Global fintech SumUp has launched direct debits, in a move it hopes will provide merchants with an even more streamlined payment experience.
The new direct debit payments feature is immediately available for UK-based merchants that use a SumUp Business Account, an all-in-one, zero-fee solution introduced in 2021. A full UK current account that gives merchants total control of their finances on the move, the Business Account is managed via smartphone and enables merchants to spend, save, and manage funds.
Sumup’s new feature responds directly to merchant feedback, with surveys showing that the overwhelming majority of UK adults (90 per cent) utilise direct debit for at least one regular payment. Effective immediately, UK merchants can now facilitate their payments using Bacs direct debits through their Business Accounts.
“At SumUp, we understand that even small inefficiencies can translate into significant costs for businesses,” explained Antoniya Ditsova, global bank tribe product lead at SumUp. “The introduction of direct debits is a direct response to merchant needs, reflecting our commitment to continually enhancing our product suite. This new feature is designed to simplify operations for our UK merchants, allowing them to focus more on growth and less on administrative chores.”
The move highlights SumUp’s commitment to its merchants, with another upgrade that supports merchant needs. Over the past year, in the UK alone, SumUp has launched several solutions: including SumUp One, self-service terminal SumUp Kiosk, delivered Tap to Pay on iPhone and Android, and brought merchant financial support in the form of a cash advance product.
Providing benefits to merchants
SumUp explained that Direct Debit payments offer a wide range of benefits to merchants, including enabling them to automate recurring payments such as utilities, subscriptions, and memberships, thereby reducing time spent on manual tracking and processing.
This automation also means that merchants don’t have to spend time chasing payments or dealing with late payments, which is generally a major pain point and cost for UK businesses. Reduced admin and increased convenience are both of great importance to merchants.
By reducing the amount of manual processing required, Direct Debit payments also help to minimise the risk of errors which can be costly in terms of both time and resources.
Offering direct debits requires adherence to strict data protection and security regulations, ensuring that merchant information remains secure.
Finally, Direct Debit payments are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, which ensures that customers can get their money back if a payment is taken in error.
