Direct Debit Authorisation
As part of our continued growth and ongoing improvements to our systems, Simply Ballet will be moving to an automated payment system from 1 July 2026.
From this date, all invoices and fees will be processed automatically via direct debit using either:
- a nominated bank account, or
- a nominated debit or credit card.
This update helps us simplify payments, reduce administration and provide a more consistent payment experience for all families and students.
Why are we making this change?
Our booking and payment systems are designed to work with one streamlined payment provider and automated processing system. Moving fully to direct debit allows us to:
- Simplify account management
- Reduce missed or late payments
- Improve administrative efficiency
- Provide a more reliable payment experience
- Offer easier access to payment plans and casual class bookings
What’s changing?
- Manual credit/debit card payments will no longer be available from 1 July 2026.
- All customers will require an active direct debit arrangement.
- Bank account direct debit remains our recommended option and does not incur additional customer processing fees.
- Direct debit via debit or credit card remains available.
From 1 October 2026, new Australian payment regulations mean card surcharges will no longer apply, meaning the amount shown on your invoice will simply be the amount you pay.
What do you need to do?
Please ensure your preferred direct debit method is set up by 30th June 2026. A link will be emailed to you or contact the office to arrange.
If you already have an active direct debit arrangement setup with Simply Ballet, no further action is required.
How will payments work?
Invoices will continue to be emailed in advance and will clearly show the due date. This due date is the expected debit date.
You’ll also continue to have access to all invoices, receipts and upcoming payments through your customer portal.
If you need any assistance or have questions about the transition, our team is always happy to help.
We appreciate your continued support as we continue improving the Simply Ballet experience for our ballet community.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
To simplify payments, reduce administration, and provide a more consistent experience for families and students.
No. From 1 July 2026, all payments will be processed automatically via direct debit only.
Simply Ballet operates a streamlined payment and booking system, and having a single payment option and provider simplifies our systems and reduces administrative overhead. Direct bank transfers are not natively supported by our booking system — and managing hundreds of bank transactions that all read “ballet fees” would be quite the challenge!
Yes! A direct debit setup makes it easy to attend additional classes whenever you like. For example, if you or your child is enrolled in one class per week but you’d like them to attend extra classes on occasion, simply book as you go — you’ll receive an invoice for any additional classes attended.
Direct debit also helps you avoid missing a due date and potentially incurring late fees. And with direct debit in place, you have the option to set up a payment plan where needed — conditions apply.
You’ll be required to complete and electronically sign a Direct Debit Request (DDR) authorising Simply Ballet to debit your nominated bank account or credit card. A Direct Debit Service Agreement outlining your rights will be provided at the time of setup. A link will be sent to you, and you can also set up direct debit directly through your customer portal.
Payments & Fees
Simply Ballet will always email invoices in advance. The due date shown on the invoice is the date the funds are expected to be debited. Please note that on occasion banks can take up to 24 hours to process a payment, and some do not process on weekends, but the due date is the date the payment is sent to the bank to be processed.
You can also view all upcoming and previous invoices and receipts in your customer portal. The office is available to help if you need assistance.
If you think an amount has been charged incorrectly, please contact our office within 7 days and we’ll investigate. You may also contact your bank directly to dispute a direct debit transaction.
From 1 October 2026, there are no surcharges or extra fees. What you see on the invoice is what you pay. Using a bank account for direct debit will not incur additional customer processing fees.
However, between now and 1 October 2026, direct debit using a credit or debit card does still incur applicable processing fees (percentage-based on credit card type).
If a scheduled direct debit payment is declined, dishonoured, reversed, or unable to be processed for any reason, Simply Ballet reserves the right to charge a failed payment administration fee to recover associated processing and administrative costs. Please refer to our Declined Payment Policy for current fees and conditions.
Late or overdue accounts may also incur additional administration fees, where permitted by law.
These fees form part of Simply Ballet’s Enrolment Terms and Conditions.
Please contact the office before the due date so that you are not subject to a failed or dishonoured payment fee. We can reschedule your payment or set up a payment plan. Conditions apply.
Security, Privacy, & Cancellation
Your enrolment with Simply Ballet is not a fixed-term membership. Please refer to your Terms & Conditions of Enrolment for the cancellation terms that apply to your enrolment. Cancellation or suspension must be submitted in writing. Cancellation fees may apply if you cancel within the applicable notice period. If you’re unsure, please contact the office.
You may also contact your bank directly to cancel your direct debit authority at any time. Please note that cancelling your direct debit authority does not cancel your enrolment with Simply Ballet, and any outstanding amounts owed under your Enrolment Terms & Conditions will remain payable.
Yes. Payments are processed through a widely used, secure payment system. Our payment provider is PCI DSS compliant and is the same provider you would have used if you previously paid manually.
Simply Ballet does not have access to your banking details. Your information is stored securely with our accredited payment provider and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Principles.
Your Rights
What are my rights as a direct debit customer?
Simply Ballet is committed to transparent and fair payment practices. As a direct debit customer, you have the following rights:
You must authorise your direct debit. Before any funds are debited from your account, you will be required to complete and sign a Direct Debit Request (DDR). This is your formal authorisation for Simply Ballet to debit your nominated account. You will also be provided with a Direct Debit Request Service Agreement (DDRSA), which outlines the terms of the arrangement, including your rights and obligations. No debits will occur without this authorisation in place.
You will always receive advance notice of charges. Simply Ballet will issue an invoice before any debit is processed, clearly stating the amount and due date. You will never be debited without prior notice of what is being charged and when.
You can dispute a debit. If you believe a debit was made in error, or that you did not authorise a particular transaction, please contact our office as soon as possible. You also have the right to contact your bank or financial institution directly to dispute a transaction. Your bank can guide you through their own dispute resolution process, which may include a formal claim for a refund of an unauthorised debit. We encourage you to raise any concerns with us first so we can resolve them quickly.
You can change or cancel your direct debit authority. You may cancel your direct debit arrangement at any time by contacting our office in writing, or by contacting your bank directly. Please note that cancelling your direct debit authority does not cancel your enrolment with Simply Ballet or waive any outstanding amounts owed. Any fees or balances outstanding under your Enrolment Terms & Conditions will remain payable. If you wish to cancel your enrolment, please refer to our Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.
Your banking information is protected. Your bank account details are stored securely and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988. We do not share your financial information with third parties except as required to process your payments through our authorised payment provider.
If something goes wrong, we’re here to help. If you have any concerns about your direct debit arrangement, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’re happy to discuss your payment schedule, update your bank details, or set up a payment plan where needed.
