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Emergency

Revoking a SEPA direct debit and canceling the mandate

With the SEPA core direct debit, you have a convenient right to reimbursement: you can have a debited direct debit reversed within a deadline without giving reasons. For unauthorized debits, the deadline is even significantly longer.

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Your chances of getting your money back

For an authorized SEPA core direct debit, you can demand reimbursement within eight weeks of the debit (§ 675x BGB). For an unauthorized direct debit, without a valid mandate, the deadline is even 13 months.
The reversal is straightforward through the bank. In addition, you should cancel the mandate with the payee and clarify unauthorized debits, so that no further debit occurs.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the debit

    Look at whether the direct debit was authorized and whether a mandate exists.

  2. 2

    2. Arrange the reversal

    Demand the reimbursement of the direct debit from the bank on time.

  3. 3

    3. End the mandate

    Revoke the direct debit mandate with the payee in writing.

  4. 4

    4. Clarify the claim

    Clarify any outstanding claim separately, so that no dunning procedure threatens.

How to spot the scam

  • The eight-week deadline for authorized direct debits elapses.
  • Despite the revocation, a debit occurs again.
  • A justified claim remains unresolved after the reversal.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I reverse a direct debit?

For an authorized SEPA core direct debit, within eight weeks of the debit date, without giving reasons (§ 675x BGB). If the direct debit was unauthorized because no valid mandate existed, you can even have it reversed for up to 13 months.

How do I cancel a direct debit mandate?

By revoking it with the payee, ideally in writing and verifiably. With some banks, an individual payee can additionally be blocked. This way you prevent future debits.

Do I still have to pay the claim?

The reversal only concerns the payment transaction, not the underlying claim. If it is justified, it remains in place and you should clarify it. If, on the other hand, the debit was unauthorized, you can assert this against the payee.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.