TL;DR: we can accept Direct Debits from paperless and preferred Direct Debits initiators. 🥳 All you need to do is copy your account number in Emerge and enter it into the relevant Direct Debit field.
⚠️ Direct Debits that require a paper form are not eligible for Emerge accounts.
So, simply put, if you've created the Direct Debit online, it'll work 💸
What are Direct Debits?
Direct Debits are an authorisation for an individual or company to take money directly from your account. It's convenient because you set once and then bills are automatically deducted - no more missed bills!
What are Preferred or Paperless Initiators?
The New Zealand Banking Ombudsman describes the initiators as:
Preferred initiators: These companies don’t have to send the signed authority form to your bank before taking a payment. Instead, the direct debit authority is electronically loaded to your bank account by the bank’s system when the first payment is requested. Preferred initiators are generally well-known organisations such as other banks, insurers and telecommunication providers (e.g. IRD, ACC, etc).
Paperless initiators: These are preferred initiators with approval to also set up direct debit payments over the phone or via the internet without requiring your written signature to authorise such payments. After arranging this with you by phone or internet, the direct debit authority will be electronically loaded to your bank account when the first payment is requested (e.g. power companies).