Short answer: Under § 675x BGB (German Civil Code), you have a claim against your bank for a refund of a SEPA core direct debit without giving any reason. You must assert the claim within eight weeks of the debit. The request goes to your bank, not to the payee. Last updated: November 2026.
A direct debit is convenient because payments leave your account automatically. That is also why errors, duplicate collections or debits you never approved can slip through. Many students only notice a collection when they check the account statement. Knowing the deadline before you act is therefore essential.
The most important points
- For SEPA core direct debits, the payer has a refund claim against their payment service provider without giving reasons.
- The claim must be asserted within eight weeks of the debit being made to your account.
- Your first contact is your own bank or payment service provider, not the payee.
- Once the deadline has passed, a refund claim for an authorised direct debit is excluded.
- If you no longer want the collections, clarify the contract and revoke the direct debit mandate towards the payee as well.
What does the refund claim for direct debits mean?
A direct debit is a payment method in which the payee collects an amount from your account. For the SEPA core direct debit, § 675x para. 2 BGB gives the payer a claim against their payment service provider for a refund, without the need to state any reason. This means you do not have to explain to your bank why you want the money back. The bank checks mainly whether the request arrives in time and whether the debit can be matched clearly to your account.
The claim protects consumers and applies whether or not the collection was formally justified. Even so, document the process carefully, because questions can come up later. The rule covers only authorised payment transactions that were triggered by or through the payee. Other rules apply to unauthorised payments, so ask your bank about your specific case.
How long is the eight week deadline?
The eight week period runs from the point at which the amount was debited from your account. Under § 675x para. 4 BGB, the claim is excluded if you do not assert it within this period. The decisive date is therefore the day the money actually left your account, not the date on the invoice.
Example for illustration: Assumption: a debit of 49.99 euro takes place on 9 November 2026. The deadline then ends eight weeks later, on 4 January 2027. Mark this day in your calendar. If you are unsure about the exact debit date, use the date shown on your account statement.
| Step | Timing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Debit appears on your account | day of the debit | starting point of the eight weeks |
| Check the account statement | as soon as possible | note the amount and the payee |
| Submit the request to your bank | no later than eight weeks | keep the deadline |
| Wait for the bank’s answer | after receipt of the request | credit or explanation |
How do you submit the refund request?
You usually submit the request to your bank, often online in your banking area or on a form. You normally only need the details of the transaction. State the date of the debit, the amount, the name of the payee and your account number. You do not have to give a reason, but it does no harm to briefly describe that you did not expect the collection.
- Note the date of the debit, the amount and the name of the payee.
- Submit the refund request to your bank, ideally within the first week.
- Keep proof of your request and of the bank’s answer.
- Check after a few days whether the credit has arrived.
A refund does not mean that the underlying claim is settled. If the payee collects the amount again or makes a demand, you need to react separately.
Which documents should you gather?
You need only a few documents for a smooth process. The most important is the account statement, because it shows the date, the amount and the purpose of the debit. The payment reference often contains the creditor identification number and the mandate reference. Both help the bank match the direct debit clearly.
Also note whether you ever agreed to the collection, for example through a contract, a form or an online sign-up. Keep correspondence connected with the debit, including invoices, reminders, contract confirmations and e-mails from the payee. If you later have to dispute a claim, these documents are decisive. Store them in a separate folder and note when you received each document.
- Account statement with booking date, amount and purpose of the debit
- Mandate reference and creditor identification number, if shown on the statement
- Contract, confirmation or mandate on which the collection relies
- Correspondence with the payee, with the date of receipt
What to do with unauthorised debits
A debit you never approved is a different case from a collection under an existing contract. For unauthorised payments, other statutory rules apply, and the bank has to examine the transaction separately. If you notice a debit you cannot assign, contact your bank as quickly as possible. Ask which deadline applies to your case and request written confirmation of your claim.
Fraud attempts sometimes build pressure through supposed reminders or threats of blocking. Do not let yourself be pushed into payments before you have checked the claim. The guide on fraud on sales platforms (in German) shows typical patterns.
If you no longer want the direct debits
A refund does not automatically stop the next collection. If you want to end the contract, check the notice period as well. In some cases you can also revoke the direct debit mandate directly towards the payee. Document this in writing and keep proof. For subscriptions, the guide on cancelling online subscriptions (in German) is often helpful.
A clean cancellation prevents later disputes. If you miss the notice period, the contract may continue, and collections can continue even after you have obtained a refund.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to explain to my bank why I want the direct debit reversed?
No. For the SEPA core direct debit, § 675x para. 2 BGB does not require you to state any reasons. The bank usually only needs the request within the deadline.
What happens if the eight week deadline has passed?
Then the refund claim is excluded under § 675x para. 4 BGB. You can then look at other routes, such as clarifying the matter with the payee or getting advice from a consumer advice centre. Whether other claims exist depends on the individual case.
Can the payee refuse the refund?
The refund claim is against your bank. The bank can debit the amount back from the payee. Then you clarify the matter with the payee directly if necessary.
Can every direct debit be reversed?
No. For authorised direct debits, the eight week deadline applies. Other payment methods follow other rules. Ask your bank about your specific case.
What should I do if a reminder or collection letter follows?
Keep all documents and check the claim before you pay. The guide on debt collection letters (in German) explains what to look for.
So what should you do now?
- Check the account statement and note the date, amount and payee.
- Submit the refund request to your bank within eight weeks.
- Clarify the contract and, if necessary, revoke the mandate in writing.
- Document every step and check that the credit arrives.
Related reading
- Consumer rights in everyday life: protection against fraud and unfair contracts (in German)
- Phone contract: how to withdraw from it (in German)
- Cancel an online subscription: what the cancellation button requires (in German)
- Debt collection letter received: what to check before you pay (in German)
- Fraud on sales platforms: warning signs when buying and selling (in German)
Sources: § 675x BGB: refund claim for authorised payment transactions (gesetze-im-internet.de, German)
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
