Post Office Credit Card failing to set up Direct Debit

Poppydonut

I just sorted out 2 months of false charges from the Post Office. Having already set up the Direct Debit online I still received 2 letters detailing overdue charges for non payment.

When queried they told me I had only set up the DD a fortnight ago which was incorrect as it was set up 2 months ago.

I came across an article from the Telegraph regarding a similar issue "Post Office failed to set up my direct debit – then charged me" written 1 Aug 2015.

After waiting on the phone for 1 minute I was told that the charges will be dropped and the DD is now set up properly. I will have to wait to check this. I just thought I would share incase anyone is worried about a similar problem.

chattychappy

DD aficionados will arrive soon and tell you that you shouldn't rely on a DD having been set up until your statement says that payment will be taken by DD. Quite how you're suppose to know that in advance, I'm not sure.

You might find that late payments have been recorded on your credit file. If you're planning to apply for credit in the next few months, you might want to check this and see if PO will remove the markers.

boo_star

chattychappy wrote: »

DD aficionados will arrive soon and tell you that you shouldn't rely on a DD having been set up until your statement says that payment will be taken by DD. Quite how you're suppose to know that in advance, I'm not sure.

You might find that late payments have been recorded on your credit file. If you're planning to apply for credit in the next few months, you might want to check this and see if PO will remove the markers.

It is generally difficult.

Internet banking won't show unclaimed DD's sadly.

CS may be able to see unclaimed DD's. I have no idea why customers can't via Internet banking.

chuckley

you would've known there was no DD set up through online banking or the lack of letter confirming.

chattychappy

chuckley wrote: »

you would've known there was no DD set up through online banking

But the OP did set it up online... just they delayed actioning it:

Poppydonut wrote: »

Having already set up the Direct Debit online I still received 2 letters detailing overdue charges for non payment.

When queried they told me I had only set up the DD a fortnight ago which was incorrect as it was set up 2 months ago.

chuckley wrote: »

or the lack of letter confirming.

How was the OP supposed to know that they should have received a letter?

chuckley

chattychappy wrote: »

But the OP did set it up online... just they delayed actioning it:


How was the OP supposed to know that they should have received a letter?

from their own bank who would be paying it. setting it up online is irrelevant.

DD set ups have to be confirmed in writing. even if it's a reissue (failed d/d so you have to 'set up again) just ask Virgin mobile.

SnowTiger

chattychappy wrote: »

DD aficionados will arrive soon and tell you that you shouldn't rely on a DD having been set up until your statement says that payment will be taken by DD. Quite how you're suppose to know that in advance, I'm not sure.

The OP would have know this because they read the Direct Debit Guarantee, which contains this:

If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit the organisation will notify you (normally 10 working days) in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request the organisation to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request