Unpaid Direct Debits

owieboii

Hi,

I know his has likely been covered before but I only performed a quick forum search and couldn't find anything specific, so apologies for any repeated questions.

I set up a direct debit with Vodafone back in September to be taken out on the 1st of every month (this was to cover me as I'm paid on the last working day), to take effect from 1st October.

Vodafone attempted to take the payment on 29th September and thus have caused a £25 unpaid direct debit charge, which I've only now discovered after looking through my statements following a further £25 charge for them not being able to take the payment for the next months bill, which was attempted on 28th October instead of the planned date of 1st November.

Before I lodge a formal complaint, I want to know if I can claim back these charges from Vodafone as they clearly broke the agreement which I'd set up with them prior.

Many thanks

Owen

jonesMUFCforever

What does your contract with Vodafone show?
Does it specifically state they will take payments on the 1st?


If so you have cause to complain - if not ask them to change the date and sort out the charges before they balloon and seriously affect your credit files.

grumbler

I don't think that contract shows the DD dates, but bills certainly have to.
If the bills do show a later date, then all charges can be reclaimed under the DD guarantee.

That said, AFAIK, some banks require the funds to be available on the previous working day for the DD not to bonce, although this might have changed already:
Payment bounced? You'll soon have a second chance

owieboii

I've had the contract for a while now and was paying the bill manually but decided to set a DD up again.

I received a letter following the phone call that I made to set up the DD. I know I have it somewhere but can't place it at the minute due to Christmas cleaning.

I've already cancelled the DD to avoid any further charges and will revert to manual payments as I don't trust them to ever get it right based on the two occurrences!

Thanks

owieboii

grumbler wrote: »

That said, AFAIK, some banks require the funds to be available on the previous working day for the DD not to bonce

I know that this can sometimes be the case, but I have two other DDs set up with Santander and the payments have never been attempted before the agreed date.

I'll make contact with Vodafone straight away.

Thanks guys

Owen

polymaff

owieboii wrote: »

Hi,

I know his has likely been covered before but I only performed a quick forum search and couldn't find anything specific, so apologies for any repeated questions.

I set up a direct debit with Vodafone back in September to be taken out on the 1st of every month (this was to cover me as I'm paid on the last working day), to take effect from 1st October.

If you've paperwork to prove this then it sounds like you have a very strong case against Vodaphone and/or your bank.

BTW, I haven't seen this question before. The usual one we get is that someone set up a monthly payment for the 31st, then wonders why....

Well, you can guess the rest.

zerog

If you're paid on the last working day of the month (and your bank account is usually empty just before you get paid), I would really set up the direct debit to be taken on the 5th or later.

agrinnall

I get a text alert every month from Vodafone to tell me the due date for my account payment, and looking back through my bank statements the DD has been taken on that date for the last 3 months. The date does vary slightly, but I think the default for mine is the 15th and looking back over texts for the last two years the due date has never been any earlier than that.

Vodafone

Hi Owen,

If you still need help with this, email me with your details via the link in our profile here.

All you need to do is copy and paste the link into your web browser and it'll take you to the Contact us form on our website. To make sure it reaches me, quote the code WRT135 - MSE in the subject line.

Once sent, you'll receive an automated reply with a reference number. Post back with this and I’ll check I've received it.

Kind regards,

Lee

Social Media Comms

Vodafone UK