Coronavirus: Not Paying Direct Debit?

daKlone

Now my income is basically zero (thanks Coronavirus!), I've been looking at how to reduce my outgoings until things pick up.
Although Tesco are offering a 2-month payment holiday, my other card vendors are only offering to waive late/non-payment fees.
I've not been able to speak to them, so I was wondering how I 'not pay' them while on direct debit? Just cancel it??

Willing2Learn

Cancel the direct debits but send a letter to your creditors, so you are informing them.  Explain your circumstances, that you temporarily have nil income, and that you are requesting forbearance on the applicable accounts.  Put it in writing that you are requesting a payment holiday as a temporary solution.

born_again

Don't just cancel a DD. You need to contact then 1st.
Most banks have social media teams that you can contact and advise. Just do not publish any account details online. They will private message you for something to allow them to locate your account.
Or if they have secure messaging via online banking do it that way.

daKlone

Tried secure messaging, just got a "we're really busy" message back
I'll try Twitter and if no joy that way I'll send them an email/letter and cancel the DD I think.
Thanks guys. 

Willing2Learn

Try sending a secure message again.
If messaging is not working then send them an email or letter.
I do not recommend letting them know by twitter.

2e0arr

daKlone said:

Now my income is basically zero (thanks Coronavirus!), I've been looking at how to reduce my outgoings until things pick up.
Although Tesco are offering a 2-month payment holiday, my other card vendors are only offering to waive late/non-payment fees.
I've not been able to speak to them, so I was wondering how I 'not pay' them while on direct debit? Just cancel it??

Can you go down the FCA forbearance route ??

2e0arr

daKlone said:

Now my income is basically zero (thanks Coronavirus!), I've been looking at how to reduce my outgoings until things pick up.
Although Tesco are offering a 2-month payment holiday, my other card vendors are only offering to waive late/non-payment fees.
I've not been able to speak to them, so I was wondering how I 'not pay' them while on direct debit? Just cancel it??

if you cant get through accidenttlly ring the my card has been lost or stolen number for advice and blagg your way from there

daKlone

Got hold of one of them via twitter, they just said phone the helpline...which others are complaining of not being able to get through on!

One slight wrinkle: Apparently if you have a 'promotional rate', like a 0% balance transfer or the like, this may be invalidated if you miss a minimum payment. I say may, as they said I'd have to speak to the helpline to find out.

Liquorice24

If you do not pay your direct debit, this is after letting the company know first, what happens to your credit history? Do you get a black mark on your credit footprint?

daKlone

Even if you do tell them first, I believe late/non-payments will be recorded on your credit history. Apparently this is some sort of legal requirement and not discretionary by the lender.

Shakin_Steve

That's not true. Please do not guess at what you think might be correct, it's not helpful.