Why we bill in advance

Guide reference: HG-0018

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Approx. 3 min read

How advance billing works on a 30-day contract. We charge for the next calendar month on each bill.

Don't worry. Billing in advance sounds confusing at first, but it means you pay for the upcoming calendar month rather than the month just gone.

Quick answer

We charge for the next calendar month on each bill. Your first bill is the main exception and may include part-month and extra advance months.

More detail

Advance billing means your payment covers the calendar month ahead. Your bill date stays on a regular cycle each month.

You are not tied in for years. You can cancel with 30 days notice, but that notice rule is separate from how we bill each month.

Your first bill may look different because it can include a part-month from go-live plus two or three whole calendar months in advance.

We bill in advance so you have cover for your 30-day notice period, allowing us to terminate your line the same day you notify us if necessary.

If you cancel within your 30-day notice period, you have already paid for that time in advance. We do not refund rental for days covered by your notice.

Things to understand

Each regular bill pays for the upcoming calendar month of service.
Your bill date and payment collection date stay on a regular cycle.
Call charges may appear for the period just ended, depending on your bill layout.
Direct Debit is usually collected around the 15th or 16th of each month.
If you cancel with notice, service continues for the notice period you have paid for.
See How billing works for a full overview.

Common mistakes

Thinking advance billing means paying twice for the same month forever.
Missing the due date because the bill covers future days.
Confusing bill issue date with the service period dates on each line.
Expecting a refund when cancelling within your 30-day notice period.

Things to know

See How 30-day contracts work for leaving the service.
See Understanding your billing dates for when to expect each bill and payment collection.
Pension Credit customers follow the same billing cycle with discounted rates.

Frequently asked questions

Is advance billing normal?

Yes. Many phone companies bill the upcoming calendar month in advance.

What if I cancel during notice?

You have already paid for the notice period in advance. We do not refund rental for those days.

Do call charges bill in advance?

Call charges are usually for calls already made, shown on your monthly bill.