What is an
Active Direct Debit?

Our guide to what happens after you set up a direct debit, and what counts as active.

When you set up a new direct debit, lots of things happen behind the scenes. In the UK, direct debits go through the BACS payment system. This guide explains the process – what happens, and how long everything takes – and when your direct debit should become "active".

Mandate submitted

Once you submit your direct debit mandate to authorise the payment, the business needs to submit the mandate to your bank.

This starts the process in the banking system. Requests made after 8pm UTC will be submitted on the next business day.

Some companies submit direct debit mandates manually, which might take slightly longer – at Tiny Direct Debit, this happens automatically. There's no extra delay or manual processing.

Direct debit is active

This happens 3 business days after the mandate is submitted.

You might be able to see the direct debit in your online banking, but some banks might not show it until the first payment is collected.

First payment is collected

Assuming you're setting up a direct debit for immediate payment, this will happen 2 business days after your direct debit becomes active.




Direct debit examples

Let's take a look at some real examples, to demonstrate how long it should take to set up a new payment.

Setting up a direct debit during the week

  1. You set up a new direct debit at 7am on Monday.
  2. Your mandate is submitted immediately.
  3. Your direct debit becomes active on Thursday.
  4. Your first payment is taken the following Monday.

Setting up a direct debit over a weekend

  1. You set up a new direct debit at 8:05pm on Friday.
  2. Your mandate is submitted on Monday.
  3. Your direct debit becomes active on Thursday.
  4. Your first payment is taken the following Monday.



It's worth noting that some banks might require a payment to be made from a direct debit, before counting it towards your eligibility for a switch bonus.

This guide explains what counts as "active" technically, but some banks might have different requirements. If you want to make sure you'll qualify for a specific offer, it's always worth checking directly with the bank.

Unlock your switch bonus!

Set up a Tiny Direct Debit today.