Debit card declined in a shop= direct debit returned?

wyadvd

Could someone who actually knows what they are talking about answer this simple question:

When I go into a shop and try to use my Debit card despite insufficient funds, my card is more often than not declined. However, I do not get charged any fees normally.

If a direct debit bounces, I get charged £8.00 by Barclays.

The two above examples surely are very similar from an administrative banker's point of view, so why does one attract a charge and the other not?

meer53

Because the debit card payment is declined straight away and never appears on your account. A direct debit will be presented for payment and show on your account, then a decision has to be made whether to pay it or not.

eeeeeee

it does leave a marker on your bank account as card misuse as well

dunstonh

Debit card rejection is at the retailer. Not at the bank. So, its prevented before it gets a chance to be presented. Direct debits are not checked against your balance and are presented and actually get debited on your account.

The two above examples surely are very similar from an administrative banker's point of view, so why does one attract a charge and the other not?

Not even close to being similar. Different systems, different law relating to them. Different processing methods.