I'd always avoid setting up recurring card payments if at all possible for this very reason. With DD's it's you that's in control, whereas with recurring payments it's the 3rd party that has to cancel the arrangement (until the card expires). It sounds like you caught it before any payments were taken, but for anyone that does find themselves in a position where payments have been taken when they shouldn't, rlhttps://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/recurring-paymentsrl has details of the steps to take to get your money back.

I have worked in the banking industry for 30 years, We all know about DD, and SO, but if you pay for something , anything on a card, you run the risk of them taking a further payment regardless.

I paid a one off years ago by card over the phone, before they even had a login system to do it and since then they have taken without my authorisation. This practice happens, there is nothing you can do about it, except setup a DD or cancel your card etc...

PS should not take payments from people who have not authorised it, but like anywhere there is nothing to stop them and regulation is crap in this area.

Agreed Sadfish, you have more control with a DD and I think that was the point our Fax friend was making. Thankfully credit cards can now have short expiry dates but like you say they shouldn't take an unauthorised transaction. If they did you have a right to appeal.

As for unauthorised transactions and having to appeal against them, don't dare get me started on the concept of contactless payment cards. I hate the things yet the ombudsman can't and won't enforce financial institutions not to push them onto debit/credit card holders.

Cancelled mine today, offered me it at £4 per month for a year but I declined. Emailed me reference.

Anyone cancelling online, take a screenshot.

I’ve had a right game with them. Cancelled in December, and that months payment went out (no argument on that one), but then January went out too and they claim never to have had it cancelled and that they can’t check on their system (bull). Apparently because I didn’t take a screenshot of everything I do online then it’s my fault.

Scum company. Glad to be rid of them.

if you cancel by dd, go into your bank and instruct them to cancel, they cant take money out of your account

ive dont that in the past with gyms