Paying
someone

The Confirmation of Payee service allows customers to check if account names and account numbers match before making a payment. This reduces the risk of making a mistake and paying the wrong person, and can help to avoid payment scams.

Notifications and what they mean

Depending on the outcome of the check, customers are likely to receive one of these six notifications. Whichever notification you recieve, remain vigilant when making payments as the service may not always identify mistakes or scams. Take a sec to check the purpose of the payment and be alert to scams.

Match

The name and account number you’ve entered match the bank’s records.

This does not ensure a safe transaction. Aways take the time to question the purpose of the transaction and be alert to scams.

Partial Match

The name you've entered is not an exact match with this account number. You may have used a shortened name or made a small typo. Update the account name to get an exact match or continue if you know and trust this payee.

No Match

The account name and number you’ve entered don’t match the bank’s record for the person you are trying to pay.

You could send money to the wrong account holder and this payment may not be recoverable.

Account type can’t be checked

We’re unable to check account details.

Continue if you know the account details are correct and you trust the payee.

Can’t check the payee details right now

A temporary technical issue means we can’t match this name and account number right now.

Continue only if you know and trust this payee, or try again later.

Can’t check the payee details

We can’t check this name and
account number because this
payee’s bank doesn’t provide a
matching service.

Continue only if you know and trust this payee.

What to do if you get Partial Match or No Match

Whichever notification you receive, always remain vigilant when making payments as the service may not always identify mistakes or scams and it won’t stop you from continuing with a payment.

Always be wary if you’re told to ignore a ‘no match’ response, take a sec to check the purpose of the payment and be alert to scams.

Verify

Verify the identity of the person or business you’re paying.

Check

Check for typos and if you’ve used the correct account name.

Double-check

Double-check the account number you’ve entered.

Pause

Pause and consider if you trust you’re paying a legitimate person or entity.

Pay or don’t Pay

Make sure you know who you’re paying before you send money.

No checks for some payments

There are just a few instances when you will not be prompted to run a Confirmation of Payee check, these are when:

  • You’re making a payment to a payee that is already saved, or
  • You’re making a payment to or from an overseas bank account, or
  • You’re making a payment to an organisation that is registered as a payee with their Bank and Payments NZ, for example organisations such as Councils, water or power companies. (This may differ depending on your bank.)

Paying someone FAQs

Why is it important I get the payee details correct?

What does the “Match” notification mean?

What does the “Partial Match” notification mean?

What does the “No Match” notification mean?

What does the “Account type can’t be checked” notification mean?

What does the “Can’t check payee details” notification mean?

What does the “Can’t check payee details right now” notification mean?

Do payment details that I’ve set up in the past need a check?

Who should I contact if I don't get a 'match'?

How do I avoid a ‘no match’ or ‘partial match’ result?

News & updates

Banks start New Zealand launch of Confirmation of Payee
News

Banks start New Zealand launch of Confirmation of Payee

Today marks a significant step forward in protecting New Zealanders from payment mistakes and scams with the launch of the new Confirmation of Payee (CoP) service.

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Stay Alert: Scammers may target you during Confirmation of Payee rollout
News

Stay Alert: Scammers may target you during Confirmation of Payee rollout

As New Zealand banks prepare to roll out the Confirmation of Payee service, customers should be wary of fraudsters pretending to be calling from banks.

Read post
Media Announcement: New Zealand banks unite to give Kiwi’s more confidence when making payments
News

Media Announcement: New Zealand banks unite to give Kiwi’s more confidence when making payments

In May 2024, the New Zealand Herald published an article covering the Confirmation of Payee service.

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