We're introducing a new security check for SEPA Credit Transfers called 'Verification of Payee' (VoP).
VoP will check if the name of the person or organisation you want to transfer funds to is an exact match to the name on their bank account. It does this when you add a new payee or initiate a transfer out of your Affinity Credit Union account. This simple step helps protect you from sending money to the wrong account. VoP will be available from 8 October 2025.
What to Expect with VoP
Once the VoP check is complete, you will receive one of the four below possible responses immediately.
MATCH - The payee name provided matches the account holder's name.
CLOSE MATCH - The payee name provided is similar to the account holder's name. For example: You entered ‘John Smith’ and the result will show ‘Jonathan Smith’ as the name on the payee’s account.
NO MATCH - The payee name provided does not match the account holder's name.
MATCH NOT POSSIBLE - The check couldn't be completed at this time. Reasons for a ‘Match Not Possible’ result include: The account is closed. It is not a payment account. A technical fault has occurred. The payee's is not in the SEPA zone.
How to proceed
MATCH - When you select continue, you will be given a chance to review the details of the payee as usual. IMPORTANT: Even if the name matches, make sure you have selected the right payee and only send money if you trust the payee and are sure it is not a scam. If you end up transferring money to someone else’s account in error, we may not be able to get it back for you.
CLOSE MATCH - When you get a ‘Close match’ result the name you entered and the name that’s actually on the payee’s account will be displayed. If you are happy that this is who you want to pay, you can choose to continue. If you are not sure, please contact the payee and confirm details. If you end up transferring money to someone else’s account in error, we may not be able to get it back for you.
NO MATCH - We strongly advise you to check the name and IBAN with the payee by calling them on a known trusted phone number before continuing to create a payee or transfer funds. If you choose to continue despite this warning, the transfer may go to the wrong person or business and we may not be able to recover the money if it goes to the wrong account.
MATCH NOT POSSIBLE - We strongly advise you to check the name and IBAN with the payee by calling them on a known trusted phone number before continuing to create a payee or transfer funds. If you choose to continue despite this warning, the transfer may go to the wrong person or business and we may not be able to recover the money if it goes to the wrong account.
