Consumers struggling to pay off credit card debt should be helped by providers offering a better system to set up direct debit facilities, suggests an online price comparison website.

Moneysupermarket.com believes providers are making money from consumers' apathy in setting up direct debits to their credit card bills.

Bank and credit card providers are currently under investigation by the Office of Fair Trading for overcharging customers high penalty fees and charges for missed or late credit card payments.

Making it mandatory for cardholders to set up direct debits to pay the minimum balance on their card could help customers avoid charges by making their payments on time.

Only a small number of providers have mandatory direct debit system in place at the moment which gives companies the opportunity to bring in additional revenue from late payments.

"The requirement to set up a direct debit for at least the minimum amount – as is compulsory for Egg customers – should be the norm, not the exception," said Richard Mason from Moneysupermarket.com.

"But, of course, this would cut providers' income from penalty charges substantially. Providers could also consider issuing 'red letters' – as with utilities providers – warning consumers when payments are overdue."