue - this is common practice and signing up for insurance and paying by card you are often agreeing to renewal unless you inform them otherwise - it's in the terms and conditions. It's a completely different situation.

For the future, a pre-paid card is a brillaint idea but maybe not useful in the short term if it's urgent to pay - not sure how quickly they can be set up ??

hth,
pippitypip

I don't think that the trust of the friend is really the issue. It's about not trusting the phone company to not take recurring payments in the event of his friend being unable to pay a future bill.

pippitypip_2

Paul - I agree, it's two separate issues - sorry if I wasn't being clear, that's what I meant in my post.

Was also trying to highlight that my friend did this and got them to confirm it was a one off transaction and her card details were not recorded. She did it for me on a couple of occassions. Since then, due to probs with my bank, my direct debit has bounced a few times (been paid subsequently by me) - when the dd has bounced - they have not charged my friend's card.

All this experience has been with Vodafone. Might be different with other companies? They accept card payment or direct debit only, no cheque or cash methods.

pippitypip