direct debit **** up.

[simonruss]

The AA in their wisdom applied to my bank for a monthly DD 4 days early, the money wasnt there and so my bank has now charged me �30 for the privilege of returning my DD unpaid.. Does anyone know if I can ask/demand that the stupid AA reimburse me or have I got to put it down to a 'lesson of life'? many thanks

[simonruss]

I didnt think the word c**k, as in the term c**k-up would be deemed offensive! suppose it could be used for many other things though, but not in the way it was meant.

[factor-fiction]

Are you sure? They normally apply on the working day before, so maybe because of Christmas they applied at the right time? What were the dates involved? Would there have been time for money to be credited to your account to cover the DD?

[mrs_overall]

I thought you were saying f**k up!

Have you read the AA blurb from when you set up the direct debit?
If it states a fixed date each month, such as the 25th, and that date falls on a Sunday, it would be the norm for them to deduct the money on the following working day.
Does the early deduction have anything to do with the Xmas holiday period?
If the blurb says they will take the money before the due date if the due date falls on a weekend or Bank Holiday then you haven't a leg to stand on.
Read through it and let us know what it says.

[simonruss]

it was a while ago now, possibly 3 months ago but the bank have only just charged me the �30, thats what p****d me off. The DD was applied for 4 days early. Will have to check the calendar but pretty sure it was a normal week.

[mrs_overall]

If it was a normal week I would get on the phone pronto to YOUR BANK and tell them that the money was taken from your account four days early. This is against the Direct Debit Code of Conduct and under the DD Guarantee Scheme your bank should refund you.
If the bank get shirty or try to tell you the AA are liable, tell them they are talking rubbish and it is THEIR responsibility.

It's been quite interesting researching this for you.....I've certainly learned something myself today.

Good luck.

[mccfluff]

speak to the aa if they make any change to your dd, amount of date they have to give you 14 days notice in writing

[factor-fiction]

Yes, I agree with mrs_overall, but you should check the dates first and check that you would have had enough money in had the payment gone out on the correct day. As well as asking the bank you could ask AA as they requested the money- see what they say. You may find it went out on time- it may just be that previous ones went out a few days later than agreed. No harm in trying.

[ummmm]

Write to your branch addressing it to The Manager. They won't do it over the phone but they will give you the money back if you do it in writing.

[danchip]

my credit card company did exactly the same to me, my payment was due on a saturday and they requested the money on the tuesday, this sent me overdrawn however i was lucky as i checked my balance on the wednesday noticed what had happened and rang my bank who then took the money back off the credit card company and put it back in my bank account, but the credit card company then cancelled the direct debit.

i also know someone who had the same thing happen but she was charged by her bank, she rang and complained to her credit card company who "as a good will gesture" took the �35 off her balance

I think a lot of these companies try and get their money early for god knows what reasons hoping people wont notice or wont complain, maybe my fsther in law is right when he starts his rants about not trusting big companies and not paying for anything by direct debit

[sandmaster]

Try complaining to the bank and they may refund the charge. However, Mrs overall isn't entirely correct. The bank is probably unaware of the due date and will not accept responsibility for the timing of the debit. The responsibility is that of the AA. They may debit your account on an agreed date or after, certainly not before. Try and get the charge refunded by them. But check your paperwork first.

[dzug]

It doesn't matter whether the bank are aware of the due date or not (and they will in general not be aware and have no means of being aware). they are responsible for putting right any error that either they or the AA make.

So it depends whether the AA were in error or not. Are you sure they didn't advise you of the revised date?

[sandmaster]

dzug is half right. You can reclaim the amount of the direct debit by instructing your bank to make an indemnity claim. This is your guarantee under the DD scheme. However, the DD was not paid so there is no amount to reclaim. The charge was for returning it due to lack of funds. The bank has no instruction from you to debit your account on a certain date - only to accept DDs (unspecified amount, unspecified date) from the AA. If you seek redress it should be from the AA. However, your bank manager may give you a sympathetic ear and refund the charge as a gesture of goodwill. Just don't go in to the bank shouting about your rights.

[simonruss]

thank you all, much appreciated for all your help. im looking forward to having a good old moan to the bloody AA!

[mrs_overall]

Good luck, and let us know how you get on.