How much notice to switch a DD?

elle_gee

Please could someone tell me, how much notice do utility companies and the like need to change a direct debit request?

Most of my payments come out on 1st of the month. If I phone on Monday (25th) is that likely to be enough notice for the 1st July payments to come out of my new account, or is it best to wait until after July payments have gone from the old account and then phone to switch giving them almost a whole month to action it?

New account has been set up for a while and I'd rather make the calls myself then use a switching service (if indeed I still could after the account's been open so long).

Many thanks

innovate

I reckon you'd be much better advised to change just after a DD has been taken.

I wouldn't expect to change DD arrangements myself in just 4 or 5 working days. There's the changes needed at the recipient, and then the changes at the bank - - easily eats into a working week or more. If you ask for the change just after a payment has been made, and thereby give them 20-odd working days, you can expect everything to go smoothly.

But if you have sufficient funds in both, your old and your new bank account, I suppose it doesn't matter much.

I have switched several DDs in the past - never had any problems. Just call the beneficiary and give them your new sort code and account number (and resist any sales spiel they might launch on you). They will generally be able to confirm to you from when they will take your money from the new account.

As a b-t-b, I also cancelled the old DDs after I had called the beneficiaries.

Gromitt

I agree, I'd leave at least 7 - 10 days before payment is due.

Some utility companies may still ignore your instructions, so after 2 weeks, make sure the new DDs are setup on your OLB before cancelling the old ones!