How do I cancel direct debit using Natwest online banking?

Question

There is one mobile phone insurance company that was sort of tricked me to buy an insurance, and took my money again after a year even after they told me they wouldn't take any money again from my account. How can I block this company from taking my money again through direct debit in the future?

Answer 1

Call NatWest on this number 020 8804 4892 (Option 2 - 24/7 Customer services) and tell them there's been an unauthorised transaction on your account and that you want them to issue a chargeback against that transaction.

Briefly explain the situation to them and let them know in no uncertain terms that you're adamant that that company should not have taken the money from your account. If the NatWest advisor you speak with seems hesitant or tries to fob you off, start quoting the Direct Debit guarantee to them...

"If the originator or the bank/building society makes an error, the customer is guaranteed a full and immediate refund of the amount paid."

http://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/pu...

That should cut right through whatever rubbish lines they try to feed you. Once NatWest agree to issue the chargeback, I'd actually take it one step further and tell them that since this company tricked you into buying the insurance in the first place and that since you're so disgusted with them trying to steal money from you again, you want NatWest to issue chargebacks against all the transactions ever made from your account to this company.  

NatWest probably won't issue chargebacks against the previous transactions without you sending a strongly worded letter to them but you never know. You may get lucky and they may just issue all the chargebacks, especially if there have been more complaints about that company from other NatWest customers.

I'd advise you NOT to cancel the direct debit with that company while NatWest sort out your chargeback(s). Wanting to close the open payment channel you have with that company is a human nature reaction but it's actually a bad idea, a very bad idea (that's what NatWest will use to get the money back to your account!) and could seriously delay you getting your money back or even mean you won't see that money ever again.

As soon as you speak with NatWest, you'll have nothing to worry about by leaving the direct debit open. In the unlikely case that that company tries to take more money from your account in the interim period, NatWest will either stop the transaction themselves or refund the money to your account right away with no questions asked.

Once you have your money back, then yes, cancel the dodgy direct debit, by all means. To do that, log on to NatWest Online banking --> Payments --> Direct Debits --> click on the direct debit entry for that company --> click 'Cancel Direct Debit' button.