Set up step by step > Clear your direct debit limit

A short step, but one that is easily overlooked -- and then your first collection fails. Clear two things with your bank before you send direct debits for the first time.

1. Is direct debit submission over FinTS enabled?

Being able to connect to your bank over FinTS does not automatically mean you may submit direct debits through it. That is a separate order type, and many banks have to enable it separately.

Ask your bank specifically: Is my account enabled for submitting SEPA core direct debits over FinTS?

If it is not, the bank reports error 9380 -- not authorised for SEPA on your first submission.

2. Is your submission limit high enough?

Banks cap how much money you may collect per submission or per period. This submission limit is often set low on new accounts -- lower than your monthly membership fees add up to.

Add up what you collect in one run and give your bank that figure. Leave some headroom: sign-up fees, quarterly flat fees and growth come on top.

If the limit is too low, the bank rejects the entire order -- with error 9230 -- credit limit exceeded. Not individual direct debits, but the whole submission.

What to tell your bank

I want to submit SEPA core direct debits over FinTS. Please check whether this order type is enabled for my account, and set my submission limit to at least [amount] euros per month.

Have your creditor identification number to hand -- the bank will usually ask for it.

This can take a while

At some banks, enabling the order type and raising the limit takes a few working days and a signature. Sort it out before your first billing date comes up, not the day before.

The full list of FinTS error codes and their causes is under Bank integration.

Next step

Next up: Connect your email account.