Finance glossary
Confirmation of Payee
Also known as: CoP, Account name check
In simple terms
Confirmation of Payee is a name-checking service. When you set up a payment, it checks whether the account name you entered matches the account you are paying — helping stop mistakes and fraud.
On this page
What does Confirmation of Payee mean?
Confirmation of Payee (CoP) is a security check used when you set up a new payment or payee. Before the money leaves your account, your bank checks the name you typed against the name registered on the receiving account.
It was introduced across UK banks to help tackle mistaken payments and “authorised push payment” (APP) fraud, where scammers trick people into sending money to the wrong account.
How Confirmation of Payee works
When you enter a payee’s name, sort code and account number, the system responds in one of a few ways: a full match, a close (partial) match where it suggests the correct name, or no match at all. It can also tell you if the account type is wrong.
A mismatch does not block the payment automatically, but it is a strong warning sign. If the name does not match, you should stop and check directly with the person or business before sending any money.
How could this affect me?
CoP gives you a chance to catch a typo or a scam before your money is gone. If a scammer gives you account details that do not match the name you expect, the mismatch is a clear red flag.
If you ignore a “no match” warning and pay anyway, and it turns out to be fraud or an error, it can be harder to get your money back — so always take a mismatch seriously.
Things to watch out for
- A “no match” or partial match is a warning — stop and verify before paying.
- CoP does not guarantee the payee is genuine, only that the name fits the account.
- Ignoring a mismatch and paying anyway can weaken your case for a refund.
- Scammers may pressure you to skip the check — never rush a payment.
Know your rights
- Under the mandatory APP fraud reimbursement rules overseen by the Payment Systems Regulator, victims of authorised push payment scams can generally be reimbursed by their bank.
- If your bank did not offer a Confirmation of Payee check and you lost money to a scam, that may strengthen a complaint.
- You can complain to your bank and escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service if you are unhappy with how a fraud claim is handled.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- Pay.UK, Confirmation of Payee (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.
- MoneyHelper, How to avoid bank transfer and push-payment scams (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.