Hi HungryForInfo....
Good question, just bad timing if you are planning on doing what I was.
I bank with RBS, so I don't know if the rules are the same with all banks, but I recalled a load of D/Ds going back to when the D/D was set up - over two years ago last autumn. The reason I gave was there were disputes on the invoice amounts. Refund passed NO PROBLEM and money was back in my account within a few days.
Great I thought.
So last week I went into my bank and tried to recall a load of D/Ds again in relation to a lease agreement I have for a CCTV and EPOS System. There is a huge dispute on the account because the goosd supplied are not working or doing what they should be.
I told my bank basically that. I left it with the lady to sort it out. BUT she rang me and told me that the rules for refunding D/Ds had changed in 2009! and NOW they can only process a refund IF there is a discrepancy with the dates or amounts being taken - or of course if a payment had been made when the D/D had been cancelled. The request also requires written evidence etc.
So it appears things have changed! unless of course they are telling porkies....I'd like to know for sure though, as i REECKON IT'S NOT RIGHT! as I have been conned.