Skip to content
Money GuideAll guides
How-to · Step-by-step

How to set up a Direct Debit safely

In short. A Direct Debit lets an organisation collect varying amounts from your account on agreed dates. Every Direct Debit is covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee — full and immediate refund of any payment taken in error.

Direct Debits are the UK's main automated payment system for regular bills. The organisation collecting needs your authorisation (a 'mandate') and the right to collect through Bacs.

Last reviewed:

·Estimated time: 5 min·Cost: Free

What you'll need

  • Sort code and account number of the account to pay from
  • The organisation's account reference (often on your bill)

The steps

  1. 01

    Confirm the organisation is legitimate

    Check the request is from a genuine company. Use contact details from a previous bill or the official website — not a number sent in a suspicious email or text.

  2. 02

    Complete the mandate

    Most organisations accept Direct Debit set-up online, in an app or over the phone (Paperless Direct Debit). You'll authorise them to collect from your account and the bank will be notified through Bacs.

    Official link →

  3. 03

    Check the advance notice

    You must be told at least 10 working days in advance (3 for some recurring payments under a 'sweeping' service) of the amount and date of each collection — or whenever the amount or date changes.

  4. 04

    Monitor the first collection

    Check the first payment goes out as expected. The Direct Debit Guarantee means any error — wrong amount, wrong date, unauthorised collection — entitles you to an immediate refund from your bank.

Common pitfalls

  • Don't share your sort code/account number with unsolicited callers
  • Cancelling at the bank alone doesn't tell the organisation — also cancel with them
  • Some 'continuous payment authorities' on cards are NOT Direct Debits and don't have the same guarantee

FAQ

Can a Direct Debit take any amount?
Yes, but the collector must give you at least 10 working days' advance notice of changes to amount or date.
How do I cancel a Direct Debit?
You can cancel through online banking, your app, in branch or by phone. Also tell the organisation so they don't try to collect again or send your account to debt recovery.
What's the Direct Debit Guarantee?
A free safeguard from every UK bank and building society that takes part in the scheme — any payment taken in error is refunded immediately by your bank.
← All how-to guides