Direct Debits in the UK run on a fixed timetable set by the banking system. This article explains the key timescales involved in setting up new mandates, running the collection cycle, and what to watch out for when freezing or cancelling memberships, whether you are using ClubRight Pay Direct Debit or GoCardless.
🇬🇧 UK only: the timings in this article apply to UK Direct Debits processed under the BACS banking system. Non-UK Direct Debit schemes operate to different timetables.
New Direct Debit instructions (mandates)
When you create a new Direct Debit instruction for a member, the minimum period from setting it up to being able to collect the first payment is 6 working days. This is called the Advance Notice Period.
The Advance Notice Period is a fundamental principle of the UK Direct Debit system, and we cannot collect a payment for a new instruction any sooner than this.
Note: if you are using your own Direct Debit Service User Number (SUN), this period may be longer. The exact period will be set out in your existing Direct Debit guarantee.
Reinstates and new bank account details
The timescales for taking a first payment following a reinstate of previous bank account details, or after a member provides a new bank account, are the same as for a brand-new instruction: 6 working days.
The collection cycle
When a payment is due from a member, the request for payment is sent to the bank 3 working days before the collection day. Once sent, it cannot be stopped by us or by your Direct Debit provider.
Day 1: payment request sent to the bank
Day 2: bank processing day
Day 3: collection day
Day 4: results processed and returned to update ClubRight
A few things to keep in mind:
Non-working days (weekends and bank holidays) are not included in the count above
Collections cannot be taken on a non-working day. If a member's regular payment day is the 1st of each month and the 1st falls on a Sunday, the payment will be taken on the 2nd instead
A payment is always debited from a member's bank account on the collection day, but it can be returned as a reversal by their bank up to midnight on that day
⚠️ Important: if you are freezing or cancelling a membership, do so at least 4 working days before the member's next due payment date. Otherwise the payment request may already have been sent and cannot be stopped.
Can I speed up Direct Debit processing?
No. Our Direct Debit services, whether through ClubRight Pay or GoCardless, work to the fastest available timescales under UK Direct Debit banking regulations. There are currently no plans from the banks to speed up UK processing. If you need an instant payment, take it via credit or debit card instead.