Questions
Answers

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Team members discussing frequently asked questions about Three Peaks debit order solutions

Getting Started

How quickly can I get started with Three Peaks?

You don't need weeks of back and forth to get your cash flow moving. Once your documents are in, most businesses are up and running within 7 working days. We handle the agreement, the compliance checks and the setup, so you can get back to running your business.

Book a Consulation to get started.

Do I need to be a big business to use Three Peaks?

Not at all. Whether you're managing 10 transactions a month or 10,000, our systems scale to fit you. We work with startups, SMEs, large enterprises and NPOs, and every client gets the same level of personal support.

What does it cost to use Three Peaks?

No hidden charges, no percentage-based surprises. You pay a monthly subscription fee plus a fixed per-transaction cost, so you always know exactly what you're paying for. We also offer discounted rates for NPOs.

Are Three Peaks' services compliant and secure?

Yes. We're fully compliant with PASA and FSCA regulations and South African banking law, and we partner only with trusted insurers and financial institutions. Your business, your data and your payments are handled securely, every time.

Debit Orders

What is a debit order, and how does it work with Three Peaks?

Chasing payments manually eats into time you don't have. A debit order solves that by giving Three Peaks permission to collect payment directly from your customer's bank account, on the date you agree. We manage the whole process securely, so your cash flow stays predictable, your admin drops, and bad debt shrinks.

How do I set up debit orders for my business?

Once your onboarding documents are in, we can have you collecting within about 7 working days. We'll walk you through every step, so nothing gets missed.

Book a Consultation to get started.

Can I collect both once-off and recurring payments?

Yes. Whether your amounts are fixed or variable, and whether you're collecting once-off or on a recurring basis, our system adapts to how your business actually invoices.

What systems can I use to process debit orders?

Use whichever fits your workflow.

  • Our online portal
  • Spreadsheet upload
  • Direct Xero integration, the only direct debit order integration with Xero in South Africa
  • Open API integration
Can Three Peaks integrate debit orders with my accounting software? 

If you're on Xero, yes, directly. 

For most other systems, our open API supports integration, depending on what your provider allows.

What happens if a customer cancels or disputes their debit order?

If a debtor disputes at bank level, the bank puts them in touch with us directly, and we're on hand to support you through any dispute that comes up. Having a signed mandate, invoice or contract on file protects your business if that happens, which is exactly why we build compliant documentation into the process from day one.

Are debit orders compliant with South African regulations?

https://threepeaks.co.za/legal-info/

Yes, fully. Three Peaks Management (Pty) Ltd is an accredited Financial Services Provider, registered with the Payments Association of South Africa (PASA) and compliant with all necessary and required payment industry regulations. For the full detail, including our FSCA, FIA, CIBA and Council for Debt Collectors registrations, visit our Legal Information page.

What does it cost to use Three Peaks for debit orders?

A monthly subscription fee plus a fixed per-transaction cost, no percentage-based pricing. 

Book a consultation for a quote built around your volumes.

Do I need to process a large number of transactions to use Three Peaks?

No. Whether you're a startup collecting from a handful of clients or an enterprise processing thousands, our systems scale to fit you, not the other way around.

Smart Add-ons: Digital Mandate, AVS and CDV

What are Three Peaks' Smart Add-ons?

Smart Add-ons are the extra layer of protection around your debit orders and payments. Digital Mandate gives you paperless authorisation, AVS verifies who actually owns an account, and CDV checks that an account number is valid before you rely on it. Together, they cut down failed payments, fraud risk and admin errors before money ever moves.

What is a Digital Mandate, and why does it matter?

A Digital Mandate replaces the paper authorisation form with a fast, fully compliant electronic version. Your customer opens a link, confirms their identity with a one-time PIN sent by SMS, and authorises the debit order in minutes, without you chasing signatures.

Is the Digital Mandate legally valid in South Africa?

Yes. It's fully compliant with South African banking regulations and PASA requirements, so you can rely on it the same way you would a signed paper mandate.

Is the Digital Mandate included, or is it an extra cost?

It's included at no extra cost as part of your debit order service. Fewer forms, faster onboarding, no separate line item.

Can Digital Mandates be used for both individuals and companies, including multiple signatories?

Yes. Whether you're B2C or B2B, Digital Mandate supports personal accounts, business accounts, and accounts requiring several authorised signatories, all fully branded to look like your business. You can assign an admin user to handle the general sections and invite directors or signatories to sign only their part. Contact us to set this up around your structure.

How can I send mandates, through the portal or my own system?

A few ways. Send it directly from the Three Peaks portal, copy the mandate link and share it yourself via email or WhatsApp, or use our API to trigger mandates from inside your own system if you want it fully integrated. 

Need to send a batch at once? Bulk mandate sending is available on request.

What is AVS, and how does it protect my business?

Before you pay someone or set up a debit order, AVS checks that the bank account is active, valid, and actually owned by the person or business you think it is. It's a small check that prevents a costly mistake: failed payments, fraud, or money sent to the wrong account.

What is CDV, and how is it different from AVS?

CDV checks that a bank account number is structurally valid before you even attempt a transaction, catching typos and formatting errors early. AVS goes a step further and confirms the account belongs to the right person or business. Used together, they catch problems at both ends of the process.

Do I need a developer to use these add-ons?

No developer needed for the portal, it's ready to use as-is. If you want to integrate through your own system, our API comes with full developer documentation and support.

How long does it take for a customer to complete a Digital Mandate?

A few minutes, most of the time. It's built to be quick and mobile-friendly, so customers aren't left hunting for a printer or a pen.

Is help available if I get stuck?

Yes, our support team is on hand for setup, integration, and any day-to-day questions, whichever add-on you're using.

NetPay (Bulk EFT)

What is NetPay, and how can it help my business?

If you're juggling payroll, supplier payments and bulk payouts across different systems, NetPay brings it all into one secure platform. Manage everything from a single place, and stop the admin from eating your week.

Can I use NetPay for both payroll and supplier payments?

Yes. NetPay handles both, giving you one streamlined system for everything going out the door.

How do I submit payment batches in NetPay?

Upload your payment file through the secure NetPay portal and choose your processing date. You stay in control of exactly when payments go out.

How fast can I get started with NetPay?

Usually just a few business days, once your onboarding documents are submitted and verified.

Book a Consultation to get started.

How do I stay on top of my payments?

NetPay gives you detailed tracking and full audit trails, so you always know what's been paid, when, and to whom.

Are there limits on how many payments I can process?

No. NetPay is built to handle bulk volumes, so it scales with you whether you're paying five suppliers or five hundred.

How does NetPay help reduce payment errors?

Built-in validation checks formatting and account details before a batch is submitted, so mistakes get caught before they cost you time or money.

Debt Collection

What types of bad debt can Three Peaks help recover?

Overdue invoices, unpaid subscriptions, service fees, school fees, and other outstanding amounts owed to your business. Late payment isn't a reflection of your business, it happens to the vast majority of SMEs in South Africa. What matters is how it gets handled from here.

What's the difference between soft collections and legal collections?

Soft collections come first: polite reminders by call, SMS and email, along with help setting up a payment plan where that makes sense. If that doesn't resolve things, legal collections step in, always with your approval before anything formal begins.

How do I know if my debts qualify for collection?

If you've got a signed agreement, invoice or contract, and you've already tried to collect without success, it likely qualifies. Send us the details and we'll review your case and advise you honestly on the best path forward.

How does the handover process work?

Share the debtor's details and your supporting documents, and we take it from there, starting with soft collections and only escalating to legal action if it's necessary, always with your consent first.

How are legal costs handled?

We offer flexible packages, monthly plans or once-off handovers, covering both soft and legal collections with transparent pricing and clear commission structures upfront. No surprises later.

Can Three Peaks help set up payment plans with my debtors?

Yes. We negotiate realistic payment plans that help you recover what's owed while keeping the relationship with your client intact.

How often will I get updates on collections?

Regularly, covering payment progress, communication history, and any legal steps taken. You're never left wondering where things stand.

What if the debtor defends the case in court?

We don't handle defended legal matters directly, but we'll hand your attorney every piece of supporting documentation from our collection efforts, so nothing gets lost in the handover.

How does Three Peaks protect my business reputation?

We collect with respect and professionalism, focused on resolution rather than pressure, so you can recover what you're owed without damaging the relationships you've worked to build.

Do I have to use other Three Peaks services to access debt collection?

No. Debt collection stands on its own, or you can pair it with debit orders and other solutions if that suits your business better.

Insurance

What types of insurance does Three Peaks offer?

Personal cover such as home, contents and vehicles, business cover including assets and liability, and specialised products like DriveSure, built specifically for driving schools.

What makes DriveSure different?

It's South Africa's only insurance product built specifically for driving schools, covering vehicles, cones and windscreen damage, loss of income, accidental death, and more, the risks unique to that industry that generic policies miss.

How can I tell which cover is right for me?

You don't have to figure it out alone. Our brokers assess your specific needs and recommend a personalised solution that actually fits your budget and risk profile.

How quickly are insurance claims processed?

We prioritise fast, hassle-free claims, with dedicated support guiding you through every step.

Can I customise my cover with add-ons like gap or cybercrime protection?

Yes. Add gap cover, cybercrime protection, scratch and dent cover, or travel insurance, whatever your risk profile actually calls for.

How are insurance premiums calculated?

Based on your risk profile, the type and level of cover you choose, insured values, and any optional add-ons.

Do you insure both individuals and businesses?

Yes, from private individuals through to SMEs and large enterprises.

What industries do you specialise in?

Professional services, retail and property, logistics, and driving schools, alongside general personal and business cover.

How do I request a quote?

Book a consultation and our team will assess your needs and put together a customised quote.

How do I know my cover is compliant and trustworthy?

We partner only with trusted South African insurers and operate fully within regulatory requirements, backed by over 45 years of industry experience.