Thanks that is a good point, I’ve adjusted the wording.
Agreed with the interpersonal transactions (in fact it’s amazing being able to bank transfer your acquaintances instantly and for free!), and with rent, but I must say I don’t see it offered that commonly with regular companies—do you have any examples?
With utilities there is the bank transfer option but one is better off trying to use direct debit for extra protection via the Direct Debit Guarantee
I was thinking for example of my energy and water bills, which both list various ways that one can pay. Looking at my energy bill now, I see that bank transfer is listed as the first option, followed by debit/credit card (if one calls on the phone), cheque, and finally direct debit. I find bank transfer the easiest for usage-based utilities, as I prefer to pay exactly what I owe rather than make estimated monthly payments as I’d need to do with direct debit… I’m a little paranoid about whether I will be refunded in a timely manner for overpayments, or if I will be hit with late fees if the estimate is too low. I didn’t actually realize about the extra protection afforded in the case of direct debits, though, thanks! Good to know.
My invoices for accountancy services also list bank transfer as an option, though they also allow other ways to pay… I agree it would be weird for a big company to have bank transfer as the only option. Private contractors (repairmen etc.) have sometimes just given me an invoice with their bank details only.
Thanks that is a good point, I’ve adjusted the wording.
Agreed with the interpersonal transactions (in fact it’s amazing being able to bank transfer your acquaintances instantly and for free!), and with rent, but I must say I don’t see it offered that commonly with regular companies—do you have any examples?
With utilities there is the bank transfer option but one is better off trying to use direct debit for extra protection via the Direct Debit Guarantee
We’ve paid the contractors for our home renovations via bank transfer, I think it’s pretty common in that industry.
I was thinking for example of my energy and water bills, which both list various ways that one can pay. Looking at my energy bill now, I see that bank transfer is listed as the first option, followed by debit/credit card (if one calls on the phone), cheque, and finally direct debit. I find bank transfer the easiest for usage-based utilities, as I prefer to pay exactly what I owe rather than make estimated monthly payments as I’d need to do with direct debit… I’m a little paranoid about whether I will be refunded in a timely manner for overpayments, or if I will be hit with late fees if the estimate is too low. I didn’t actually realize about the extra protection afforded in the case of direct debits, though, thanks! Good to know.
My invoices for accountancy services also list bank transfer as an option, though they also allow other ways to pay… I agree it would be weird for a big company to have bank transfer as the only option. Private contractors (repairmen etc.) have sometimes just given me an invoice with their bank details only.