Cancellation of a standing order or direct debit (Poland)

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An instruction to a Polish bank cancelling a standing order or withdrawing consent to direct debits for a named payee — a telecoms firm, an electricity supplier, a club or a former landlord — with the account number, the payee's details and payment reference, and if needed a request to refund the last debit within 8 weeks. It reminds the reader that cancellation must arrive by the business day before the debit at the latest.

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Common questions

By when can a standing order or direct debit be cancelled in Poland?

By the end of the business day before the agreed debit date at the latest (art. 51 of the Payment Services Act). The bank may carry out an instruction received later, and the money then has to be recovered from the payee or through a refund request. Online banking is the easiest way to cancel; if that is not possible, in writing at a branch or by message through the bank's electronic channel.

Does cancelling a direct debit end the contract with the company that was paid?

No. Cancelling the order or withdrawing direct-debit consent only changes how payment is made — the contract with the operator, club or supplier continues and its fees are still owed. To stop paying, the contract must be terminated and the company told that direct-debit payments have ended. Otherwise unpaid invoices turn into arrears with interest.

Can money taken by direct debit be recovered in Poland?

Yes. A refund of an authorised debit initiated by the payee, such as a direct debit, can be requested within 8 weeks of the account being debited (arts. 47–48 of the Payment Services Act). If no consent to the debit was ever given, the transaction is unauthorised and can be reported to the bank within up to 13 months (art. 44), and the bank refunds it by the end of the next business day.