Question:
Why is it so difficult to cancel or amend a debit order? It seems as if the companies I deal with can delay the process almost indefinitely. What must I do?

Answer
A debit order is a legally binding contract between two parties ? the client (you) and a supplier such as your mobile phone provider or medical aid. When a client puts in an application for a debit order or requests that it be amended or cancelled, the bank is obliged to source authorisation from both the client and the supplier. In other words, they need to confirm that you and the supplier are in agreement as to the action and the terms.

The approval process with the supplier can unfortunately sometimes take longer than expected. Since the debit order instruction can only be amended by the supplier, it is unfortunately the supplier that one needs to deal with.

Generally, if you give the instruction to amend or cancel a debit order before the 15th of the month, it would be enough time for this action to be taken before the next debit order on the 1st of the month.