Making a payment
When you make a payment, make sure you have the correct account details for the person or business you're paying.
You'll need their:
- full name as it appears on their account
- sort code
- account number (and account reference if needed)
- account type (personal or business).
If your payee has recently switched their account to another bank
If you're making a payment to an account that was recently switched from one bank to another, you'll need to make sure you have the most up-to-date details for the payee's new account. If you try to make a payment to their old account, the payment won't go through until you update the payee details with the new account information.
Receiving a payment
When you're expecting a payment from a person or business, make sure they have your correct account details. This helps avoid any delays in you receiving your money, as someone might not send you a payment if the name they have for you doesn't match the one on your account.
Make sure they have your:
- full account title, which is how it appears on your bank statement
- sort code
- account number
However, if for example your company is called 'Joe Bloggs T/A Bloggs Cleaners' and the sender uses 'Joe Bloggs' or 'Bloggs Cleaners', this would be considered a match.
For registered charities, if the 'RC' and full registered charity number aren't entered, this will be considered a close match. For example, if your charity is called 'Jones Trust Limited R/C 123456' and only 'Jones Trust Limited' is entered, this will be considered a close match.
Tips for making or receiving a payment
- for joint accounts, you only need to use the full name of one of the account holders
- for payments to a business account, use the full business or organisation name and choose the 'business' account type
- for payments to a business account, check the name with the business you're paying, as some may have different registered and trading names
- if you think someone uses a different name, like a middle name, or has recently changed their name, check which name is registered to the account you're paying
- if you've recently changed your name or the person who's paying you knows you by a different name, make sure you tell them your name as it appears on your bank statement.
How does Confirmation of Payee work?
When you're setting up a new payee through online banking, the Confirmation of Payee service will check that the name of the person or business you're paying matches the name registered to the sort code and account number.
Depending on the outcome of the Confirmation of Payee check, you’ll usually see one of these results on the screen:
Account name is a match
The account matches the payee's name. You will need to verify your identity using your HID Approve app or physical plastic security token to confirm the new payee.
Account name is a close match
The account name is close to the payee's name. You'll be shown the name on the account you're paying to help you decide whether it's the right person.
Double check the details before making any payments and only continue if you're sure they're correct. Otherwise your money could be sent to the wrong person.
Account name is not a match
The account name doesn't match the payee’s name you’ve entered. Double check the details before making any payments and only continue if you're sure they're correct. Otherwise your money could be sent to the wrong person.
Payment reference is not a match
The payment reference does not match the reference required by the payee. Double check the details before making any payments and only continue if you’re sure they’re correct. Otherwise your money could be sent to the wrong person.
Unable to check the account
Sometimes we won't be able to check the name on the account you're making a payment to. This doesn't always mean that something's wrong. It could be that the payee's bank doesn't use the Confirmation of Payee service.
You can still make the payment, but double check the details and only continue if you're sure they're correct. Otherwise your money could be sent to the wrong person.
Confirmation of Payee for existing payees
The Confirmation of Payee service will also check the account details if you add or change a reference when paying an existing payee.
If the result is a close match (for example, if the account name matches but the account type does not), you will be given the option to continue with the payment or cancel. If you choose to continue, we will update the details for that payment only. You should check and update the payee’s details in Business Online Banking to avoid another Confirmation of Payee check when you next pay them.
If the result is not a close match, you will be given the option to update the payee’s details in Business Online Banking and start the payment again, or cancel.
Protecting you against scams
Confirmation of Payee can help protect you from certain types of scams by making sure the person you're sending money to is actually who they say they are.
'Authorised push payment' scams can happen when you're tricked into authorising a payment to an account that you believe belongs to a legitimate payee - but is in fact controlled by a scammer.
If you think you've made a payment to the wrong account or if you suspect someone is trying to scam you, please call 159 straight away from a different device to the one the suspected scammer has contacted you on.
If you suspect you've been a victim of fraud, you can also get in touch with us on 03457 213 213.
Learn more about fraud and ways to protect your business on the common fraud threats page.
Top tips for keeping your money safe
To help keep your money safe, be alert when:
- someone you don't know asks you to make an urgent payment. Especially if you feel pressured to make a payment
- the name of the person you're paying doesn't match the account name - be suspicious if someone asks you to ignore the check when the account name doesn't match – you could be being scammed
- you're making a payment to someone new
- a person or business's account details change unexpectedly.
Remember:
- never tell anyone the codes generated from your physical plastic security token or HID Approve mobile security app
- don't give out your personal or financial details to someone unless you know they are genuine
- never open a link or call a number in an unexpected or suspicious email or text
- a genuine bank or business will never ask you for your PIN, banking passwords in full or to move your money to keep it safe
- although the account details may match, always be vigilant of scams
- never be pressurised into continuing with a payment when the details don't match or where the account cannot be checked.