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Confirmation of Payee

When you create a new saved payee or edit an existing payee, you'll need the following information:

  • The account name exactly as it appears on their bank account statement or invoice if you're paying a business
  • The account type - personal or business
  • The account number and UK sort code
  • The reference. For some account types, the destination bank requires additional information to identify the underlying account name, make sure you include this information in the reference section.

We'll check the details you provide against the details on the payee's account and let you know the results before you make the payment. There can be a few outcomes:

  1. The name and account type match
    If you use the right name and account type, we'll let you know that they match the details the payee's bank has, so you can continue creating or editing the payee.
  2. The details partially match
    If you've got a partial match, you'll be given the actual name or account type of the account holder, so you can check and update the details, or contact the person or business you're trying to pay.
  3. The name doesn't match
    If the name doesn't match, we'll tell you, and ask you to contact the person or business you're trying to pay.
  4. The reference isn't correct
    If the reference for those account details is incorrect, we'll let you know. Make sure that you check the reference details with the person or business that you're attempting to pay before continuing.
  5. We can't check the account
    If the type of account doesn't support the checks or there's a technical issue, we'll tell you. Not all banks are part of the Confirmation of Payee scheme, so if you're paying someone whose bank isn't yet, we won't be able to check the name on the account.

    If we can't check the account details, you'll be able to use the details you have if you want to, but you should always double-check they're correct. The funds may go to the wrong account, and we might not be able to recover them.

Joint accounts

If you need to pay a joint account, you'll need to ask for the name of one of the joint account holders, exactly as appears on their account statement.

Business accounts

You'll need to provide the business or trading name exactly as it appears on an invoice or other payment instruction you've been given. (Remember that some businesses may have more than one trading name).

Giving you extra confidence

These checks can help you avoid simple mistakes like mistyping account details when you set up a payment. They can also help limit some types of fraud like authorised push payment scams and other forms of malicious payments. You can find out more in our Fraud and Security Centre.

Remember, never set up new or change existing payment details without first verifying the request directly with the person or company you're paying. You can do this by checking with them using existing contact details.