I was supposed to pay Virgin Media Direct Debit on the 8th. But there was not enough money in the account. I thought there was £3 more in the account than there actually was.
Anyway, today I login to bank account (Co Operative Bank) and find that it is not overdrawn. And no money has been taken by Virgin Media. Although it says the money was "claimed" on the 8th.
What happens now? Will I get into trouble with both Virgin Media and the bank? The bank account that was supposed to be taken out of is on a reducing overdraft plan because of financial difficulties.
Tomorrow morning will be the 13th. I read online that if you pay the missed direct debit quickly it won't go on the credit rating as a missed payment? or am i . ed already. I know gas/elec give me 28 days on a 3 month bills, but is direct debit reported much sooner?
Call them first thing in the morning and offer to make the payment, now, through something else - like a credit card. If you do that and were paying on time before, they will likely be happy with the resolution. If they won't be so happy, or you won't call, you will get late payment marker on your credit file for that month.
Candyapple Posts: 3,384 Forumite 
So was the DD taken or not? If not, then you should still be ok with your bank. How can the money be 'claimed' but not be taken?
If you are already in a payment plan with your bank, then your credit history is likely to be poor already, so why the big panic about 1 late payment marker?
It all depends on how soon the lender reports the data back to the CRAs as to whether you would get a late payment or not. Some do it days after a payment is supposed to be received, others end of month. Only the lender would be able to tell you this.
I'm a Board Guide on the Credit Cards, Loans, Credit Files & Ratings boards. I'm a volunteer to help the boards run smoothly, and I can move and merge threads there. Any views are mine and not the official line of moneysavingexpert.com
pcman1985 Posts: 181 Forumite
Also if the DD bounced, which it sounds like did happen, then you will probably get charged by the bank.
If this is the first time it's happened contact your bank and ask for the charges to be removed. They will likely do this for you as long as you ask nicely.
If there are insufficient funds in your account when they apply to take the DD, it will fail.
Most organisations attempt the transaction again within 7 working days.
Your bank may charge a failed direct debt fee, if so, as advised above, say your sorry, it won't happen again, and they will refund the fee normally.
Make sure sufficient funds are available before they attempt collection again.
