Skip to main content

Paying with Pay by Bank

Learn how Pay by Bank works

Pay by Bank lets you repay eligible Zilch instalments directly from your bank account instead of using your linked debit card.

Pay by Bank uses Open Banking technology to securely connect your bank account when you approve a payment.

Open Banking is a secure way for apps such as Zilch to connect to your bank with your permission, so you can make payments without entering card details.

Pay by Bank is available with many major UK banks.

What can I use Pay by Bank for?

You can use Pay by Bank to repay eligible:

  • Pay over 6 weeks instalments

  • Pay over 3 months instalments

  • Pay over 6 months instalments

  • Pay over 12 months instalments

Pay by Bank is not available for Pay now purchases

Why use Pay by Bank?

Pay by Bank can be a convenient way to repay instalments directly from your bank account, and there are no extra fees for using it.

Some customers choose Pay by Bank because:

  • Payments can update quickly in the Zilch app

  • There's no need to enter card details

  • Payments are approved securely through their bank

You'll always review and approve a Pay by Bank payment before it is processed.

How do I make a payment using Pay by Bank?

To make a Pay by Bank payment:

  1. Open the Zilch app

  2. Find the instalment you want to repay

  3. Select the instalment you want to repay

  4. Choose Pay by Bank

  5. Select your bank

  6. Follow your bank's instructions to approve the payment

Once the payment has been completed, the payment status will update in the Zilch app.

What is Plaid?

Plaid is the technology provider Zilch uses to connect your bank account when you make a Pay by Bank payment.

Plaid helps securely process the connection between your bank and Zilch using Open Banking technology.

Is Pay by Bank secure?

Yes. Pay by Bank uses secure Open Banking connections provided through Plaid and your bank.

Your bank login details are never shared with Zilch.

You'll always approve Pay by Bank payments directly with your bank and remain in control of the connection.

What information is shared when I use Pay by Bank?

When you use Pay by Bank, Plaid securely connects to your bank to help process your payment.

Zilch does not receive:

  • Your online banking password

  • Your login credentials

Depending on your bank and the permissions you approve, Plaid may access limited account information needed to process the payment securely.

You'll always approve the connection directly with your bank and can manage or remove permissions through your banking app or online banking settings.

Can I disconnect Pay by Bank access?

Yes. You can manage or revoke Open Banking permissions through your bank at any time.

How do refunds work with Pay by Bank?

If you paid for a purchase using more than one payment method, your refund may be split across those payment methods.

For example:

  • Repayments made with Pay by Bank may be returned to your bank account

  • Repayments made using a debit card may be returned to your debit card

Most Pay by Bank refunds arrive within 5–10 working days, although refund timings can vary depending on your bank. If your refund hasn't arrived after 10 days, please contact our support team.

Which banks support Pay by Bank?

Pay by Bank is available with more than 50 UK banks.

Supported banks are shown when you start a Pay by Bank payment.

Are Pay by Bank payments instant?

Pay by Bank payments are usually processed quickly, although processing times can vary depending on your bank.

Please note: while a Pay by Bank payment is being processed, you may not be able to use another payment method for the same instalment until the payment completes or expires. If you need to try an alternative method, please allow some time for the original payment attempt to clear.

Does Zilch store my bank login details?

No. Your online banking login details are not stored by Zilch and are not shared with Zilch.

Did this answer your question?