Do 'pre-authorised' transactions have to be pre-notified?

rtX_2

My debit card has been charged on the basis of a pre-authorisation.  The charge occurred earlier than I had thought it would, and I did not want renewal of the service being provided.  The charge they make seems to vary from year to year (upwards only!). The company making the charge, took the money and then only notified me afterwards that it had done so. I know under direct debit they have to notify you of a changed amount prior to making the charge. I am wondering if there is any sort of similar protection for debit card charges?

Sandtree

So you are talking about continuous payment authority... see https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/recurring-payments/ 

The level of protection is much less than it is Direct Debit and they don't need to tell you exactly what they are going to charge in advance (though its good practice to).

Shakin_Steve

A continuous payment authority allows a company to take payments whenever they want. If you want to cancel it ring your bank, but be careful you haven't signed up for a set contract period.

jonesMUFCforever

The answer to the question is - NO they do not need to be pre-notified.

born_again

rtX_2 said: I am wondering if there is any sort of similar protection for debit card charges?

The only protection is if you have cancelled and  they take the payment afterwards.