Open banking vs direct debit for accountancy invoices
Open banking and direct debit solve different collection jobs, and many firms need both over time.
Should firms use open banking or direct debit?
Open banking is usually better for one-off or variable invoice payments where the payer authorises each payment directly with their bank. Direct debit is usually better for recurring collections where a payer gives ongoing authority under a mandate. For accountancy firms, the decision should include evidence and reconciliation: whichever method is used, the firm still needs invoice context, payer proof, provider reference, timestamp, settlement state, and a clear audit trail.
What matters before you choose a payment workflow.
Every page in this programmatic set is built from a shared structure, but the examples, trade-offs, and recommendations are specific to the search intent.
When open banking fits
Use open banking when each invoice should be actively authorised, when fee predictability matters, or when the payer wants to approve the payment from their bank.
When direct debit fits
Use direct debit when the payer relationship supports recurring collection and the business wants a mandate-led process instead of asking for approval every time.
Related Saldivo pages
Get paid and keep the evidence.
Start with one invoice, one payer, and one audit-ready payment record.