Regular payments explained

Direct Debits are when a company collects money from your current account on a regular basis. To do this, you have to give them your account number and sort code.

Direct Debits don't have to be for a fixed amount, but the company has to tell you in advance if the amount changes.

Direct Debits are covered by the Direct Debit guarantee (opens in a new window).

Direct Debits are:

• Set up by a company, using your current account information.
• Used to pay energy providers, council tax bills, TV licence or credit card bills.
• Normally have to be changed by the company collecting them, as they are part of a fixed agreement.

A standing order is an automatic regular payment to another bank account. It is set up by you, and the amount is fixed.

For example, they can be used to pay rent, or move money into your savings account each month.

Standing orders are:

• Set up using your current account details by you, through the Banking app, Internet Bank or in branch.
• Used to move money regularly, either between your accounts, or to from your account to someone else’s.
• Changed or cancelled by you, at any time you choose.

A recurring card payment is where you give a company your debit or credit card details so that they can take regular payments from you.

Recurring card payments are also sometimes called 'continuous payment authorities' or 'future card payments'.

Recurring card payments are:

• Set up by a company, using your debit or credit card details.
• Used for things like Netflix, Amazon Prime or magazine subscriptions.
• Usually changed by contacting the company taking the payment. You can cancel by contacting us or the company.