The practical difference
A Direct Debit lets a company collect varying amounts (within the scheme rules) — useful for energy, phones and other bills that change. A standing order is an instruction you set to send a fixed amount on a schedule — useful for rent to a landlord or moving money to savings.
Staying in control
Review active Direct Debits after a switch or house move, and cancel anything you no longer need. Keep enough cleared funds in the account to avoid refused-payment fees — see [bank fees explained](/guides/banking/bank-fees-explained).
When you switch with CASS, eligible payments are designed to move across — still check the first cycle carefully using our [switching guide](/guides/banking/current-account-switching-guide).