This article is for existing Telkom customers who have missed a debit order, or who want to understand what happens when a Telkom debit order is returned unpaid. It covers the rejection fee, how it is charged, and how to avoid it.

What is the debit order rejection fee?

All payments due to Telkom must be made via a mandatory debit order. If your debit order is returned unpaid on the due date, for example because your banking details have changed, Telkom charges a debit order rejection fee of R202.70 per missed debit order. This fee is added to your Telkom account on top of the amount that was originally due.

The fee applies per missed debit order, so if your account misses debit orders in consecutive months, a separate rejection fee is charged each time. Your own bank may also charge its own fee for a returned debit order, which is separate from Telkom's charge.

What else happens when a debit order is missed?

A missed debit order puts your Telkom account into arrears, and the rejection fee is only the first consequence. Depending on how long the amount remains outstanding, the following may also apply.

Third-party collection costs. Telkom and its authorised agents may use third-party debt collection services, such as NAEDO or DebiCheck, to collect the overdue amount, and you will be responsible for the associated collection costs.

Interest on arrears. Telkom charges interest on all amounts due that have not been paid on or before the due date.

Service suspension. If a debit order is cancelled without Telkom's prior written consent, or if any debit order payment is returned unpaid or stopped, Telkom reserves the right to suspend your account until the outstanding amounts, including interest, are paid in full.

Reconnection fee. If your Telkom services are suspended due to non-payment, you will also be liable for a reconnection fee to restore them.

Credit balance offsets. If you have multiple Telkom services and are in arrears, Telkom may use any credit balance from any of your services to offset or settle the outstanding amounts.

How to avoid the rejection fee

Make sure funds are available. Check that your account holds enough to cover your full Telkom bill on your debit order date, including any once-off charges, top-ups, or pro rata amounts that may make a particular month's bill higher than usual.

Choose a debit date that suits your cash flow. Telkom lets you move your debit order to the 5th, 15th, 20th, 25th, or the last day of the month. Aligning your debit date with your salary date is the simplest way to prevent missed debits.

Keep your banking details up to date. If you change banks or accounts, update your Telkom debit order details before your next billing run so the debit does not bounce against a closed or incorrect account.

Never cancel the debit order at your bank. Cancelling or stopping your Telkom debit order without Telkom's prior written consent can lead to suspension of your account. If you need to change how you pay, arrange it through Telkom first.

Missed a debit order? Here is what to do

Settle the outstanding amount as soon as possible to stop further interest, collection costs, or suspension. If you believe the rejection fee was charged in error, for example if the amount was in fact paid on time, keep your bank statement as proof and raise it with our team.

Need help settling your Telkom account, moving your debit order date, or querying a rejection fee? Log a ticket with the DSL Telecom helpdesk and one of our support specialists will assist you.

Related Articles

1. Telkom's Third-Party Debt Collection And Service Suspension Policies
2. How to Change Your Telkom Debit Order Date and Banking Details
3. How to Pay Your Telkom Account via EFT