Petition · HM Treasury
Require banks to allow customers to set maximum caps on Direct Debit payments
Open for signatures
36 signatures
What the petition asks
Amend the Payment Services Regulations 2017 to require banks to provide a "Customer-Defined Cap" for Direct Debits. If a withdrawal attempt exceeds this cap, the bank must automatically block payment and notify the customer. Payment should only proceed when authorised and a new cap is set.
Current rules allow organisations to vary Direct Debit amounts with minimal notice, often too late for customers to act. For services like energy and water, estimated increases can often be overcalculated, causing financial hardship.
We believe this proposal ensures:
Protection: Customers are shielded from large or erroneous withdrawals.
Transparency: Organisations must provide clear calculations for any increase.
Control: Customers must approve increases or cancel before funds leave their account.
We believe this proposal ensures:
Protection: Customers are shielded from large or erroneous withdrawals.
Transparency: Organisations must provide clear calculations for any increase.
Control: Customers must approve increases or cancel before funds leave their account.
Timeline
| 18 Feb 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
36
Status
Open for signatures
Department
HM Treasury
Opened
18 Feb 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.