Resources
Practical Direct Direct Help and Information
If you want to learn more about Bacs payments and how they work, read on for help and information. We provide lots of support directly through our training and consultancy offerings. Alternatively, you may prefer to search our Resources section or read our latest blogs – either for an answer to your questions or just to improve your overall knowledge. If you can’t find exactly what you are after or would like Direct Debit help and Information on other topics, then please get in touch. We are happy to answer any questions you may have and to direct you towards further resources and sources of help as needed.
1. Understanding
Direct Debit
2. Paperless Direct Debit
3. KYC (Know Your Customer) Checks
4. Bacs Processing Calendar and Dates
5. Direct Debit Failures
6. BACS Reports
Frequently Asked questions
How can we offer direct debit as a payment option to our customers? →
There are lots of options but the best starting point is always your own bank. If your organisation has been around for a few years and is credit worthy, then the bank should be able to sponsor you. Here is a list of Bacs Participants, i.e. all the UK banks that can sponsor you to collect Direct Debits. Even if your bank is not on this list, it may be worth speaking to them as they will often partner with a scheme member who can help you.
What are the requirements and processes for setting up direct debit for our business? →
The main requirement to start with is sponsorship. Once you have addressed that, there are 2 more critical components which are direct debit management and secure submission of the data. If you already have a CRM or database where you keep you customer information it may well be the best place to manage the payment data. You then just need to find a Bacs software provider or bureau to get that data securely to Bacs.
What are the benefits of using direct debits for our business? →
There are a lot of benefits to using Direct Debits. These include
- Direct Debits are typically cheaper than other payment methods
- They are incredibly secure
- They are super flexible – collect any amount on any working day
- You are in control of the amounts and dates
- It is more predictable income
- It can reduce admin and reconciliation of payments
How can Direct Debits improve our cash flow and reduce administrative burdens? →
All the Direct Debit payment amounts and dates can be exported in a simple file. You then receive cleared funds of everything you exported and you only need to deal with a small percentage of exceptions i.e. assume all collections are successful unless you hear otherwise from Bacs.
Can we use direct debits for international customers? →
The UK “Bacs” scheme is only available for UK bank accounts. There is a completely different scheme in other countries. All of these are quite different from each other. Most countries in the euro run a common scheme which is cross border called SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) Direct Debit. There are similar schemes elsewhere in the world but the rules and processes are different in those regions.
What regulatory requirements must we adhere to when using direct debits? →
There is a publication called the Direct Debit Scheme rules that you would have to adhere to. This just ensures that all parties interests are protected and that the scheme runs efficiently. A simple one-day training course would be enough to get you up to speed.
How do we ensure the security of our customers’ banking information? →
Like all personal data you should take care to look after your payer’s information. Bank data doesn’t have any extra protected status over and above any other personal data so normal GDPR rules would apply. It is not sensitive personal data.
Still Got Questions?
Get in touch for independent and practical help and information about all your Bacs Direct Debit and Direct Credit queries