SEPA direct debit is a payment method in which an amount is collected directly from the customer's bank account. In the context of online appointment booking, direct debit can be offered as one of several payment options for prepayments.
How it works
- The customer grants a SEPA direct debit mandate when booking
- They enter their IBAN
- The amount is collected from the account with a delay after the booking (1-3 bank business days)
- If there are insufficient funds or the customer objects, a chargeback is possible
Comparison with other payment methods
| Method | Timing | Risk for the operator |
|---|---|---|
| Direct debit | Delayed (1-3 days) | Chargeback risk |
| Credit card | Immediate | Chargeback risk |
| PayPal | Immediate | Low |
| Sofortüberweisung | Immediate | Very low |
Direct debit is particularly suitable for regular customers with an established relationship of trust.