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NatWest Bank Accounts

How to set up and cancel a direct debit

What are direct debits?

A direct debit is an agreement between you and company you're paying for payments like bills. It means they can automatically request variable amounts from your account on a set date, so you never have to worry about missed payments. 

To start a new direct debit from your NatWest bank account , you’ll need to sign a mandate with the company you want to pay. The company will then set up the direct debit with us.

You can set up a direct debit using our app to make repayments to your NatWest credit card.

App available to customers aged 11+ with compatible iOS and Android devices and a UK or international mobile number in specific countries.

 

Who can use a direct debit?

Anyone with a bank account can set up a direct debit. Most of our bank accounts are available to those 18 or over. However, some accounts are available to customers aged 11+. Specific account eligibility criteria apply. 

Find the right bank account for you.

What's the difference between a direct debit and standing order?

  • Set-up: With a direct debit, the company receiving the money is responsible for setting things up. However, standing orders are set up and controlled by you. 
  • Purpose: Direct debits are normally used for bills that can vary. Standing orders tend to be used for set amounts.
  • Protection: Direct debits are covered under the Direct Debit Guarantee scheme if a payment is taken in error. Standing orders are not covered by the scheme.

 

Setting up a direct debit

What do you need to set up a direct debit?

To pay a company with a direct debit, you’ll first need to give them a mandate. This outlines your key banking information.

Setting up a direct debit

We've put together a step by step guide to help you set up a new direct debit.

How long do direct debits take to set up?

Direct debits take between 5 and 10 days to set up. Depending on the company,  the set up time may vary. So it’s important to factor this in if you have bill payments approaching.  

Also bear in mind that a new direct debit will only show in NatWest Online Banking once the first payment is taken. It will then display on your statement, and you will be able to view it alongside any existing direct debits.

Managing your direct debits

Create a direct debit to pay your credit card

If you have a credit card and bank online with us, you can set up a direct debit to pay your credit card via our handy app. Here’s what to do:

  1. Go to the NatWest app.
  2. Choose the credit card to arrange a payment for. Tap ‘Pay my Card’.
  3. A direct debit section will then appear. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up or view existing direct debits.

View your existing direct debits

We make it simple to review existing direct debits from your mobile or laptop. Just follow these steps to view your current payments:

  1. Head to our mobile app or log in to NatWest Online Banking.
  2. Choose the relevant bank account.
  3. Select the ‘direct debits’ section and all the details will appear.

How to change a direct debit

You’ll normally need to contact the company you have a direct debit with to change the date, bank account or payment amount. Depending on the business, this might be possible online, via email or over the phone. If you’re registered for online banking, you can usually view and cancel direct debits online or via an app too.  

How to cancel your direct debit

How to cancel your direct debit using our mobile app

How to cancel your direct debit through Online Banking

What is the direct debit guarantee?

The direct debit guarantee acts as a safety net on the rare occasions when something goes wrong. It ensures any incorrect or fraudulent payments are fully and immediately refunded. All banks, building societies and companies offering direct debits are required to sign up.

As an example, the direct debit guarantee could protect you if a payment was taken on the wrong date. It would also help if an incorrect amount was deducted from your bank account.

 

Direct debit FAQs