Direct Debit for Ecommerce
L&Z gives ecommerce businesses a more reliable, lower-friction alternative for recurring revenue collection with Direct Debit that runs automatically
Why card payments let subscription ecommerce businesses down
Subscription ecommerce depends on reliable recurring revenue. But card-based billing introduces a persistent vulnerability: expiry dates. Every time a customer’s card lapses or is replaced, you face a potential payment failure and with it, a churn risk that’s often entirely avoidable.
Industry data consistently shows that involuntary churn – that’s customers leaving not because they chose to but because a payment failed – accounts for a significant proportion of subscription cancellations. Failed card transactions require your team to follow up, the customer to update their details, and the payment to be reattempted. Every step is a drop-off risk.
Direct Debit removes the card from the equation entirely. Once a customer has authorised their mandate, collections are initiated by you directly from their bank account, regardless of whether they’ve changed their card, updated their address or engaged with your platform recently.
For product subscriptions, digital memberships, replenishment services or any ecommerce model built on repeat billing, that’s a real advantage.
Many accountants offer consultancy services in addition to their regular work
While Direct Debit is the perfect solution for repeat payments, a card processing facility means you can also take payments for additional items in a simple and convenient way.
How London & Zurich supports ecommerce businesses
Stable subscription billing
Replace or supplement your card-based recurring billing with Direct Debit for your most reliable long-term subscribers. Collections run automatically on your chosen schedule, monthly, quarterly or custom, with no dependency on card validity.
Lower failed payment rates
Direct Debit failure rates are consistently lower than card payments. Fewer failed collections means less time spent on recovery work, fewer involuntary cancellations and more predictable revenue.
Seamless integration with your ecommerce platform
Our API connects with your existing ecommerce and subscription management systems, smoothly working alongside your checkout or billing engine. New subscribers can sign up for Direct Debit as part of your established onboarding process.
Branded mandate sign-up
Keep your brand front and centre throughout the customer journey. Our online sign-up is styled to match your brand so it remains a natural part of your buyer flow – familiar, trusted and with nothing to interrupt the payment experience.
Branded collections
Personalisation is vital in the eCommerce sector. We’ll make sure your brand name appears on your customers’ statements.
Secure data
As a Bacs Approved Bureau, we adhere to GDPR rules in managing all data and use measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to keep payment data safe.
Payment data visibility
The central reporting suite means you can analyse all transactions made through all payment channels in one place.
Scalability
One size does not fit all. We’ll provide a solution that suits your needs, whether you’re a start-up web store or an established brand.
It's never been easier
Setting up Direct Debit and card payment services through London & Zurich means, as well as getting paid quickly and on time, you enjoy all the other benefits of our service.
We prioritise security and compliance in handling payments and our systems ensure the safe storage and protection of financial, personal, and corporate information.
To keep payment data safe, we use security measures like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and store information exclusively on UK servers. We adhere to GDPR rules in managing all data and our Bacs Approved Bureau status subjects us to regular inspections, ensuring we consistently meet high standards in security, confidentiality, integrity, and service availability. To find out more about security, head over to our dedicated page.
The smooth running of your payment collections is our priority. We place a great deal of importance on our personal approach to customer service and problem solving, and welcome your feedback. We like to build great relationships with our clients and our team will always be at the end of the phone.
It’s never been easier to set up with London & Zurich. Talk to our friendly support team today and let us know what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to make Direct Debit work harder for your business?
We understand that adopting a new payment method or switching Direct Debit provider can feel daunting, but our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Whether you’re new to Direct Debits, switching providers or looking to get more from your existing setup – we’re here to help.