TV Licensing

TV Licensing invites 1.8 million customers to pay

TV Licensing has launched new online and text message services for cash and savings card customers, making it easier than ever before for people to spread the cost of their licence.

Customers on TV Licensing’s cash payment plan make small weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments towards the cost of their licence in cash or by debit or credit card, while the savings card allows people to save money towards their next licence. Under the changes, people on both schemes can now make payments by logging in to their payment card where they will also be able to view their account balance and payment history and request a call-back from a TV Licensing representative. Those customers who would rather use their mobile phone can register to pay and also request balance and arrears information by text message. Transactions are quick and simple, making it more straightforward than ever for cash schemes customers to manage their payments.

Payments are also accepted over the counter at any PayPoint outlet and by phone – an automated service allows customers to make payments and check their balance 24 hours a day. The cash payment plan has proved popular, with over 1.2 million people now registered on the scheme, while around 600,000 people pay by savings card.

Financial expert Lawrence Gold, from the BBC’s Bank of Mum and Dad, said:

"If you’re struggling with household bills, it’s essential to think about ways to spread the cost. Anyone caught watching TV without a licence risks a £1,000 fine, so it’s simply not worth trying to avoid it. Schemes like TV Licensing’s cash payment plan allow you to plan ahead and stop bills spiralling, so you have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re covered."

Joanna Pearce, TV Licensing spokesperson, said:

"TV Licensing’s database allows us to see exactly which properties are unlicensed, helping us to target evaders, but we also use technology to make it easier for people to pay for their licence.

We would always prefer people to buy a licence rather than risk prosecution and a fine, which is why we offer a wide range of payment methods to suit people’s lifestyles and budgets. If anyone is having trouble paying for their licence, we would urge them to get in touch with us, either by calling 08457 289 289 or by visiting www.tvlicensing.co.uk."

Notes to editors

If you use or install television equipment to receive or record television programmes as they are being broadcast, you need to be covered by a valid TV Licence. Viewing television without a licence risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Paying for a TV Licence:

A colour TV Licence currently costs £139.50. A black and white TV Licence currently costs £47.00.

TV Licensing aims to make it as easy as possible for people to buy a TV Licence, which is why there are many different ways to pay.

• Over-the-counter – people can now pay at any of almost 20,000 PayPoint outlets across the country
• Direct Debit - monthly, quarterly or annual Direct Debit payment schemes are available and can be set up online at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/pay-for-your-tv-licence
• To find out more about paying in weekly instalments or over the phone on the cash payment plan, call 08457 289 289
• Online – people are now able to pay online at by Direct Debit or with a debit or credit card
• Debit or credit card over the phone - this facility accepts payment from a range of debit cards including Maestro, Delta and Connect
• By post – send a cheque made payable to TV Licensing to: TV Licensing, Darlington, DL98 1TL.

For more information about any of our payment options and concessions, to set up Direct Debit payments or to pay over the phone by debit or credit card please call 0844 800 6732.