Choosing the best payment method for
If you decide to pay your annual sports club subscription in monthly instalments, consider carefully which payment method you will choose. Your rights will depend on your choice…
• Monthly direct debits: If your club debits your bank account directly, you can withdraw your authorisation at the bank in case of a change of address, pregnancy, bankruptcy etc. In contrast, if you gave your credit card number to pay for your subscription, you cannot stop the debits, which can become problematic in case of a dispute. You should therefore avoid this option.
• Purchase on credit: if your payment plan is explicitly linked to your subscription, you can use your right of withdrawal (7 days from the signing date of the contract, or three days, if you had asked in writing to use the club’s facilities immediately). If the club ceases to exist, your payments will stop automatically. On the other hand, if your credit is not restricted to a specific purpose (revolving credit or personal loan), you will have the same right of withdrawal (7 days) but your liability will continue even if the club goes bankrupt.
October 2009
