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What is Verification of Payee?

We're introducing a new security check for SEPA Credit Transfers called 'Verification of Payee’ (VoP). This added security measure lets you check the name on the account you are paying before making a payment.

Using Verification of Payee

When making a SEPA Credit Transfer or SEPA Instant Credit Transfer, the VoP check will be completed before you make a payment.

Before making a payment

  • Use the exact account name provided by the payee.

  • Check that you are using the correct IBAN provided by the payee.

  • When checking account details, contact the person or business on a phone number you trust.

    • Avoid using phone numbers from an email or a text, as these can be faked.

    • Always verify phone numbers independently. 

    • Never be pressured to continue with a payment.

Once the VoP check is complete, you will receive one of the four below possible responses immediately. 

Match Close match No Match Match not possible

We have checked the payee’s name and it matches the name on the account. 

We have checked the payee’s name and it’s a close match to the name on the account.

When you get a ‘Close match’ result we’ll display the name you entered and the name that’s actually on the payee’s account.

For example: You entered ‘John Smith’, the result will show ‘Jonathan Smith’ as the name on the payee’s account.

If you are happy that this is who you want to pay, you can choose to update the name you entered to the name on the account. If you are not sure, please contact the payee.

If you end up sending money to someone else’s account, we may not be able to get it back for you.

We have checked the payee’s name and it does not match the name on the account.

If you are happy that this is who you want to pay, you can continue. If you are not sure, please contact the payee.

If you end up sending money to someone else’s account, we may not be able to get it back for you.

We have tried to check the payee’s name but were not able to.

Reasons for a ‘Match not possible’ result include: 

1. The account is closed.
2. It is not a payment account.
3. A technical fault has occurred. 
4. The payee's is not in the SEPA zone.

If you are happy that this is who you want to pay, you can continue. If you are not sure, please contact the payee.

If you end up sending money to someone else’s account, we may not be able to get it back for you.

Questions & Answers

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