creative ideas for an elderly relative who "doesn't believe" in direct debits

before_hollywood

olly300 wrote: »

I pay my council tax either through the council's website or through online banking. Means I pay 10 instalments instead of 12 by DD.
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monthly payments through my local council are always based on 10 installments

Extant

Hazzanet wrote: »

Referring to the OP: I've sworn by DD's for a long time, and tend to use them as much as possible. That said, I still feel that there is something not quite right about letting another company have carte blanche to take money from your account as and when they like.

It's not carte blanche - you agree a date/time period during which they will take money each month/quarter/etc. If they need to change that date, then they have to give you notice.

If they ignore this agreement, you are entitled to a full and immediate refund.

The other thing that concerns me is AUDDIS - nowadays there's not even a piece of paper for the bank to check your signature as the instruction is set up electronically - seems a little insecure no?

AUDDIS originated instructions are in the minority of Direct Debit instructions. The originator must still hold some form of authority and supply it when requested.

If they don't, or a Direct Debit is set up without your permission, you are again entitled to a full and immediate refund.

There are those who will point out the DD guarantee, but at the end of the day DD's aren't much better than handing someone else your debit card and PIN.

Hyperbole at the very best. :rolleyes: Anyone can use a card and PIN, not everyone can use a Direct Debit. Direct Debit comes with a guarantee providing a clear recourse for debits before agreed dates etc., cards do not. Cards allow access to cash, Direct Debits do not... the list goes on.