Direct Debit: how it works
Direct Debit is the backbone of UK bill payment. It's cheaper, more reliable and safer than card payments for recurring services.
The short answer
Direct Debit lets a company collect a variable amount from your bank account automatically. You're protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee — any error is refunded immediately by your bank.
The basics
You sign a mandate authorising the company to collect payments. Each time they collect, they must give you advance notice of the amount and date.
The Direct Debit Guarantee
If any Direct Debit is taken incorrectly (wrong amount, wrong date, unauthorised), your bank will refund you immediately, no questions asked. The company then has to sort it out.
Why it's cheaper than card
Direct Debit has almost no processing fees. Card payments cost the business up to 1.5% per transaction — providers pass that cost back to you.
Setting up with OCCTA
Enter your bank details on our secure DD form. We show you the exact first collection date and amount before you confirm. Cancel any time via your bank or by contacting us.
FAQs
Next step
Find out what's available at your address, or talk to a human about your setup.