Direct debit problems.

[TheTurbonator]

Just a quick one really. I have a direct debit with a certain bank (think Lewis Hamilton) that keeps changing the date they decide to take it out.

Sometimes it's the 3rd, then the 6th, then the 4th etc. Paying the direct debit isn't a problem if we know when it's coming out but because of this I've now missed one payment resulting in a late fee (£12) and now today my account has gone into it's overdraft to pay it. For the last 4 months it's come out on the 6th so since I get paid tomorrow we thought that wage would cover it, but no today they decide to take it 2 days earlier.

We've rang them and they've just turned round and told me they can take it out whenever they like and when the system feels like it. They couldn't have given a toss to be honest. Now to me that doesn't seem right, I mean every other direct debit gets paid on its agreed date every month and they've never changed.

So basically since I'm a bit of a simpleton when it comes to Finance, Banks and the rules they have to follow I was just wondering if there was any arsenal I could call them back with to get this sorted and to make sure they take it out on a set date.

I mean is there any law or guideline that states that it has to be a set date and not just when they feel like it?

Edited by TheTurbonator on Wednesday 4th April 09:24

[Migsy]

Is the DD being paid to the bank, or by the bank to another company/person? If the latter, you need to take it up with them and not the bank. Either way, there should be a contract that you agreed/signed with them in order for them to set up the DD to start with - that should have the agreed date on it.

A rule of thumb is they should take on that agreed date, but if it falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday it will be taken either the last working day before or first working day after. In other words, if the agreed date is the 6th of the month, then I would expect the DD to go out on the 5th due to it being Good Friday.

Hope that helps.

[TheTurbonator]

The direct debit is for a loan I have with them, so it's a direct debit for the bank.

I know direct debits can sometimes change a few days because of a weekend and bank holidays but this is happening mid-week when those shouldn't affect it.

I've managed to get some information from their dire customer service in that they are now saying they send the request to my bank on the 3rd but that it is my bank which is changing the dates. Again all my other direct debits go out on the dates they are supposed to and have been doing for several years, so why is it this one keeps changing?

[wolf1]

Had the same issue with another bank choosing when they would take direct debits and standing orders etc. After constantly having arguments with them I switched to first direct (recommended by quite a few PHers) and everything runs like clockwork now.

[Migsy]

TheTurbonator said:

The direct debit is for a loan I have with them, so it's a direct debit for the bank.

I know direct debits can sometimes change a few days because of a weekend and bank holidays but this is happening mid-week when those shouldn't affect it.

I've managed to get some information from their dire customer service in that they are now saying they send the request to my bank on the 3rd but that it is my bank which is changing the dates. Again all my other direct debits go out on the dates they are supposed to and have been doing for several years, so why is it this one keeps changing?

On that basis, I would be having a very strong conversation with the bank to get the late payment fee refunded and credit report corrected. Definitely sounds like it sits with them.

Changing banks is probably a last resort, the only other alternative if they aren't going to change their ways, is to always have the payment ready to go a week earlier, or if that's not possible, change the DD date to a week later.

Letter of complaint might make you feel better but whether it changes anything is doubtful.

Another supporter of First Direct too!