What you'll do
- Get the right reference number from the account holder
- Make the payment using your own card or account
- Ensure it applies to the correct account
- Understand the limits of paying versus acting for someone
3 min read
What you'll need
Anyone can make a payment toward an account, provided it is applied to the correct one. The single most important thing is the account holder's reference number — it ensures the money reaches their account and not someone else's.
Step by step
- Ask the account holder for their reference number.
- Go to the Pay your balance page.
- Enter their reference number and the amount being paid.
- Complete the payment using your own card — it does not need to be in their name.
- For a bank transfer, include their reference number in the description.
- Pass the receipt to the account holder for their records.
Paying versus acting for someone
Paying on someone's behalf and speaking or negotiating on their behalf are different things. To discuss an account or make decisions about it, the account holder must give us their consent. Contact the Help Centre to set that up. There is no shame in helping someone resolve an account — it is a good outcome for everyone.
Good to know
- Anyone can pay, as long as the correct reference is used.
- The card does not have to be in the account holder's name.
- Pass the receipt back to the account holder.
- Speaking or negotiating for them needs their consent.
FAQ
Does the card have to be in the account holder's name?
No. You can pay with your own card. Just use the account holder's reference so it applies to the right account.
Can I also talk to Merion about their account?
Only with the account holder's consent. Paying on their behalf does not by itself authorise you to discuss the account.
How does the account holder get proof?
Pass them the receipt from the payment, or have it emailed to them, so they have a record.
Still not sure? Our team is happy to talk it through.