---
updatedAt: 2025-07-02T18:15:16.000Z
agentTools:
projectIndex: https://transactpay.readme.io/llms.txt
---
# Direct Debit
> đ **Use Case**
>
> Direct Debit is ideal for subscriptions, membership fees, rent, and any other recurring billing needs.
***
## Prerequisites
Before you begin:
* Have a valid **Transactpay account** and access to your **API key**
* Ensure the customer has a **bank account with direct debit support**
* Be ready to store **mandate codes** securely in your database
***
> âšī¸ Encryption
>
> The payload must be encrypted using **RSA PKCS#1 v1.5** before making the request.
### Step 1: Check If Customer Has an Existing Mandate
Use the `GET /payment/order/direct-debit/history` endpoint to check if the customer already has an active direct debit mandate.
```http
GET /payment/order/direct-debit/history?emailAddress=customer@example.com
```
> â
**Note:**
>
> If a valid `directDebitId` is returned, skip to **Step 4**.
***
### Step 2: Create a New Direct Debit Mandate
If the customer does not have an existing mandate, create one using:
```http
POST /payment/order/direct-debit/create
```
**Payload Example:**
```json
{
"recurringPaymentId": 123,
"orderReference": "ORD-456",
"bankName": "Example Bank",
"accountNumber": "1234567890",
"bankCode": "033",
"address": "123 Customer Street"
}
```
> â ī¸ **Attention**
>
> You'll receive a `mandateCode` in the response. Save it for future charges.
***
### Step 3: Verify Mandate Status (Optional but Recommended)
Check the status of the mandate using:
```http
GET /payment/order/direct-debit/status?mandateCode=MDTC-123456
```
Confirm that the mandate is **active** before initiating a payment.
***
### Step 4: Charge the Customer Using the Mandate
Once the mandate is verified, you can debit the customer directly:
```http
POST /payment/order/pay
```
**Payload Example:**
```json
{
"paymentOption": "DIRECT_DEBIT",
"reference": "ORD-456",
"directDebitPaymentRequest": {
"mandateCode": "MDTC-123456",
"accountName": "John Doe",
"bankCode": "033"
}
}
```
This initiates the debit, and you can track the transaction using the `reference`.
***
## Monitor Status and Handle Failures
* Use the **Order Status** or **Webhook** callbacks to track success or failure.
* Handle errors like:
* Invalid bank code
* Inactive or expired mandate
* Insufficient funds
***
## Best Practices
* Always **log the mandate code** against each customer
* Handle **duplicate mandate attempts** gracefully
* Use webhooks or polling to confirm payment status
* Inform the customer when their mandate is activated or canceled
***
## Notes
* Mandates are **linked to the customer's bank account**
* Customers **must authorize** the first direct debit mandate
* Refunds are not supported through direct debit â initiate a **manual refund** if needed
***
> đ **Need Help?**
>
> See [API Reference â Direct Debit](https://transactpay.readme.io/v2.0/update/reference/direct-debit#/) for full example
>
> Contact Developer Support