Fast forward to this year, I paid off the full outstanding balance on my Barclays card, cancelled my direct debit, and requested that my account be closed. Barclays confirmed that my balance was cleared and my account was closed. However, they are now claiming I still owe the direct debit payment, even though I cleared the balance in full on the day the direct debit was due. I took screenshots as proof, knowing there might be issues, and used the money allocated for the direct debit to pay another bill. Despite my efforts to ensure everything was resolved properly, I am now left frustrated and annoyed, having to deal with this unnecessary hassle at the start of the new year. It feels like companies are constantly finding ways to take money from hardworking people. Long term customer counts for nothing now a days. I will be sticking with my debit card from now on.