FAQs - Security

How secure is your service?

As a Commercial Direct Debit bureau (Number B08032), we must also adhere to the security procedures laid down by BACS.

How are our funds protected when using your Direct Debit service?

We ensure that customer funds prior to BACS transferring are held in officially documented client accounts.

What is the Direct Debit guarantee?

Our Direct Debits are 100% guaranteed. This means any payer can claim the value of their Direct Debit back if they feel it has been taken incorrectly.

How can you provide a Direct Debit service when our bank has declined us?

We’re a Commercial Direct Debit Bureau (Number B08032). As such, we’re approved by both our bank and by BACS to provide debiting services. We have a long and trusted relationship with our bank.

What contingency do you have in place?

We offer a variety of solutions: online back up, dual HSMs and offsite tape and hard drive back up. Discover more about how SmartDebit can help in case of systems failure.

What is BACS?

BACS (Bankers Automated Clearing System) is the system used by banks and other organisations that transfers and collects monies electronically through the banking system. It’s run by a membership-based industry body and the entire process is closely regulated. BACS has now changed its name to VOCA Link Ltd.

What checks do you make to validate
the information a payer provides on
setting up?

We validate payers' bank details - with our paperless service, this can be easily done online real-time. There is an optional service for validating ownership of bank details.