Vodafone can't set up my direct debit up properly, what next?

ShaunInLeeds

Hi All,

Can someone please give me some advise regarding direct debits.
I joined Vodafone 2 months ago, and asked for my payment date to fall on the 22nd of the month as this is when I get paid through work.

I had it confirmed back to me in writing that the due date was set to the 22nd of the month. The first months bill went out on the 15th.... Making me overdrawn. I had to take money out on my credit card at a fee and go 4 miles to the bank on my lunchhour on public transport to bring my account up to date that same day just so I didn't incur any charges.

I spoke to Vodafone again who confirmed back to me that the direct debit had been changed to the 22nd. But I wasn't informed that it would not take effect until the next billing cycle, but I just took it as a misunderstanding and left it at that, knowing that now future payments would come out on the 22nd, again confirmed in writing.

This week I received my latest bill which states payment will be taken on the 21st....
Straight away I spoke to Vodafone to ask for an explanation.
I was told that my direct debit has been changed to the 22nd but as the 22nd falls on weekend it would be taken on the 21st instead.....

I told them that this is rubbish, a direct debit agreement is on the date you requested or soon after, never before!!!
Otherwise what is the point in agreeing for money to be taken on a certain date if it's going out before.

I have other direct debits and standing orders set up to take money out on the 22nd and this has never been a problem.

As the 22nd falls on a Saturday, either my bank will take the money on Saturday, or take it on the next working day Monday, but Vodafone are saying the direct debit has been set up correctly......

I know it's my responsibility to have money in my account, and to be honest as it's a week before payday I will have to do exactly what I did last month and find the money to put into my account to make sure money is there!!!

I have had no response back from Vodafone after I complained again and don't know what to do.

Is it that difficult for Vodafone to take the money on the right date. I have it in writing the date I requested and confirmation back that this is what was agreed.

Can I contact my bank about this issue?
I don't want to cancel the direct debit because that's going to cause allsorts of issues, but as this isn't a date I have agreed to, and have written proof, will this be deemed as an unauthorised payment and is covered by the direct debit guarantee?

Thanks

GlamGirlie

ShaunInLeeds wrote: »

I told them that this is rubbish, a direct debit agreement is on the date you requested or soon after, never before!!!

Sorry Shaun, you are wrong. Direct Debit agreements say on the indemnity 'on or around'. This is for exactly the reason you mention; if you paid on 22nd normally and 22nd is a weekend, if it said 22nd only they wouldn't be able to take any money.

They are perfectly within their rights to take the funds early.

If you are on such a tight budget cashflow wise, I would recommend you change the date to something later, e.g, 28th monthly, to prevent this happening in future.

Margey

Change the date until after pay day. That way you always have the money in your account. I had similar problems with Vodafone and moved contract.

MissyCupCake

GlamGirlie wrote: »

Sorry Shaun, you are wrong. Direct Debit agreements say on the indemnity 'on or around'. This is for exactly the reason you mention; if you paid on 22nd normally and 22nd is a weekend, if it said 22nd only they wouldn't be able to take any money.

They are perfectly within their rights to take the funds early.

Direct Debits agreements say 'on or immediately after'. They shouldn't be taking the funds beforehand, it should always be after the payment date if the date falls on a weekend or bank holiday. If the company change the agreed date for whatever reason they should be giving you you at least 10 days written notice.