Refunding ticket money online

AlwynP

I am Treasurer of an arm of a national charity.  We have been ordered to cancel an event and need to refund ticket money.  The organiser has noted sort codes and account numbers from the individual cheques.  Do we need the individuals' permission to use that data to refund their ticket money online?

2e0arr

why not send them each a refund cheque ?

Tildaplum

You don't need their permission but be careful in case anyone has changed bank accounts etc. Or even paid by cheque because they are taking their lover and don't want to see a refund back into the family bank account!

AlwynP

1. As we use online banking it is far less hassle and expense than sending a cheque
2. Given the nature of the organisation I think they are unlikely to be taking their lover.  Good point about changing banks although I had a standing order to a charity that changed bank without telling me and the money was automatically paid back to me.

jonesMUFCforever

If somebody has switched using the switching service then the money will automatically go into the new account.
Worst case scenario it will bounce back into your account.

born_again

You don't need their permission. But it would be good if you did contact (email) them to advise that the event is cancelled and a refund is being processed back to the account details you hold.  
That gives anyone that has changed accounts chance to contact you.
But all I would do then to protect yourself is send a cheque to their address.

TBH. Any refunds should be via the same method as received. But I can understand why you want to do it this way.