BG Services on Bank Statement: What It Is and Why You’re Being Charged
Have you spotted a mysterious “BG Services” transaction on your bank statement and wondered what it’s all about? You’re not alone! Many people find this charge on their statements and aren’t sure what they’re paying for.
We’ve put together this guide to tell you everything you need to know about BG Services payments, whether you should keep them, and how to cancel if needed.
Key Takeaways
- What BG Services Actually Is: Learn what the BG Services on bank statement charge means and why British Gas uses this name instead of their full company name.
- Understanding Your Coverage Options: Find out about the different types of homecare cover from British Gas, what they protect, and how much they typically cost.
- How to Manage or Cancel Your Payments: Discover the simple steps to review your coverage, decide if it’s worth keeping, and how to cancel if you no longer want the service.
What Is BG Services on Bank Statement?
When you see “BG Services” on your bank statement, this is actually a payment to British Gas for their Homecare services. BG stands for British Gas, and these payments are for insurance cover for your home’s heating system, boiler, plumbing, drains, or electrical systems.
The reason it appears as “BG Services” rather than “British Gas” is because it’s specifically for their home cover service plans, which are separate from any gas or electricity supply payments you might also make to British Gas.
Why Am I Being Charged by BG Services?
If you’re seeing a BG Services direct debit on your bank statement, there are several possible reasons:
You actively signed up for British Gas Homecare cover for your boiler or other home systems.
You were given a free trial period (often 12 months) when you became a British Gas energy customer, which has now ended.
You renewed your cover automatically without realising it.
Many people don’t remember signing up because British Gas often offers free cover for the first 12 months when you switch to them as an energy supplier. When this free period ends, the direct debit payments start automatically if you didn’t cancel.
Types of British Gas Homecare Cover
British Gas offers several levels of homecare coverage, which vary in price and what they protect. Here’s a breakdown of the main options:
| Cover Type | What’s Protected | Typical Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler Cover | Just your boiler and controls | £10–15 |
| Central Heating Cover | Boiler, controls and radiators | £15–20 |
| Plumbing & Drains | Your home’s plumbing system | £15–25 |
| Home Electrical | Wiring, sockets and fuse box | £15–25 |
| Complete Home Cover | All of the above | £30–50 |
The actual cost of your British Gas services will depend on:
Where you live in the UK The age and type of your boiler and heating system Your claims history (if any) Any special promotions or discounts applied
Is BG Services Cover Worth Keeping?
Whether homecare cover is worth the money depends on your situation. Here are some things to think about:
Reasons to Keep Your Cover
Peace of mind: Knowing that if your boiler breaks down in winter, you’re covered
No unexpected repair costs: Major boiler repairs can cost £300+ without cover
Annual service included: Most plans include a yearly service worth about £80
Quick response times: Priority service when you need help with your heating system
Reasons to Cancel
New boiler with warranty: If you have a new boiler with a manufacturer’s warranty
Cost savings: You might save money by paying for repairs only when needed
Limited use: If you’ve never needed to call them out, you may be paying for nothing
Better alternatives: There might be cheaper homecare cover from other providers
We’ve had mixed experiences with boiler cover in the past. When we needed a repair during a cold winter month, having that cover saved us a lot of money. But there have also been years where we paid for cover and never needed to use it. It’s really about what helps you sleep better at night.
How to Check What Your BG Services Payment Is For
If you’re not sure what level of cover you have, there are several ways to check:
Log into your British Gas online account and look at your homecare section
Call British Gas on 0333 202 9668 and ask about your current cover
Check your emails for your original confirmation or renewal notices
How to Cancel BG Services Payments
If you’ve decided you don’t want to keep paying for BG Services, here’s how to cancel:
By Phone
Call the British Gas HomeCare cancellation team on 0333 200 8899
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Have your account details ready
Tell them clearly that you want to cancel your homecare cover
Online
Log into your British Gas online account
Go to the ‘HomeCare’ section
Look for cancellation options
Follow the on-screen instructions
Important Things to Know When Cancelling
Cancellation charges: If you’ve had work done or an annual service and cancel before your 12-month contract ends, you might have to pay cancellation fees
Direct debit: After cancelling with British Gas, it’s wise to also contact your bank to cancel the direct debit, just to be safe
No refunds: Generally, British Gas won’t refund payments you’ve already made, even if you haven’t used the service
We always recommend doing both steps when cancelling any service – contact the company first and then your bank to stop the direct debit payments. This double approach gives you the best protection against any further charges appearing on your bank statement.
Can I Get a Refund for BG Services Payments?
In most cases, it’s difficult to get a refund for past payments, even if you didn’t realise you were paying for the service. However, there are some exceptions:
If you can prove the payments were set up without your knowledge
If you’ve been unable to use the service due to illness or other serious issues
If your boiler wasn’t eligible for cover but you were still charged
It’s always worth contacting British Gas if you think you have a legitimate reason for requesting a refund. We’ve heard of cases where people have successfully had fees refunded when they’ve been in difficult financial circumstances or when there’s been a genuine misunderstanding.
Alternatives to British Gas Homecare
If you like having cover but want to explore other options, there are several alternatives to consider:
EDF Energy Boiler Protect
Scottish Power Boiler Care
Corgi HomePlan
HomeServe
Your home insurance: Some policies include emergency cover for boilers and heating
We always suggest shopping around to get the best deal. Sometimes your home insurance might already include some boiler cover, so check your policy before paying for a separate service. In our experience, local heating engineers can also offer their own service plans that might be more affordable and personal than the big companies.
Overall
Finding a BG Services payment on your bank statement might have been a surprise, but now you know it’s simply the way British Gas labels their Homecare cover payments. Whether you choose to keep the cover or cancel it depends on your personal circumstances, the age of your heating system, and how much value you place on that peace of mind.
If you do decide to cancel, make sure you understand any potential cancellation fees and follow up with your bank to cancel the direct debit as well. And if you’re happy with the service but think you’re paying too much, it’s always worth calling British Gas to see if they can offer you a better rate.
We hope this guide has helped you understand what the mysterious BG Services charge is all about. Remember to regularly check your bank statement for any payments you don’t recognise – it’s the best way to stay on top of your money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BG Services stand for on my bank statement?
BG Services stands for British Gas Services. It appears on your bank statement when you’re paying for British Gas Homecare cover, which protects your boiler, heating, plumbing or electrical systems.
How do I cancel BG Services on my bank statement?
To cancel BG Services payments, call British Gas on 0333 200 8899 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) or log into your online British Gas account and look for cancellation options. Also contact your bank to cancel the direct debit.
Why am I being charged for BG Services when I don’t remember signing up?
You might have received a free trial period when you signed up for British Gas energy supply. When this ended, the payments started automatically. British Gas should have notified you, but these emails sometimes get missed.
How much should BG Services cost on my bank statement?
BG Services payments typically range from £10 to £50 per month, depending on your level of cover, location, boiler type, and claims history. Basic boiler cover starts around £10-15, while complete home cover can cost £30-50.
Is British Gas Homecare worth the money?
Whether it’s worth it depends on your situation. If you have an older boiler prone to breakdowns, it might save you money. For newer boilers with manufacturer warranties, it may be less necessary. Consider the age of your system and how much you value peace of mind.
What’s the difference between BG Services and my normal British Gas bill?
BG Services specifically refers to Homecare cover payments (insurance for your boiler and home systems), while your normal British Gas bill covers your actual gas and electricity usage. They appear as separate transactions on your bank statement.
Can I get a refund for BG Services payments I didn’t know about?
Usually, British Gas won’t refund payments you’ve already made, even if you didn’t realise you were paying. However, in cases of illness or if you can prove you never agreed to the service, they might consider a refund.
Does BG Services cover electrical problems too?
It depends on your level of cover. Basic boiler cover only protects your boiler, but higher-tier plans like Complete Home Cover include electrical systems. Check your online account or contact British Gas to confirm what your specific plan covers.
