Orange: credit card payments do not reduce next direct debit

steppenwolf

I thought I'd point out an anomaly in the Orange payment process.
I had a larger than usual Orange bill last month because I went abroad and had roaming enabled.
So I thought I'd pay this by a credit card, so that my bank account would not suffer such a large payment. I used the section of their web site called "Make an additional payment".
I paid it about 10 days before the usual direct debit date. This gave Orange plenty of time to process it and apply it to the account.
But, looking at my bank statement this morning, I see the direct debit went out for the full amount of the bill. This means that I have paid twice.
I called Orange support. They told me that if a direct debit is in place, the full amount of the bill goes on the list for collection at the time the bill is created.
So, what's the point of the place on their web site which allows you to make an additional payment? This process is not made clear at all.

chanz4

it applys against next months thats all

DUTR

chanz4 wrote: »

it applys against next months thats all

Plus they give 14 days notice, so 10 days the OP paid is too late, just their misunderstanding not orange's fault.

steppenwolf

Thanks for reply, chanz4 and DUTR, but it will take about 6 months worth of regular-size bills to use up the double payment. Don't forget I made the payment specially because the bill was much bigger that usual.

Thay have got to be told to make it clear that what you say will happen.

simax

If you try and make a payment with a DD in place, it does actually tell you on the screen. Or at least it used to....

DUTR

steppenwolf wrote: »

Thanks for reply, chanz4 and DUTR, but it will take about 6 months worth of regular-size bills to use up the double payment. Don't forget I made the payment specially because the bill was much bigger that usual.

Thay have got to be told to make it clear that what you say will happen.

You may find the over payment will offset the following DD, as such your regular payment may reduce until such time the overpayment balance is reduced, since your account is now in credit.

Tony5101

Every time I've had a credit on my Orange bill, the DD has always been reduced the following month. If your credit is more than your current bill, I would anticipate that your DD will simply be zeroed until it gets to the point that you owe them money again.

oopsadaisydoddle

Tony5101 wrote: »

Every time I've had a credit on my Orange bill, the DD has always been reduced the following month. If your credit is more than your current bill, I would anticipate that your DD will simply be zeroed until it gets to the point that you owe them money again.

This is correct but also, if OP has made an overpayment and the account is in credit, OP can request a refund for the amount that the account is in credit by. This can be refunded back to the card they paid with.