Billing options apart from direct debit?

mymini

Hi, everyone. I have some really bad experience with the direct debit. The network provider/utility company/recovery company/insurance company seems to love them but I really hate it!

In many occasions, the confirmed line rental/monthly price/renew price over the phone is not what I get charged for! They charge whatever they want(i.e. without agreed discount) and then you have to phone back to complain and argue. If you lucky, they promise you it wont happen again, and refund as credit. But next mth you may have to repeat the process.

Now, I have to confirm the detail with them and record the conversion as proof. I also tried ask for paper copy of the actual deal, they agree to send it, but I never received anything in the post/email.

I dont mind take the bill to a post office or a bank and pay it there(the old school way), but nowadays, a lot of company charge you extra for that. Is there any other options without paying extra? Thanks in advance.

mymini

does anyone know?

jclegs

As far as I know direct debit is the only free option. Most companies charge for debit/credit card payments. Hope that helps you a bit.

d.m_3

Cash, walk right up to HQ and give it to them in person.

d.m_3

On a more serious note, not sure what else you can do. You can pay the total cost up front sometimes but I think direct debit is the <highly> preferred option.

OneADay

The direct debit mandate has to be set up for any mobile contract I think. Thats necessary, not least to stop fraud.

You can register for online billing with an operator. Operator will supply you with a bill and notifies you that a payment will be taken by direct debit, usually in the next 14 days.

In those 14 days, you can make a manual payment online after checking your usage. Or even phone up and pay it. Simple.

kendalls_cave

I pay my t-mobile bill by internet banking. Granted I end up paying an extra £3 a month, but I feel more in control on my financies than paying by DD

mymini

kendalls_cave wrote: »

I pay my t-mobile bill by internet banking. Granted I end up paying an extra £3 a month, but I feel more in control on my financies than paying by DD

Thanks for all your reply.

I am sure if the water company can do that without charging extra, why cant a mobile network provider/broandband company/insurance company to do that?

They send a email every month to notify the amount and then we can log in to pay on the internet or print it out and take it to a bank?

£3x12=£36 is more than a month tariff!!!

dehaani

mymini wrote: »

why cant a mobile network provider/broandband company/insurance company to do that?

Of course they can do it. They choose not to because it suits them.

OneADay

According to t-mobile site

"Tip: Direct debit and online/telephone banking are our preferred payment methods. A separate payment handling charge of £3 will apply for paying by all other methods."

mymini

OneADay wrote: »

According to t-mobile site

"Tip: Direct debit and online/telephone banking are our preferred payment methods. A separate payment handling charge of £3 will apply for paying by all other methods."

In that case, T-mobile customer shouldn't get charged by paying online.
Is there any other company having the same policy?