Dormant Direct Debit notice?

WiddumsXX

I have a friend with a DD that the merchant never started using, despite receiving goods.  He’s afraid that if he deletes it, the merchant would be notified by their bank.  It’s more than 12months since it was set up, but simply was never used.  Is my friend right to be concerned?  Or would the bank simply delete and not inform the merchant?  

I also read there’s a Dormancy period 24mths where a bank cancels inactive DDs more than 24mths old.  Anyone know exactly who gets informed at that time?  Thanks in advance!

mr_stripey

I think regardless of the DD status, the company can still chase for the money if and when they realize they haven't received it.

CliveOfIndia

As per the previous comment, the status of the DD is immaterial in this scenario.  You need to your friend needs to contact the supplier to find out what's going on.  You've received the goods and the supplier is entitled to be paid.

WiddumsXX said:

I also read there’s a Dormancy period 24mths where a bank cancels inactive DDs more than 24mths old.  Anyone know exactly who gets informed at that time?  Thanks in advance!

Aside from the legal/moral issues, dormant DDs will get deleted by the bank.  It always used to be after 13 months of inactivity.  During Covid this was increased to 24 months of inactivity, and most (though possibly not all?) banks have left it at 24 months.  No-one gets notified, it just gets deleted.