Recurring Direct Debit Template - FAQ

Why should I use Recurring Direct Debit Templates?

Recurring Direct Debit Templates help you standardise and streamline the creation of recurring direct debits.

By pre-configuring payment schedules, amounts, reminders, on-charged fees, digital agreements, and other settings, you can create new direct debits faster while maintaining consistency across your payment plans.

Templates can also be published to your Payment Portal, allowing customers to set up their own direct debits using plans you have already configured.

You can customise how templates appear to customers with descriptions, benefits, images, and call-to-action text that align with your business and payment offerings.

Templates also make ongoing management easier. Since multiple direct debits can be attached to the same template version, you can update template settings and create new versions as your requirements change. Where supported, attached direct debits can be upgraded to the new version, allowing you to apply approved changes across multiple direct debits without manually updating each one individually.

When customers create a direct debit through the Payment Portal, the direct debit is created in a CustomerDraft status and can be authorised immediately within the same flow. Rather than requiring separate follow-up steps, customers can complete the entire setup and authorisation process in a single experience, reducing friction and helping payment arrangements commence sooner.

What restrictions apply to upfront and recurring amounts?

The restrictions that apply to template amounts are the same as those that apply when creating or editing direct debits.

This includes any applicable trust-level restrictions, such as per-debit exposure limits.

Where restrictions apply, explanatory messaging is displayed when creating or editing a template.

Can I update the upfront amount later?

Yes, within certain limits.

Depending on the change being made and whether direct debits are already attached to the template, updating the upfront amount may prevent existing direct debits from being upgraded to the new template version.

Where restrictions apply, explanatory messaging is displayed during the editing process.

How do sign-up-based start dates work?

When a recurring debit template uses a sign-up-based start date (such as 1 week, 1 fortnight, or 1 month after sign-up), the recurring payments automatically begin relative to the exact day the direct debit is authorized by the customer, rather than starting on a single fixed date for everyone.

Before the customer completes the direct debit authorization, any start date shown on screen is an estimate. Once the direct debit is authorized, the official start date is calculated immediately. If the schedule starts "1 month after sign-up," the payments will begin on the same calendar day of the following month (adjusted automatically for shorter months like February). Any upfront fees tied to the first installment are also calculated using this confirmed start date.