Can you set up a direct debit on a credit card?

Depiction of paying credit card by direct debit

Updated:Apr 22, 2026

The answer depends on what you are trying to do:

You cannot set up an outgoing direct debit from a credit card: direct debits in the UK require a sort code and account number from a bank account.
But you can use a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA) to make recurring payments using your credit card.
You can also set up a direct debit from your bank account to pay your credit card bill each month.

Can I use my credit card to pay bills by direct debit?

No. Direct debits in the UK run through the BACS payment system. To set one up, you need to provide a sort code and account number. These come from a bank account, not a credit card. Credit cards cannot be used as the source of an outgoing direct debit.

You may have noticed that some credit card providers give you a sort code and account number when you want to make a payment towards your balance. This is so you can send money in to your credit card account, not so you can send payments out. It works in one direction only.

What is a Continuous Payment Authority (CPA)?

If you want to pay for something regularly using your credit card, the mechanism used is a Continuous Payment Authority. Instead of providing a sort code and account number, you give the company your 16-digit card number and authorise them to take payments from your card on a recurring basis.

CPAs are widely used for subscriptions, gym memberships, and other regular services. If a business takes automatic card payments from your credit card, they are almost certainly using a CPA rather than a direct debit.

One important difference in protection: CPAs are not covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee. However, under FCA rules on recurring card payments, you have the right to cancel a CPA at any time. You can do this by contacting your card issuer directly, and they must stop the payments even if you have not contacted the company itself. Any payments taken after you cancel are treated as unauthorised transactions and must be refunded.

What is the difference between a direct debit and a CPA?

	Direct debit	Continuous Payment Authority
Set up using	Sort code and account number	16-digit card number
Payment source	Bank account	Credit or debit card
Protection	Direct Debit Guarantee	No DD Guarantee; FCA cancellation rights apply
Who controls it	Set up via your bank	Authorised directly with the company
How to cancel	Contact your bank or the company	Contact your card issuer or the company

Can I set up a direct debit to pay my credit card bill?

Yes. You set up the direct debit from your bank account to your credit card provider, not the other way around. Most lenders give you three options when setting one up:

Minimum payment: The smallest required amount each month. This avoids late fees and keeps your account in good standing, but you will carry a balance and pay interest on it. See our guide on what the minimum payment on a credit card means for a full breakdown.
Fixed amount: A set amount you choose each month. This gives you more control and predictability than the minimum, but you will still pay interest if it does not cover your full balance.
Full statement balance: Pays off everything you owe each month. As long as you do not make cash withdrawals, this means you pay no interest on purchases. Our guide on how credit card interest works explains when interest is and is not charged.

Setting up a direct debit for at least the minimum payment is one of the most reliable ways to protect your credit score. A missed credit card payment is recorded on your credit file and stays there for six years, even if you later clear the balance. Discover more practical steps on how to improve your credit score.

FAQs

Can I make a BACS payment with my credit card?

No. BACS payments, including direct debits and direct credits, are only available from bank accounts with a UK sort code. Credit cards cannot be used to make outgoing BACS payments.

Can you pay your credit card by direct debit?

Yes. You set up the direct debit from your bank account to your credit card provider, not from the card itself. Most lenders let you choose to pay the minimum amount, a fixed amount, or your full statement balance each month. Setting up at least the minimum means you will never miss a payment, even if you forget to pay manually.

What happens if my direct debit payment for my credit card fails?

If there are not enough funds in your bank account on the collection date, the payment will usually be returned unpaid. Your credit card provider may charge a late payment fee, and if the minimum payment is not received by your due date, the missed payment may be reported to the credit reference agencies. Keeping a buffer in your current account reduces this risk.

Can I cancel a direct debit to my credit card?

Yes. You can cancel a direct debit at any time through your bank or directly with your credit card provider. If you cancel, make sure you have another way to pay your credit card bill that month so you do not miss a payment.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak to a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.

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