Plan your Direct Debit processing to prevent delays

With several Bank Holidays taking place throughout 2026, it is worth planning ahead if you submit your own Direct Debits. Because Bank Holidays are Bacs non-processing days, they can affect your processing timetable and, if not accounted for, may result in collections landing later than expected. Building these dates into your schedule now helps you avoid disruption and stay in control of payment timings.

Which Bank Holidays are Bacs non-processing days in 2026?

Bacs does not process on Bank Holidays, so these days need to be treated as non-processing days when you are working out file submission and entry date timing. Always refer to the 2026 Bacs calendar and align it with your planned collection dates so you can submit files in good time.

• Friday 3rd April (Good Friday)
• Monday 6th April (Easter Monday)
• Monday 4th May (Early May Bank Holiday)
• Monday 25th May (Spring Bank Holiday)
• Monday 25th August (Summer Bank Holiday)
• Friday 25th December (Christmas Day)
• Monday 28th December (Boxing Day (substitute day))

Forward planning is key to ensuring Direct Debits are collected correctly and remain compliant with the Service User rules. To help, we have set out the steps you should take to keep payments running to schedule, but please do check the 2026 Bacs calendar to confirm your timelines. If you use ELOVATE as your Bacs Approved Bureau, you can relax, we manage this for you.

Easter 2026 Bacs processing dates

May Bank Holiday 2026

Spring Bank Holiday 2026

Summer Bank Holiday 2026

Christmas and New Year 2026/2027

*Consult your payment service provider for entry date and processing day arrangements for accounts held in Northern Ireland.

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