CONTINUOUS PAYMENT IS NOT THE ONLY OPTION

DATING websites are not alone in wanting customers to sign up to a continuous payment authority. The same trick is also used by TV and film package providers, magazines and – when open – gyms. Although not always an option, it is worth asking if you can pay via direct debit or standing order instead. Here we provide the difference between the options:

● CONTINUOUS PAYMENT AUTHORITY: The customer agrees for money to be regularly taken from their debit or credit card by the service provider.

Different amounts of money can be taken from these cards without the customer being told. Regular payments continue until they are cancelled.

● DIRECT DEBIT: Payments are made to the service provider – but t he service provider must apply to t he customer’s bank every time a payment is due. The amount can vary but a ‘ direct debit guarantee scheme’ means a provider must inform the customer of any changes.

● STANDING ORDER: This is when a customer has arranged with their bank for a regular fixed payment to be made to a service provider from their bank account.

Payments continue until t he customer contacts the bank to cancel the agreement or the contract ends.