A standing order is a payment you set up once to leave your account on a fixed schedule. You choose the amount, the recipient, and how often it runs. After that, it happens automatically until you change or cancel it.

Standing orders are ideal for regular expenses you control: rent to a landlord, monthly savings transfers, or sending a fixed amount to a Joint Account. You stay in charge of the amount. The bank sends what you told it to send, when you told it to send it.

What is a standing order?

Unlike a Direct Debit, where a company pulls money from your account, a standing order is initiated by you. You decide who gets paid, how much, and on which dates. Common schedules are weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

Standing orders are widely used across Europe through the SEPA payment network, so transfers to other euro accounts are typically fast and low-cost.

Standing order vs recurring payment

People often mix up standing orders and recurring payments. The difference is who starts the payment:

• Standing order: You push a fixed amount from your account on a schedule you set.

• Recurring payment / Direct Debit: A merchant pulls an amount they bill you, which can change (utilities, subscriptions).

Use a standing order when the amount is predictable and you want full control. Use a Direct Debit or card subscription when a company sets the bill.

Manage standing orders with bunq

Set up scheduled transfers from your Bank Account in the bunq app. Pair them with Budgeting so you always know what is leaving your account and when. Instant notifications confirm each payment, so nothing slips through unnoticed.

Common questions

Can I change the amount later?

Yes. Edit or cancel the standing order in your banking app before the next payment date.

What if I do not have enough balance?

The payment may fail. Keep a buffer in your account or use a dedicated bills sub-account so scheduled payments always clear.