Direct Debit Help

Direct Debit Help

Direct Debit is a simple, safe and quick way to collect payments from customers automatically from their bank account. A Direct Debit is an instruction from a customer to their bank or building society. It authorises the Service User to collect varying amounts from their bank account.

How It Works

You will be advised of your Direct Debit collection date on your monthly bill. This gives you ample time in which to ensure you have sufficient funds in your account and if necessary contact our customer service team should you have any queries you need addressing.

Benefits

Payments are made automatically ensuring bills are never forgotten. This also ensures uninterrupted services as you will not be suspended for non-payment of an invoice.

Saves you time

Direct Debit takes the hassle out of bill payment. You don’t have to queue at your bank or fill out a cheque each time.

Keeps Cost Down

No need to pay for postage or bank charges for a cheque, and also keeps administrative costs down.

Cheaper Telecom Bills

The prices that you agreed to when joining Unicom are conditional upon payment by Direct Debit so you need an active Direct Debit Instruction to benefit from those savings.

How do I set up my Direct Debit?

In order to set up your Direct Debit you will need:

  • Your account number
  • Your sort code
  • Your account name
  • Your Unicom reference number

Please contact Credit Control on 0161 946 4446 with the above details in order to set up your Direct Debit.

Alternatively download and complete this mandate [Download here] and return to us:

By post:
No. 1 Dovecote
Old Hall Road
Sale
M33 2GS

 

By Email: info@switchingon.com

Guarantee

The Guarantee is operated by all banks and building societies that take part in the Direct Debit Scheme. The efficiency and security of the Scheme is monitored and protected by your own bank or building society.

If the amounts to be paid or the payment dates change, Unicom will notify you normally 3 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.

If an error is made by your bank or building society or Unicom, you are guaranteed a full and immediate refund from your branch of the amount paid.

You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by writing to your bank or building society. Please also send a copy of your letter to Unicom.

Direct Debit FAQs

Who makes sure that the organisations collecting money are reputable?

All organisations using the Direct Debit system are sponsored into the Scheme by their bank or building society. They are checked for integrity, sound financial standing and administrative capability before being permitted to offer Direct Debit to their customers.

Once it is set up, do I have to do anything?

No, other than making sure you have sufficient funds in your account when the payment is due. To assist with this Unicom will give you advance notice of the collection dates and amounts, whether you set up a Direct Debit by the telephone, internet or by completing a paper instruction. It is a good idea to check your bank statement regularly to ensure that all your Direct Debits are collected as shown on your advance notice.

Why has my Direct Debit been denied?

There are a number of possible reasons why your Direct Debit was denied, the two most common are:.

Refer to Payer – There are insufficient funds for the Direct Debit to be taken from your bank account. You will need to contact our Credit Control team on 0161 946 4446 to make an alternative payment.

Direct Debit Cancelled – Your Direct Debit has been cancelled and the bank will not allow Unicom to collect money from your bank account. You will need to contact our Credit Control team on 0161 946 4446 and make an alternative payment and reset your Direct Debit. Remember, your bank may charge you the reject a payment collection.

How can I be sure my account is safe from fraud?

It’s very unlikely that this will ever occur because organisations using the Direct Debit Scheme go through a careful vetting process before they’re authorised, and are closely monitored by the banking industry. But if money were to be drawn from your account fraudulently you’d be protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, and would be entitled to an immediate refund from your bank or building society.

How much notice does Unicom give me before you collect from my account?

You will be notified on your bill 3 working days before collection.

Who actually controls Direct Debit payments?

The bank or building society that holds your account is responsible for all aspects of the running of that account. They are therefore answerable for all payments, including those made by Direct Debit.

Can Direct Debits be paid from any account?

Most current accounts at banks and building societies can be used to make Direct Debit payments. Some special deposit accounts also allow them – just ask at your branch.