Direct Debits - Getting Started

Overview

A Direct Debit is an instruction from a consumer or business (payer) to their bank, authorising an organisation (payee) to regularly collect money directly from the payer's account at intervals within a specified timescale.
By setting up a DD, both the payer and the payee are able to automate that payment/collection cycle, saving considerable time and money on both sides.
Organisations wishing to use the Direct Debit Scheme must go through a careful vetting process before they're authorised - including full audits and investigations into the company's operations.

To become a Direct Debit originator, you should first seek sponsorship from your bank. This approval is far from guaranteed and involves a stringent auditing process - which could take up to six months.
The master database of customer and payment data is normally stored in an accounts package, CRM system or even an Excel spreadsheet.
Unless your database is AUDDIS compliant you will need a system (such as eCOLLECT) that can accommodate the necessary day-to-day DD operations.
Once created by your accounts or DD management solution, the payment file will need to be sent to Bacs via a specialist transmission tool (such as Albany ePAY). Prior to submission, the contents of the file are checked to make sure there are no sort code or account number errors.

The AUDDIS system enables organisations to send new Direct Debit Instructions (DDIs) to their customers' banks electronically - and instantaneously - rather than by sending a paper mandate.
Using AUDDIS has a number of benefits including a reduction in manual processing and paper consumption, improved staff efficiency and cash flow.
As of 1st January 2008, all DDIs sent by new service users submitting directly to Bacs must use AUDDIS.