How does Direct Debit work, and how long does it take?

Connect your own GoCardless account in Settings. A client then sets up a Direct Debit from their portal, on GoCardless's own secure page, so we never see their bank details. After that you or the client can collect an invoice with one button, or you can switch on automatic collection so invoices are collected on the day they are due.

It is not instant: the money usually takes a few working days. The invoice shows the collection as "on its way" and is marked paid when GoCardless confirms the money has been taken. If the payment fails, the invoice stays unpaid and shows why. If the client's bank takes the money back later, the invoice owes it again. Direct Debit is available to companies that work in pounds or euros, and your GoCardless account has to be verified by GoCardless before you can collect real payments.