N
The Daily Insight Hub

What is the key difference between a Direct Debit and a standing order?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on January 23, 2026

A standing order is an instruction your customer gives to their bank to pay you a fixed amount at regular intervals whether this is weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. With Direct Debit, your customer authorises you to collect money directly from their bank account whenever a payment is due.

When would you use a standing order?

Standing orders are typically used to make rent payments, monthly charity donations or regular payments into a savings account. A standing order amount will remain the same, unless you amend your instruction.

How long does it take for a standing order to clear?

Standing orders are usually processed on the same day they are set up . However, allow between three to five working days for it to clear. If your payment is due to go out on a bank holiday or weekend, the money will leave your account on the next working day.

Can a standing order be recalled?

Just as with a cheque, a bank can ‘bounce’ a standing order or a direct debit if there’s not enough money in the customer’s account on Day 3 to cover it. And, in most circumstances, the customer can cancel, or ‘stop’, a standing order or a direct debit up to and during Day 3 – the day of payment.

Should I set up a Direct Debit or standing order?

A standing order is a regular payment that you can set up to pay other people, organisations or transfer to your other bank accounts. You can amend or cancel the standing order as and when you like. A Direct Debit can only be set up by the organisation to which you’re making the payment.

What are Direct Debit rules?

The Direct Debit Guarantee rules

  • Notifications – Customers must be notified in advance of each payment.
  • Refunds – Customers are entitled to a full and immediate refund of any payment that has been taken in error.
  • Cancellations – customers can cancel a Direct Debit mandate by contacting their bank.

    What are the pros and cons of Direct Debit?

    Pros and Cons of using Direct Debit

    • Can have significant cost-savings per payment transaction compared to Card or Cheque payments for example.
    • Fast, convenient payments taken on time.
    • Reduced administration costs associated with payment collection.

    What are the dangers of using a debit card?

    The Dangers of Using a Debit Card

    • Loss Limits. Like credit cards, federal law limits your liability for fraudulent transactions on a debit card to $50.
    • Pay Now/Reimburse Later.
    • Merchant disputes.
    • Phantom charges.
    • Overdrafts, overdrafts and more overdrafts.
    • Skimming.
    • More on MoneyWatch:

    Can a direct debit be cancelled by a standing order?

    You can amend or cancel the standing order as and when you like. A Direct Debit can only be set up by the organisation to which you’re making the payment. Normally, you sign a mandate that gives the company permission to take funds from your account in an agreed…

    What’s the difference between direct debits and standing?

    Direct Debits are widely available. Most people who have a current account or a prepaid card can pay using Direct Debits. Save time spent on business financial admin. Instead of spending hours sending out and chasing up on invoices, the agreed payment amount can be automatically collected by a Direct Debit on a set day.

    What’s the difference between standing order and standing order?

    Standing Instruction. A Standing Instruction, or sometimes referred to as a a standing order, is a service that allows your bank to make payments to a particular account for specified amounts at regular intervals – be it weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly. You are in full control – you can modify the payment amount and date whenever you like.

    What’s the difference between a CPA and a standing order?

    Often payday loan companies, online DVD rental subscriptions, porn websites, magazine subscriptions and gym memberships use this method of payment. A CPA is different from a standing order or Direct Debit because the payment instruction is with the business, not with a bank.