Is this a new Barclays direct debit SCAM?

Stillindebt

We have a Barclaycard on which we set up a direct debit to make the minimum monthly payment. Feeling slightly more flush of late we decided to pay an additional monthly amount by standing order - the intention being to pay off the debt sooner. Also so that we can cancel the SO when things are tight.

On our latest statement I notice that both the standing order and the direct debit were paid this month as intended. HOWEVER ... rather than debiting the minimum amount as instructed in the original DD authorisation, they only debited the difference between the SO and the minimum amount, effectively preventing me from overpaying when I choose to, by these methods.

i.e. minimum payment is say £30 this month. SO of £20 paid. Balance of minimum payment £10 taken by DD rather than the full minimum payment.

Does anyone know if this is standard practice? If this is common it has to be unfair practice, since this is prejudicial to consumers, many of whom pay by monthly direct debit.

izools

All credit card companies handle direct debits differently. Some take it anyway irrespective of how much you've paid, some deduct the amount you've paid from the DD.

This is so that if you decide to clear the bill in full, you don't end up overpaying by way of direct debit.

Barclaycard do, however, allow you to set up a "Fixed Amount" direct debit; give them a call and ask them to adjust your Direct Debit to whatever you want to pay, say £50 a month by direct debit, and cancel the SO.

Happy days