Cheque refused as payment method

ToeJam

Can a company refuse a cheque as a payment method?

Background; the company supplying my internet was taken over, the new company was supplying a terrible service so I switched to a third.
The second company was about to charge a fee for internet service for a period after I had switched so I cancelled my direct debit to prevent this.
I calculated how much I owed them (which was confirmed correct later) and sent them a cheque because I didn't want them to have access to my bank account.
They have told me they don't accept cheques and that I will have to make a payment on the phone, which would involve my bank account details. I'm not willing to do this.
But can they refuse my cheque as a payment method?

Thanks
ToeJam

mije1983

ToeJam wrote: »

Can a company refuse a cheque as a payment method?

Yes. Most places don't accept personal cheques any more, and haven't for a long time.

peachyprice

Yes, they can.

If you don't want to give them your bank account details ask them for theirs so that you can pay by transfer.

Spank

So long as they have a plastic or metal sign stating what methods the accept they can refuse any type of payment :rotfl:(sorry that's from a different thread)


As they were taking DD's in the past they probably have your bank details anyway

gik

Are bank details not on a cheque? Mine show my account number and sort code and my name which I think is pretty much the details needed for a DD?

SuperHan

Your cheque has your bank details on it....

Buzby

Send them a Postal Order.

The usual (bogus) argument is that as cheques are no longer guaranteed they are within their rights to refuse.

The reality is the want to control the payment stream, as the system allows them to take what they want when they want it (and let you do the work if there's an error!) it is a major erosion of consumer rights.

zaax

Won't they take a credit / debit card?

George_Michael

Buzby wrote: »

Send them a Postal Order.

The usual (bogus) argument is that as cheques are no longer guaranteed they are within their rights to refuse.

The reality is the want to control the payment stream, as the system allows them to take what they want when they want it (and let you do the work if there's an error!) it is a major erosion of consumer rights.

How can it be "a major erosion of consumer rights" when the right to pay by cheque doesn't exist nor has it ever existed?
Any company is and always has been free to pick and choose what type of payments they are willing to accept.

If the company in question doesn't take cheques there is a very good possibility that they won't take postal orders either.

McKneff

I don't understand why suddenly you don't want them to have your bank details.


They have already had your bank details for a long time. They will also be on any cheque you send them.

DCFC79

ToeJam wrote: »

Can a company refuse a cheque as a payment method?

Background; the company supplying my internet was taken over, the new company was supplying a terrible service so I switched to a third.
The second company was about to charge a fee for internet service for a period after I had switched so I cancelled my direct debit to prevent this.
I calculated how much I owed them (which was confirmed correct later) and sent them a cheque because I didn't want them to have access to my bank account.
They have told me they don't accept cheques and that I will have to make a payment on the phone, which would involve my bank account details. I'm not willing to do this.
But can they refuse my cheque as a payment method?

Thanks
ToeJam

Just give them your bank details, what do you think they are going to do with them ?