CreditCards Blog

I renew my contents insurance with Direct Line each December using my debit card.

In the summer I had to change my debit card for security reasons - new numbers, dates etc..

On the renewal form Direct Line say I need do nothing and add that the payment will be taken using my debit card, quoting the last four digits of my NEW card (which are different from the old one).

I haven't told Direct Line these new debit card details, so how do they know them?

You aught not to give out debit card details to anyone unless you have no choice whatsoever. A direct debit is best.

Why? You now know why because it can become continuous and your bank allows the debits from the new card. Can be difficult to stop too (unlike a direct debit).

they will apply for the money on the old card and the bank will pay out but charge it on the new card as the numbers will be linked

I haven't got a problem with Direct Line using the card. I was just surprised they could get the details, presumably from my bank.

The reason I was given a new card is because there was a suspect debit which my alert bank spotted. They asked me about it, I said it wasn't authorised so they said I ought to cancel my existing card and they'd sent me a new one.

poppy_f1: so banks give out this information to, presumably, trusted payees?

Perhaps Jemma-T is right - thanks.