Can I pay bill early, or will I be charged twice?

[Anonymous]

Hi all, sorry if this is a silly question.

My bill is due on the 2nd of every month, and automatic payment is taken on the 16th. If I were to manually pay my bill (either through my 02, or by phone) on.. say the 3rd of every month would I still be charged again on the 16th?

Thanks!

[MI5]

Ideally you should pay at least 2 weeks in advance of the automatic payment coming out or else the computer won't see it and still request payment from your bank.

[jonsie]

No you shouldn't be charged again as that is ample time for the account to show the reduced balance when the direct debit is due to be taken.

If you are going to do it every month do you need to keep the direct debit in situ?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't need to do it every month, but sometimes life throws little spanners in the works and i'd rather get it paid before I have nothing left in the bank.

So if I were to pay it on the 2nd it would be enough time for it to show and not charge me again?

Thanks for the quick replies

[jonsie · Accepted solution]

Current timescales are 7 working days for the direct debit to be amended so 12 days should be fine.