How to get started with SEPA direct debit in Ireland

To collect by SEPA direct debit in Ireland, you need three things: approval to collect, signed mandates from your customers, and a way to send collections to the bank. The main choice is whether you collect under your own business's identity, through your own bank, or through a payment platform. Here's what each option involves and how to get started.

What do you need to collect by SEPA direct debit?

Every SEPA direct debit in Ireland needs the same three pieces in place.

1. A creditor identifier. In Ireland this is usually called an OIN (Originator Identification Number). It identifies who is collecting. It's either your own, issued by your bank, or a payment platform's.
2. A mandate from each customer. This is the customer's authorisation for you to collect from their account, signed online or on paper. Customers can ask their bank for a refund within 8 weeks without giving a reason, which is why banks check a business before approving it.
3. A way to create and send collection files. Banks accept collections in a standard SEPA file format. Software creates these files, and they reach the bank before each debit date.

All direct debits in Ireland use the SEPA Core scheme. The separate SEPA B2B scheme isn't available here.

What are your options?

There are two main routes: your own OIN through your bank, or a payment platform.

Option 1: your own OIN, with software that creates your files. You apply to your bank for approval. Collections are made under your business name and go straight into your bank account on the debit date. Your bank charges a small fee per collection, typically €0.07–€0.08. For the files, you can use:

• your accounting system, if it creates files your bank accepts
• dedicated software such as DebaPay Essentials, where you upload and authorise each file yourself
• a managed service such as DebaPay Managed, where a specialist uploads and authorises collections for you

Option 2: a payment platform. Platforms such as GoCardless, Slimpay and Stripe also provide access to the direct debit scheme. They typically charge per transaction, set limits on each payment, and pay the money out to you a number of days after it's collected. These processors typically collect under their own creditor IDs by default, with your own available under some plans with an extra fee. It's best to check each provider's latest pricing and terms.

Which suits you? A platform can suit a business that wants to start quickly with smaller payments. Your own OIN suits businesses that collect regularly, collect larger amounts, or want the money to arrive in their account on the debit date under their own name, with no third party holding their funds.

How do you get your OIN from your bank?

You apply to your own bank to become a SEPA direct debit Originator. Once you're approved, it issues your OIN (Originator Identification Number). In Ireland, AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB offer this to business customers.

‍Step 1: Ask in two places at once

Call your business banking support line. Say: "I want to collect our income by SEPA direct debit."

• Bank of Ireland Business On Line: 01 460 6445 (option 3)
• AIB Business Banking: 01 641 4889
• PTSB: Contact your local branch.

At the same time, contact your local branch about your plans. The branch will need to support your application, so getting them involved early helps keep it moving.

Step 2: Have this ready before you apply

The following is required whether you choose to obtain your own OIN or engage a payment processor:

• Your business or trading name, address, and the business account your collections will be credited to
• What your business does and how you bill your customers
• Roughly how much you expect to collect each month, and from how many customers
• How often you'll collect, for example monthly or weekly
• How your customers will sign mandates, online or on paper (we can give you a sample mandate)

Step 3: Complete the application

You'll fill in a relatively straightforward bank application form. The bank asks about your expected collections because customers can ask their bank for a refund within 8 weeks without giving a reason, or up to 13 months if a payment wasn't authorised. The bank carries that risk, so it assesses your business first.

It's vital the form is completed properly to avoid unnecessary delays. We know these forms well and can help you fill yours in.

‍How long does it take?

Approval usually takes a number of weeks. Common causes of delay include:

• Application form is not completed correctly
• Your business is newly established, with little trading history
• The bank asks for more information, such as recent accounts, and the application waits until it's supplied

Apply early. If you're moving from a payment platform, start a couple of months before your contract or renewal date, so there's no gap in your collections.

Once your OIN arrives

You're ready to set up your collections. See Just got your OIN? Here's how to start collecting for the next steps. DebaPay can set you up within a day.

‍

Common questions

How long does it take to start collecting?

Bank approval can take a few weeks, so apply early. Once you have your OIN, DebaPay can set you up within a day.

Can I start on a platform and move to my own OIN later?

Yes. Under SEPA rules, existing mandates can usually move to your own OIN without your customers signing again, but you must tell them before the next collection.

What will my bank charge?

Typically €0.07–€0.08 per collection, plus fees for some failed collections. Confirm the exact fees with your bank when you apply.

‍Need a hand getting started?

We've helped Irish businesses collect by SEPA direct debit since 2015, and we can guide you through your bank application.

Call 090 640 0199 or email info@debapay.com.

‍