What is the difference between a Direct Debit and a Standing Order?

Direct Debits and Standing Orders are instructions for your bank to make regular payments to Compassion UK. However, there is a difference which will impact the way your payments are set up.

Standing Orders

With Standing Orders (S/O), you instruct your bank or building society to pay a sum of money into our Compassion bank account at regular intervals. Only you can amend this sum by contacting your bank. If you want to make a birthday gift or contribute to the Compassion Christmas fund, for example, then you’ll need to contact your bank to set this up. Compassion UK will be unable to do this for you.

Direct Debit

With a Direct Debit (D/D), you authorise Compassion UK to collect sponsorship donations from your bank account at regular intervals. A Direct Debit also allows the recipient (Compassion UK) to change the money collected from your account, provided we give you advance notice. Direct Debit also allows us to set up additional one-off donations with your permission. For example, if you’d like to give £15 for the child you sponsor’s birthday, just let us know, and we can arrange for the amount to be taken from your account.

Most supporters pay via Direct Debit as it’s the cheapest and most time-efficient way to set up and process payments. It’s not always possible for a sponsor to set up a Direct Debit; for example, those who live overseas and don’t have a UK bank account will need to set up a Standing Order (S/O) or arrange a bank transfer into our account. With Standing Orders, it generally takes three working days for the money to arrive in the recipient’s bank account. The process is usually free, although some banks may charge a fee. If you’re going to set up a Standing Order or arrange a bank transfer, please remember to quote your and the child you sponsor’s reference numbers.

If you have further questions, please get in touch with our friendly team at 01932 836490 or by email at info@compassionuk.org.