Automatic Deductions

by KYW's Amy Feldman

As more and more people do their banking electronically and paper checks are going the way of the buggy whip, the popularity of automatic deductions from checking as a way to pay bills is skyrocketing.  But there are some traps you need to avoid.

People are authorizing debits from checking for mortgages, loan payments, gym memberships and more—in other words, bills that reoccur month after month.  But there can be glitches.  First, it’s very easy when you’re not the one writing the check to assume it’s been taken care of.  Make certain if you do automatic deductions that your bank actually did them—there is a case involving a man who thought he was having life insurance automatically deducted but didn’t ever realize his bank wasn’t processing the payment until his family found out after his death.  There is also the risk of overpayment so check your statement carefully.  In addition, if you have trouble stopping a payment after you’ve fulfilled the debt or cancelled the membership you’re paying for contact your bank, not just the business that’s getting the money.  It’s a convenience but it’s ultimately your responsibility to ensure that the right amount of money is going to the right place every month.