There’s no single best way to pay — the right one fits how your business manages cash. Here’s how the options compare so you can pick with confidence.
The options
- Direct Debit — set once, collects automatically, flexes if the amount changes, and carries the Direct Debit Guarantee. Best for most.
- Standing order — you control it from your bank; good if you prefer to push payments, but you must update it yourself.
- Manual payment — a bank transfer or card each time; maximum control, but relies on you remembering.
Choosing
If you value not having to think about it, Direct Debit wins. If you want to release each payment deliberately, a standing order or manual payments suit — just set reminders so nothing’s late. Whatever you choose, keep the collecting account funded and use the right reference. You can change method later as your business evolves.
Most of this is self-service in your customer portal, which is the fastest route and available at any time. Where a change needs our team to verify it, we say so and give a realistic turnaround so you can plan around it.
See also: What payment methods can my company use?, How to set up a standing order as a backup, How can I make a payment?.