direct debit from natwest to tesco

sjh101

I have recently set up a monthly direct debit to a Tesco savings account. It is showing the link on my Tesco account but it is not showing any Active direct debits on my Natwest account page.

The first payment doesn't actually start until 11th June 2013 so would it only show as active once the first payment goes out?

The only reason I ask is because I want to apply for Halifax current account and use their switching service to switch instructions over. One of the requirements is at least 2 direct debits leaving the account but I'm not sure whether I can apply for Halifax now or once the first payment has gone out (from 2nd d/d) from the account I'm using now?

I've rang them up (HALIFAX) and the person I spoke to said they need to be active to be able to transfer them over, which leads me to believe the 2nd d/d is not fully active yet as its not showing on my Natwest account as an instruction.

InsideInsurance

It will most likely not show up on NW until the point the first payment is due.

You can of cause apply for the Halifax account now and then just wait a few days (by the time the application's been accepted) to complete the account switching instructions

guesswho2000

I can confirm what InsideInsurance says, NatWest/RBS are backwards like this - direct debits don't appear until they're first paid, unlike every other bank I have an account with!

NatWest will be able to see it though, so it should be ok for you to apply and switch now.