Paying by Direct Debit
You could save on your energy costs when you pay by Direct Debit1
Not a business? Go to our British Gas residential website.
In this article
Setting up a Direct Debit
You can set up a Direct Debit by logging in to your online account. If you're not set up yet, it's quick to register - just have a bill to hand.
To set up a Direct Debit, you'll need:
- Your bank account number and sort code
- Preferred payment date - choose between the 1st and 28th of the month.
If you need consent from more than one person
If your business needs consent or signatures from two or more people, you'll need to complete a Direct Debit mandate form (PDF, 88kb) and pop it in the post to us.
Benefits of paying by Direct Debit
- Discounts available
- No need to remember to pay your bills
- It's secure, with a Direct Debit Guarantee
Types of Direct Debit payment
Fixed Direct Debit
You'll pay the same amount on the same day every month. If that day falls on a weekend or bank holiday, we'll process it on the next working day. The amount is determined by your recent energy usage and any outstanding balance, which we review regularly.
Variable Direct Debit
You'll pay for what you use when you use it as shown on your bill. You may pay less in the summer and more in the winter.
Switch between Direct Debit types
You can switch your Direct Debit type from fixed to variable and vice versa. Simply log in to your online account and select ‘Manage your Direct Debit’.
How fixed Direct Debits are calculated
Calculation: Your Direct Debit amount is based on recent energy usage plus any outstanding balance, spread over 12 months, for example:
- Annual energy usage = £1200
- Outstanding balance = £600
- Total = £1800
- Divided by 12 = monthly payments of £150
Estimation: If we don't have an up-to-date meter reading, we base the amount on an estimate of your energy use
Balance: In summer, if you use less energy, you may be in credit. Winter balances it out.
Review: We regularly review payments to ensure they match your energy usage.
Direct Debit Guarantee
This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.
If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, British Gas business will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed.
If you request British Gas business to collect a payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.
If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by British Gas business or your bank or building society you're entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.
If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when British Gas business asks you to.
You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.
Information
If you set up your contract directly with us, you'll see any Direct Debit discounts as a separate line on your bill. This helps you easily track your savings. If you agreed your contract through a third party broker, the discount is included in the standing charge and unit rate. Customers who move to our variable prices, whose variable prices have changed, those we've price matched, or where another supplier's energy agreement has transferred to us, do not qualify for a Direct Debit discount.
