Question 1 of 2 about Confirmation of Payee (CoP)
Confirmation of Payee (CoP)
Confirmation of Payee explained
When you set up a new CHAPs, Faster Payment or standing order, we use CoP to check that the account details and name match. If you have a current account or savings with us, we’ll do this automatically.
This makes sure your payment isn’t sent to the wrong account by mistake. It also helps us to protect you from fraud.
Your data security
When you set up a new payment, banks share information with each other to confirm the payee’s details match. To use CoP, they need to pass rigorous security checks and are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
How Confirmation of Payee works
When you set up a new payment, we’ll let you know whether the details are a match, partial match or no match to our information.
Here’s what the different responses mean:
Match – the details you entered match the person or business you’re trying to pay
All the details you entered are correct, and the account matches the name.
Partial match – the account is registered to someone with a similar name
If you enter a similar name, we’ll show you the correct name linked to the account. You can update the details and try again or check them with the person or company you’re trying to pay.
If you continue without updating the details, you’re accepting the risk that if the payment goes to the wrong account, we might not be able to get it back.
No match – the name or reference you’ve entered doesn’t match the account, and isn’t similar
You need to contact the person or company you are trying to pay to check their details.
If you continue with your payment, you’re accepting the risk that if the payment goes to the wrong account, we may not be able to get the money back.
If the receiving account holder is under the age of 13, you’ll see ‘No match’ and we won’t share the name on the account.
Other responses
You might see other responses, such as a system problem or the account holder’s bank doesn’t use the CoP scheme. Please double check the payment details with the person or business you’re paying if this happens.