Electronic means of payment. Allows user to make distance payments for goods and services via data links (e.g. French Minitel server, or over the phone). This is designed for customers reluctant to use direct debits owing to the tacit agreement to the amount debited that they imply.
The TEP permits tacit agreement on the part of the payer. The creditor must receive the customer's agreement before issuing the TEP. In terms of interbank processing, the TEP works like a direct debit order (see avis de prélèvement).
The French Bankers' Association (AFB) has published a French-language brochure ("Avis de Prélèvement") which is the standard reference guide to direct debit orders in France.