How to set up a Direct Debit Guaranteed automatic payments so you don’t have to worry
How to set up a Direct Debit
Many energy providers offer reduced rates or discounts for customers who pay by Direct Debit. If you have a bank account, these are easy to set up and ensure that you will not fall behind on your payments, as well as saving you time and money.
What is a Direct Debit? Direct Debit is a simple, safe and convenient way to manage your household bills or make regular or occasional payments from your bank account.
Firstly, you agree with the organisation the amount to be collected and when you want to pay. From then on that amount will be deducted from your account as agreed. If they need to change the amount or collection date, they are required by law to notify you first.
Direct Debit is a simple, safe and convenient way to manage your household bills
How do I set up a Direct Debit? You can complete a Direct Debit Instruction obtained from the organisation you wish to pay and return it to them. With most organisations, you can set up Direct Debits over the telephone or online. The organisation will then forward your instructions to your bank authorising them to allow payments to be collected from your account.
Can Direct Debits be paid from any account? Most current accounts at banks and building societies can be used to make Direct Debit payments. Some special deposit accounts also allow them – just ask at your branch. What information do I need to set up a Direct Debit? You will require the following information:
• your name and address
• the name and address of your bank or building society
• your bank or building society account number
• the branch sort code of your bank or building society
• the name(s) on the account
FAQ Q: If I set up a Direct Debit over the telephone or internet what record will I have of the agreement?
A: You will be sent written confirmation of your Direct Debit Instruction within three working days of the telephone call or online sign up. Simply check the details and contact the organisation you’re paying if you have any queries.
Q: How will my bank know it’s really me authorising a Direct Debit instruction if it hasn’t checked my signature?
A: Under the rules of the Direct Debit Scheme, the organisation you are paying is responsible for checking all the information and satisfying themselves that they have sufficient identification. If your bank has any reason to doubt it, they may request a copy of the Direct Debit Instruction from the organisation.
Q: Can I authorise a third party to sign up giving my account details over the phone or via the internet?
A: No. Only the account holder can set up the Direct Debit Instruction. In this instance the organisation concerned would forward a paper Direct Debit Instruction to you for authorisation.
Contact Us For further information on how you can save money in your home or to speak directly to an Energy Advisor, please call Radian Direct on 0300 123 1 567. You can also e-mail:
[email protected] or text on 07764 309062.