Direct Debit - How does it work?

MickKnipfler

If I want to cancel, who do I have to contact; the bank or the trader?

seven-day-weekend

I've always contacted the bank; although I believe there are some that have to be cancelled by the trader.

Try the bank first.

MickKnipfler

I cancelled with the trader but they continued to charge me. They acknowledge that I cancelled my membership but say I should have cancelled with the bank

seven-day-weekend

So cancel with the bank!:rotfl:

MickKnipfler

I have...but they've taken money in between....I need to know where I stand

computerwoman

if in doubt always cancel with the bank as they cant take anymore of your money that way, its a pain trying to get it back and in some cases you dont

MickKnipfler

I need to know my rights though. I cancelled my subscription and have a letter from them confirming that. They say that I should have cancelled the DD though and "as a gesture of good will" are offering me 2 months refund (instear of about 13)

Paul_Varjak

MickKnipfler wrote:

I cancelled with the trader but they continued to charge me. They acknowledge that I cancelled my membership but say I should have cancelled with the bank

When a direct debit is set-up you have a direct debit guarantee. If you cancel the direct debit with the trader they should act on your request! If they do not, you should contact your bank for a refund under the guarantee. I recently did this when nPower asked me to pay a final bill - which I duly paid - but they also used a direct debit to collect the money!

The moral is, always cancel the direct debit with both the trader and the bank. If you have online banking, you can probably cancel direct debits online.

MickKnipfler

I did cancel online today. They have taken 13 months payment though and have offered 2 months refund as "a gesture of goodwill"

tripled

As Paul Varjak said, claim them back under the direct debit guarantee then!

MickKnipfler

will do if that's my entitlement......a call to the Halifax may be in order!