As you may know, NWR is encouraging members to pay their annual membership subscription by Direct Debit.
We estimate that as an organisation NWR spends around £23,000 every year collecting payments and issuing payment reminders to members who have not paid their subscription on time. Direct Debit has been adopted by NWR as a means to avoid this expenditure, and currently, just over 50 percent of members pay their annual subscription through a Direct Debit instruction.
For members who are unaware of the benefits Direct Debit offers NWR – and to themselves as consumers – I’ve provided an overview and relevant links below.
What is Direct Debit?
Direct Debit is a service offered by banks and building societies to help customers pay their bills. For many, Direct Debit is the simplest and most convenient way to pay regular and occasional bills. It ensures important payments aren’t missed when you’re busy, on holiday, or doing anything more enjoyable than thinking about bills!
A Direct Debit instruction from you to your bank or building society provides authorisation for an organisation to collect payments from your bank or building society account. Once you have agreed to payments being taken, the money is deducted from your account automatically. If the organisation you are paying wants to change the amount or date of collection, they have to tell you about it first.
“Direct Debits are used by nine in ten UK consumers to pay some or all of their regular bills.”
UK PAYMENT MARKETS SUMMARY 2019, UK Finance 2019
What is the Direct Debit Guarantee?
The Direct Debit Guarantee offers protection to the payee should an incorrect amount be taken from their account, or if a payment is taken on the wrong date. All banks and building societies offering the Direct Debit service support the Guarantee, which represents a full and immediate refund of the amount paid in error.
Direct Debit instructions can be cancelled at any time.
Extra Benefits
With many organisations offering discounted prices to those who pay by Direct Debit, adopting the service can save you money. Plus, with a Direct Debit instruction in place, you’re not at risk of a late payment charge.
The scheduling of a Direct Debit payment can also make budgeting easier.
First published on 26 July 2021