How to cancel a Direct Debit in your banking app

Before you start

• You know the name of the company, as it appears on your bank statement.
• You know when the next payment is due. Cancelling before that date is the safest way to stop it.
• You can log in to your banking app or online banking.
• You've thought about how you'll pay for anything you still need, such as a bill.

0 of 4 done. Ticking just helps you keep track; nothing is saved or sent.

Steps

1. 1

   Open your banking app and log in

   On a computer, log in to online banking instead.

2. 2

   Find your Direct Debits

   They're usually under Payments, Payments and transfers, or the menu for the account the money leaves. If the app has a search box, search for "Direct Debit".

3. 3

   Pick the right one

   Check the company name and the last amount taken, so you don't cancel the wrong payment.

4. 4

   Tap Cancel or Delete, then confirm

   Some banks ask you to confirm with your passcode or fingerprint.

5. 5

   Check it has gone

   Go back to the list and make sure it no longer appears. Take a screenshot as proof.

6. 6

   Tell the company

   Email or call them to say you've cancelled, and ask them to close your account or plan and confirm it in writing.

If this happens

• You can't find Direct Debits in the app

  Try online banking on a computer, or call the number on the back of your bank card. Your bank can cancel it for you.

• A payment was still taken

  Contact your bank. If a Direct Debit payment was taken by mistake, the Direct Debit Guarantee means you're entitled to a full and immediate refund from your bank.

• It's a card payment, not a Direct Debit

  Regular payments taken from your card work differently. Ask your bank to stop them; you can also ask the company to cancel.

• You were signed up without agreeing

  Contact your bank and the company straight away. If you think it's a scam, call 159 to reach your bank safely, and report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Things to be careful about

• Don't cancel essential bills without a plan. Stopping a Direct Debit for your rent, mortgage, council tax or energy without arranging another way to pay could put you behind.

• Cancelling the payment isn't cancelling the contract. You may still owe money under the agreement, so always tell the company as well.

• Nobody needs your passcode to help you cancel. If someone calls offering to cancel a payment for you and asks for your banking details or a code, hang up.