What is Confirmation of Payee? The name check on UK transfers

By SendPay Business · · 2 min read

What is Confirmation of Payee? The name check on UK transfers

Confirmation of Payee (CoP) is a UK service that checks whether the name you type matches the name on the account you're paying. It runs before you send a bank transfer, so you can stop if something looks wrong.

What the results meanWhy it mattersTips for businesses

What the results mean

  1. Match: the name matches the account. You can carry on.
  2. Close match: the name is similar, and you'll be shown the actual name to check.
  3. No match: the name doesn't match. Stop and check with the person you're paying another way.
  4. Unable to check: the other bank couldn't confirm. Take extra care.

Why it matters

Many scams rely on fake bank details, such as an email claiming a supplier has changed accounts. A name check gives people a chance to spot the problem before money leaves.

Tips for businesses

Give customers the exact name on your account, including whether it's a business or personal account, so their payments show a match and don't stall.

Where SendPay fits

SendPay platforms include GBP accounts and transfers under your own brand, powered by licensed partners. SendPay tells you in writing which licences apply to your platform before you pay.

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Create your own financial platform.

Pick a template, name it, brand it, preview every page before you pay. Your brand, your users, your fees.

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Questions people ask

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Scams that trick people into paying.

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The six digits that identify a UK bank.

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What is Faster Payments?

The UK's instant transfer rail.

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This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. SendPay Business is a technology company, not a bank, and does not take deposits; regulated services on the platforms are provided by licensed partners. PayPal, Patreon and Substack are named as reference points only and are not affiliated with SendPay Business.