ADVICE - Can i switch Direct Debits manually online ?

stylus360

Hi

I currently bank with Santander and want to swap 2 direct debits to Halifax.

Can this be done online by getting the details from Santander, entering these details into Halifax, then closing the Santander
DD's ??

Thanks

molerat

No. Direct debits are set up by the receiver so you need to contact them to do it. Depending on who it is you may be able to change them on line through their website.

Anthorn

Agree with molerat to a large extent.

Contact the payee in the way they suggest, change the direct debit detail and leave it with them. It would be unwise to cancel the existing direct debit until you're sure the payee will be using the new direct debit.

It could be that when you inform the payee about the new direct debit they will not access the old direct debit and you will have to make payments by other means until the new direct debit is active. Keep a check on your statements. It's for that reason that I change Direct Debits a few days after a payment has been made.

Strictly speaking when the new Direct Debit is active the payee should cancel the old Direct Debit but don't count on it.

Westminster

Also sensible to leave the old DD 'live' for a month or two after you set the new one up.

It's much easier to pay from the wrong account (or pay twice) etc than for the computer at the payee to automatically issue a late payment marker etc on your credit file and then the subsequent irritation of getting that cleaned up.