---
title: SME’s guide to recurring payments | Recurring payment system
description: Learn all about recurring payments in our guide on recurring payment systems. Here, you will learn all about recurring payments and how they benefit your SME.
image: https://interbacs.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/large_SME_s_guide_to_recurring_payments_bb5e234377-2.jpg
---

[Skip to content](https://interbacs.com/blog/smes-guide-to-recurring-payments#main-content)

[![Interbacs](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/interbacs-logo-colour@2x.png?width=560&name=interbacs-logo-colour@2x.png)](https://interbacs.com)

- Who We Are

    - [Who We Are](https://interbacs.com/who-we-are)
    - [Meet The Team](https://interbacs.com/meet-the-team)
- What We Do

    - [What We Do](https://interbacs.com/what-we-do)
    - Services

          - [Bacs Approved Bureau](https://interbacs.com/services/bacs-approved-bureau)
    - [Products (Bacs Software)](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software)

          - [Interpay Bacs Approved Software](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/interpay)
          - [Interpass Identity Verification](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/interpass)
          - [Hardware Security Module (HSM)](https://interbacs.com/bacs-hsm-software)
          - [Direct Debit Management Software](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/ddms)
          - [Payroll Bureau Software](https://interbacs.com/services/payroll-bureau-software)
- Who We Help

    - [Who We Help](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help)
    - [Startups](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/start-up)
    - [SMEs](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/small-medium-sme)
    - [Enterprise Business](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/enterprise-business)
    - [Channel Partners](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/channel-partners)
- More

    - More
    - [Industries Served](https://interbacs.com/industries)
    - [Knowledge Hub](https://interbacs.com/knowledge-hub)

          - [Brochures](https://interbacs.com/brochures)
          - [FAQs](https://interbacs.com/faqs)
          - [Blog](https://interbacs.com/blog)

[Book a Demo](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/software-demo) [Contact Us](https://interbacs.com/contact-us) [Account login](https://ddsignup.co.uk/interbacs/companylogin.aspx)

[Account login](https://ddsignup.co.uk/interbacs/companylogin.aspx) [Contact Us](https://interbacs.com/contact-us) [Book a Demo →](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/software-demo)

Menu

[← Blog](https://interbacs.com/blog)

# SME's guide to recurring payments

2 April 2021 Admin 3 min read

- [Direct Debit](https://interbacs.com/blog/tag/direct-debit)
- [Financial tips](https://interbacs.com/blog/tag/financial-tips)

![](https://interbacs.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/large_SME_s_guide_to_recurring_payments_bb5e234377-2.jpg)

Read our brief guide on recurring payments. This guide has been designed to help you understand Direct Debits and how a recurring payment system would work within your SME.

When enterprises need to explore their options in setting up recurring payments, [Direct Debit facilities](https://interbacs.com/services/direct-debit-facilities-management) are often the best choice. Utilising the Direct Debit system allows businesses to automate recurring payments, reducing admin hours that can be used elsewhere.

## What is a Direct Debit?

When a customer agrees to a Direct Debit, they authorise a company to collect an agreed amount from their bank account at specified intervals, such as weekly, monthly or yearly. This relationship from client to customer is agreed by signing a Direct Debit mandate.

Unlike a Standing Order, Direct Debits are far more flexible because the frequency and amount can be changed when necessary. Most mobile phone contracts are liable to change month to month, depending on usage, meaning the mobile phone provider can consistently claim the money owed.

To offer customers a Direct Debit payment option, the business must go through a strict vetting process.

## What are the benefits of using a Direct Debit recurring payment system?

If used correctly, the Direct Debit recurring payment system can ensure a business has a steady cash flow from its customers. Through creating a policy of regular payments, customers will remain loyal to a business due to their reliability. That is if they ensure their service is given after they have paid, of course.

The Direct Debit guarantee also gives a layer of insurance to the customer, knowing that they are protected helps in initially drawing in and creating a customer base. The Direct Debit Guarantee is in place for the rare occurrence that there is an error in the collection of the payment, for instance if the frequency or amount is incorrect.

The customer can cancel a Direct Debit at any time, through the business or their banks, allowing them total control of their policy. Furthermore, if there is to be a change of the amount collected, the customer must be notified.

In creating a successful business, you must keep up to date and be imaginative with process automation. Using a Direct Debit scheme, like an automated recurring payment system, is a process that will allow your business to save time and money that would previously be spent on admin.

## What are your options?

At Interbacs, we have a plethora of [direct debit solutions](https://interbacs.com/products/ddms) that can be made to suit your needs. If you want to speak to us directly, there are many ways you can [get in touch](https://interbacs.com/contact).

[← Back to all posts](https://interbacs.com/blog)

Share <https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finterbacs.com%2Fblog%2Fsmes-guide-to-recurring-payments> <https://x.com/intent/post?url=https%3A%2F%2Finterbacs.com%2Fblog%2Fsmes-guide-to-recurring-payments&text=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ESME%27s+guide+to+recurring+payments%3C%2Fspan%3E> [mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ESME%27s+guide+to+recurring+payments%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Finterbacs.com%2Fblog%2Fsmes-guide-to-recurring-payments](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3ESME%27s+guide+to+recurring+payments%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=https%3A%2F%2Finterbacs.com%2Fblog%2Fsmes-guide-to-recurring-payments)

Keep reading

## More from the blog

### [![](https://interbacs.com/hubfs/Interpay%20BACS%20Approved%20Software.png) 2 October 2026 Bacs approved software or bureau: which does your business need? Read more →](https://interbacs.com/blog/difference-between-bacs-approved-software-and-bacs-bureau-service)

### [![bacs-service-user-number](https://interbacs.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/large_closeup_person_reading_studying_document_8222bb03d2.jpg) 18 August 2026 No new Non-AUDDIS Service User Numbers after 1 July 2027 Read more →](https://interbacs.com/blog/no-new-non-auddis-service-user-numbers-after-1-july-2027)

### [![](https://interbacs.com/hubfs/How%20will%20my%20payroll%20bureau%20correspond%20with%20HMRC%20%281%29.jpg) 27 May 2026 How will my payroll bureau correspond with HMRC? Read more →](https://interbacs.com/blog/how-will-my-payroll-bureau-correspond-with-hmrc-interbacs)

## Get in touch

Talk to a Bacs specialist about your collections. No hard sell – just an honest conversation about what would work for you.

[Book a Demo →](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/software-demo) [Contact Us](https://interbacs.com/contact-us)

[![Interbacs](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Interbacs_Logo_Full_WHITEOUT.png?width=480&name=Interbacs_Logo_Full_WHITEOUT.png)](https://interbacs.com/)

Bacs payment experts since 2003. Making direct debit simple, secure and profitable for all UK businesses.

Sales: [0161 667 0758](tel:+441616670758)  
Email: [sales@interbacs.com](mailto:sales@interbacs.com)

- <https://uk.linkedin.com/company/interbacs>
- <https://www.facebook.com/interbacs>
- <https://www.instagram.com/interbacs/>
- <https://x.com/interbacs>

About Interbacs

- [Who We Are](https://interbacs.com/who-we-are)
- [Meet The Team](https://interbacs.com/meet-the-team)
- [What We Do](https://interbacs.com/what-we-do)

Our Products

- [Interpay](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/interpay)
- [Interpass](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/interpass)
- [DDMS](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software/ddms)
- [Payroll Bureau Software](https://interbacs.com/services/payroll-bureau-software)

Our Services

- [Bacs Approved Software](https://interbacs.com/bacs-software)
- [Bacs Approved Bureau](https://interbacs.com/services/bacs-approved-bureau)

Who We Help

- [Start Up](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/start-up)
- [SMEs](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/small-medium-sme)
- [Enterprise Business](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/enterprise-business)
- [Channel Partners](https://interbacs.com/who-we-help/channel-partners)

More

- [Industries Served](https://interbacs.com/industries)
- [Knowledge Hub](https://interbacs.com/knowledge-hub)
- [Blog](https://interbacs.com/blog)

![Bacs Approved Bureau](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/accreditation-logos/logo__bacs-approved.png?height=96&name=logo__bacs-approved.png)

![Bacs Approved Software Supplier](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/accreditation-logos/logo__bacstel-ip.png?height=96&name=logo__bacstel-ip.png)

![Crown Commercial Service Supplier](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/accreditation-logos/CCS_2935_Supplier_AW_72dpi.jpg?height=96&name=CCS_2935_Supplier_AW_72dpi.jpg)

![ISO 27001 Certified](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thumbnail_ISO%2027001-2022-h-darkfull.png?height=96&name=thumbnail_ISO%2027001-2022-h-darkfull.png)

![ISO 9001 Certified](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/thumbnail_ISO%209001-2015-h-darkfull.png?height=96&name=thumbnail_ISO%209001-2015-h-darkfull.png)

![ico](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ico.png?height=96&name=ico.png)

![certified](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/certified.png?height=96&name=certified.png)

![certified plus](https://interbacs.com/hs-fs/hubfs/certified%20plus.png?height=96&name=certified%20plus.png)

Google 4.6

Company No. 04765553. VAT Registration No. GB 883 722 790.

- [Privacy Policy](https://interbacs.com/privacy-policy)
- [Cookies Policy](https://interbacs.com/cookies-policy)
- [Anti-Slavery Policy](https://interbacs.com/anti-slavery-policy)
- [Customer Complaints Policy](https://interbacs.com/customer-complaints-policy)

© 2026 Interbacs Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Admin",
    "url" : "https://interbacs.com/blog/author/admin"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2025-01-28T08:54:29.094Z",
  "datePublished" : "2021-04-02T23:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "SME’s guide to recurring payments | Recurring payment system",
  "image" : [ "https://interbacs.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/large_SME_s_guide_to_recurring_payments_bb5e234377-2.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://interbacs.com/blog/smes-guide-to-recurring-payments",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://interbacs.com/hubfs/logo-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Interbacs Ltd"
  }
}
```

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "Organization",
  "email" : "sales@interbacs.com",
  "legalName" : "Interbacs Ltd",
  "logo" : "https://interbacs.com/hubfs/Interbacs_Logo_Full_WHITEOUT.png",
  "name" : "Interbacs",
  "sameAs" : [ "https://uk.linkedin.com/company/interbacs", "https://www.facebook.com/interbacs", "https://www.instagram.com/interbacs/", "https://x.com/interbacs" ],
  "telephone" : "+44 161 667 0758",
  "url" : "https://interbacs.com/"
}
```