DebiCheck and Disputing Debit Orders (2026): The New 60-Day Rule Explained

By Finance Guide Editors Updated October 2026 · 5 sources · 3 min read

Prices and facts checked 17 October 2026. We don't accept payment for rankings.

Short answer: since 13 April 2026, you can dispute an ordinary debit order for up to 60 days, where your bank's service rules allow it. But a DebiCheck debit order you approved with your bank can't be disputed, as long as the company collects exactly what you agreed to. Most banks let you reverse a debit order yourself in the app, on online banking or at an ATM (BusinessTech, March 2026).

Two types of debit order

Sources: BusinessTech; JustMoney.

How DebiCheck works

DebiCheck was developed by the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) after the South African Reserve Bank asked the industry to tackle debit order abuse. That included companies debiting accounts without consent, and consumers reversing legitimate debit orders (JustMoney).

1. The company starts the mandate with your bank.
2. Your bank verifies you and asks you to approve it.
3. You approve through your bank's channels: a USSD prompt on your phone, the banking app, online banking, an ATM, the call centre or a branch (Direct Debit).
4. Each month, your bank checks the debit against what you approved. A DebiCheck debit order that falls outside your agreed terms won't be processed.

Only approve what you recognise. Check the company name, the amount, the date and how often you'll be debited before you accept.

The 60-day dispute rule

From 13 April 2026, ordinary debit orders can be disputed for up to 60 days, where the relevant service rules allow it. The change was confirmed by the Reserve Bank and the FSCA, according to BusinessTech. Banks have added self-service options so you can reverse a payment in the app, on online banking or at an ATM without phoning a call centre.

How to dispute or stop a debit order

1. Check your statement and identify the debit order: company, amount and date.
2. If it's unauthorised (you never agreed to it), dispute it straight away in your banking app, on online banking, at an ATM or by calling your bank. Do it within the 60-day window.
3. If it's a legitimate debit you want to stop, cancel the agreement with the company in writing first. Then ask your bank to stop future debits. For DebiCheck mandates, ask your bank how to cancel or amend the mandate.
4. Keep records: screenshots, reference numbers and emails.
5. Escalate if needed. If your bank doesn't resolve an unauthorised debit, you can complain for free to the National Financial Ombud Scheme, which now covers banking complaints (NFO). If the debit order is from a lender, the National Credit Regulator also explains your rights as a credit consumer (NCR consumer rights).

Debit order fees

Banks charge for debit orders. For example, Capitec charges R3 per debit order, Nedbank's MiGoals account R4, and Standard Bank's MyMo lists debit orders as free online. See our cheapest bank accounts comparison. Unpaid or reversed debit orders can attract extra fees from both your bank and the company.

FAQ

What is DebiCheck?

A system where you approve a new debit order with your own bank before it can run. Your bank then checks each debit against the terms you approved.

Can I reverse a DebiCheck debit order?

Not if the company collects within the terms you approved. That's the point of DebiCheck: once you approve it, it can't be disputed.

How long do I have to dispute a debit order?

Up to 60 days from 13 April 2026, for ordinary (non-DebiCheck) debit orders, where your bank's service rules allow it.

Does reversing a debit order cancel my contract?

No. You still owe the company under the contract. Cancel it with the company in writing to stop future obligations.

What should I do about a debit order I don't recognise?

Dispute it with your bank immediately, then check your credit report for accounts you didn't open. See our free credit report guide.

Changelog: 17 Oct 2026, first published.