If you’re a new business starting out, or even one that has been established for a while, navigating the Bacs payments landscape can be a challenge. There are specific standards to uphold and a sizeable amount of terminology and acronyms to negotiate that requires learning, adjustments, and analysis.
However, you will probably be relieved to hear that Bacs services and their standards are more simple to understand and easier to implement than they appear at first glance.
Becoming more familiar with Bacs systems, protocols, and processes engenders confidence in interpreting the Bacs Direct Debit Scheme, accompanying Service User Guide and integrating Bacs payment services into your payment method solutions for clients or customers.
In this article, we examine what a Bacs Service User Number is, whether you need one (or multiple) for your business, and what options there are to gain a SUN for Bacs payment management.
Contents
- What is a Bacs Service User Number?
- How do I get a Bacs Service User Number?
- Do I need my own Service User Number (SUN) to collect Direct Debits?
- Why would a business use a Facilities Management provider instead of applying for a SUN?
- Direct Debit Facilities Management from Interbacs.
What is a Bacs Service User Number?
A Bacs Service User Number is a unique identification number containing six digits that Bacs awards to organisations which are authorised to submit Direct Debits or Direct Credits to Bacs.
The Bacs Service User Number, also known as a SUN or Originator ID, enables Bacs and banks to distinguish the authorised business and identifies the collecting enterprise on the customer’s bank account statement.
Put simply, the Bacs Service User Number is essential for any business that wants to offer direct debit as a payment option to their customers, or pay direct credit payments to their staff and suppliers. The SUN is required for any communication with Bacs and is stored alongside Bacs transaction records.
How do I get a Bacs Service User Number?
There are two main pathways to obtaining a Bacs Service User Number for a business looking to manage Bacs payments.
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Direct access/Bank Sponsorship
If you are a larger organisation with a strong trading history, capital and assets, alongside a specific, sizable annual turnover, then direct access is typically the best route. In order to qualify, your business needs to have a UK bank account with a sponsoring bank.
You must be able to demonstrate that your business can maintain Bacs scheme rules and show evidence that you can effectively administer payments as well as follow the prescribed protocols. There is also a requirement to confirm that your organisation has adequate financial resources to accommodate any customer refunds you may have to fulfil, particularly any potential indemnities.
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Third party facilities management
Alternatively, if your business is not in the position to claim direct access to a SUN, you may want to consider working with a facilities management provider. This means that you don’t need to be approved by a sponsor bank to gain your SUN, but you can operate using a third party’s SUN with their approval.
An established and experienced Direct Debit Facilities Management provider, like Interbacs, can allow you to use their SUN to process payments. The provider will oversee, process and manage Direct Debit payments on your behalf, and ensure you receive the funds into your bank account.
A real advantage of working with a Direct Debit Facilities Management provider is that they take over the payment process, completing and submitting payments to Bacs on your business’s behalf. This means that your business doesn’t have to meet the robust criteria required for gaining your own SUN from a sponsoring bank. This option still typically requires a stringent due diligence process.
Do I need my own Service User Number (SUN) to collect Direct Debits?
No, if you partner with a Direct Debit Facilities Management company, they can permit you to use their SUN to collect Direct Debits. They will manage the entire process and ensure your payments are accurately processed and that you are able to access Bacs reports for transparent accounting and compliance purposes.
Even though this sounds like an extra cost, working with a Direct Debit Facilities Management provider can be cost effective, reducing your need for large internal payment processing teams and related technology.
Why would a business use a Facilities Management provider instead of applying for a SUN?
A key reason why your business may choose to outsource to a Direct Debit Facilities Management provider is because it enables you to access this popular and convenient payment method without having to obtain sponsorship into the Direct Debit scheme by a sponsoring bank, outsource the administrative effort, avoid having to invest in digital payment portals and have an account manager to support your incoming revenue streams expertly.
Your provider will take on the administrative work for you, freeing up your business to work on strategic priorities. Plus, your business name can usually still appear on customer statements, therefore enhancing trust and credibility with your customers.
Direct Debit Facilities Management from Interbacs
Our Facilities Management service gives you full access to the benefits of Direct Debits. With Interbacs by your side, you can carry out Direct Debit transactions without needing the sponsorship of your bank or experiencing the administrative and financial burden of internally managing Bacs payments.
Our experienced processing team handles all your administration and monitoring processes, efficiently capturing cancellations and amendments, enabling you to boost customer satisfaction and ultimately grow your business.
Get in touch with our expert team for a friendly chat or discover more about payment processing by browsing our payment services page.
Photo © by AndreyPopov from Getty Images.
