A standing instruction is an automated payment instruction that a bank account holder gives to their bank to pay a set amount at regular intervals to another account). It is also known as a standing order or a bankers order). Standing instructions are typically used to pay fixed regular payments such as rent, mortgage, or any other fixed regular payments). They can be set up to run for a set period of time or indefinitely and can be cancelled at the account holders request). Standing instructions are distinct from direct debits, which are specified and collected by the payee, while standing orders send payments arranged by the payer).

Standing instructions are offered as a service to customers of a bank. They are processed automatically, and each cycle can go on for many months or even years. The SI module offers features such as sweep in instruction, which is used when the balance in a customer account should constantly be maintained at a certain balance. When the balance in the customer account goes below a certain amount, money is swept in from another account.

Customers can register standing instructions online, and the feature facilitates periodic scheduled payments for funds transfer, third party payment, and RTGS/NEFT/State Bank Group transactions. Banks offer standing instructions to ensure regular funds transfer on a specific date. To set up a standing instruction, the payer contacts their bank to request it, and with some banks and building societies, standing orders can be set up online or over the phone. The payer then completes a standing order form (paper or online) and gives it to their bank, which includes details of the account number and sort code of the person or organization being paid.