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Confirm a payee's name before a payment is made in the Single Euro Payments Area

Verification of Payee

Verification of Payee will initially only be available for RBS International bank accounts held in Luxembourg

What is Verification of Payee?

Verification of Payee (VOP) is a pre-payment check, confirming a payee's name matches their bank account details before a payment is made.

This service will be used in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) for:

  • SEPA Credit Transfers (SCT)
  • SEPA Instant payments

The European Payments Council has announced the launch of VOP in the SEPA, scheduled for 5th October 2025.

From this date, RBS International will offer the service for accounts held in Luxembourg. Other jurisdictions within the SEPA will be rollout out in due course.

How does it work?

When you make a new payment or change an existing one, we check the recipient’s name and International Bank Account Number (IBAN) against their bank’s records. This ensures that every transaction is secure and accurate.

You'll receive one of the following responses:

  • It’s a match:
    You’ll see an immediate confirmation that all details are correct.

  • It’s a close match:
    There’s a slight difference between the name you provided and our records. For your security, please confirm the details with your recipient before proceeding or update the information to match the bank’s records.

  • It’s not a match:
    Please check the recipient’s details directly with them to ensure a secure transaction.

  • Verification check not possible:
    Sometimes, the Verification of Payee service may not be available. If this happens, please contact the recipient to confirm that all details are accurate before completing your transaction.

Things to consider

Verification of Payee checks help ensure your payments go to the right recepient. They also provide extra protection against fraud and scams.

When making a payment...

If you’re unsure of a payee's details, reach out to the recipient to check their account name before you go ahead. Always verify payment details using a trusted phone number for the payee. Never rely on numbers supplied in an email or text, as they may have been falsified.

If the payee account details don’t match exactly, or if verification isn’t possible, don't be rushed into making a payment.

Always select the right IBAN for the recipient and:

  • When paying an individual, use their full name, including both their first and last names.
  • When paying a business, use the official business or trading name as it appears on their account.

When receiving a payment...

To make things easy, give the person making the payment your full account name. If you change your account name, let your contacts know as soon as possible.

Common questions

Avoid scams and help reduce fraud

Verification of Payee checks help prevent misdirected payments and strengthen your protection against fraud and scams

  • Always verify payment details using a trusted phone number for the recipient.
  • Never rely on a number supplied in an email or text. It may have been falsified.

If the account name and IBAN don’t match exactly, or if verification isn’t possible, don't feel pressured to proceed.