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Banking with us

Set up and view your Direct Debits

What's a Direct Debit?

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 Royal Bank of Scotland 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 Royal Bank of Scotland 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. 

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?

Here's a handy list of things to get ready when you're setting up a Direct Debit

Setting up a Direct Debit

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

Set up a Direct Debit for your Credit Card

Set up a Direct Debit for your Credit Card

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 Digital 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.

Manage your existing Direct Debit

View your existing Direct Debit

You can view your existing Direct Debits with us using the mobile App or Digital Banking.

Cancel your Direct Debit

Find out how to cancel an existing Direct Debit using the mobile app or 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