Can a creditor refuse payment by standing order?

LittleMonkey16

Hi everyone. One simple question to which I don't know the answer, and I'm hoping you guys will- can a creditor insist on payment by debit card/ direct debit, or can I insist on paying them by standing order? I really want to pay all of my creditors by standing order, as I've recently learned that many dcas have been known to take advantage when they have your card number or when they have a direct debit set up on your account, but some are making noise when I'm asking to change; some simply saying that they don't accept payment by standing order.

Are they within their rights to do this?

pepe2008

I wouldn't want to give a DCA an open mandate to remove unspecified amounts from my Account, but I dont think that their insistence on a DD would be seen as 'unfair'.

You are probably stuck with it.

LittleMonkey16

Thanks for that- to be honest I haven't had any problems thus far (touches wood), but I have been told a few scare stories. I access my bank account online, so I can always log on and see which direct debits are set up and for how much etc. If I check it regularly then I guess I'm highly unlikely to get any nasty surprises. It's more for my peace of mind really; I would much rather be able to control it all myself, for obvious reasons (after all, most dcas aren't known for their honest play).

Thanks though!

madabout

I insisted that mine did as there was no way I was letting them have access that a DD does. Then again I was in difficulties and didn't trust them one bit! If you're ok at the moment then I wouldn't worry too much just keep an eye out. Not sure what the legalities are of them refusing though I'd be suprised if they can

elfen

All of mine are on standing orders except one, and the one with the DD didn't take the payment, then tried to charge me extra. So it was set properly and they behave now (mainly as I have a history of shouting down the phone at them)

pepe2008

As long as you have an AGREED payment amount you are covered by the DD Guarantee. If they take too much or too soon your Bank HAS to refund it!

......but its a bit like asking a wolf to watch the sheep!

LittleMonkey16

Thanks everyone. The direct debit does give the dca the kind of control I really am not comfortable with them having.

I am having major problems with one particular dca who are refusing anything but a debit card, which I'm not going to acquiesce to. I find it very hard to believe that these companies don't have the facilities in place to accept payments by standing order.

I have terrible confidence issues when I call them. I know I should grow up (let's face it, I'm going to have to!) but the whole thing is so exhausting. Whenever I call them I just know I'll be in floods of tears by the end.

BUT I do draw the line at giving them my debit card number.

DES_1001

You could ask them for payment cards, which they all do! they don't like to tell you this but they all do them.
you can make payments at post offices paypoints etc.
I WOULD NEVER GIVE DCA'S CARD DETAILS OR LET THEM SET UP DIRECT DEBITS.

DES_1001

I WOULD NEVER GIVE DCA'S MY CARD DETAILS OR LET THEM SET UP DIRECT DEBITS!
If they want your money they will have to do it your way. You could tell them you want payment cards to pay with, these cards are accepted at any paypoint or post office and there is no charge for using them.
All DCA's have these but they don't like to tell you this, they like to have control of you with DD's.

LittleMonkey16

Thanks DES_1001. The majority (I deal with seven difference dcas) give me absolutely no grief, but there are one or two cuprits who obviously want payment there and then.

There is also the matter of having to ring them up and speak to them if you pay by debit card. We all know these people are required to bully as part of their job, but at one point I was calling two of my creditors at the end of every month to pay by card (don't worry, this arrangement has now been changed and the card in question cancelled and a replacement reissued). The last week of the month was becoming such a nightmare that I got very sick- I was diagnosed with manic depression and clinical exhaustion because I literally wasn't sleeping. I want to really minimise telephone contact with all of my creditors if possible, if only for the sake of health (although the tangible benefits of dealing only by letter are also obvious). The pressure they would put me under was incredible, and yet I know that everyone here will know exactly what I mean and wouldn't find it even slightly unbelievable. They have all broken the OFT guidelines on the telephone at least once- and some have broken the whole set.