3 occasions when validating bank account data isn’t enough (2024)

3 occasions when validating bank account data isn’t enough (1)

Bank account data validation and verification

When I joined Experian almost four years ago I remembered struggling to understand the difference between bank account data validation and verification – weren’t they both checking that bank account numbers were correct?

I now realise there are important differences and good reasons to make the distinction. Validation is a check of bank account data (sort code and account number) using algorithmic rules, it determines if an account could exist with those details. Verification however checks against actual bank account details to check factors such as account ownership and whether an account is open.

For many, validation is a fantastic tool. It helps companies to sign up new customers and set up direct debit payments accurately by identifying error due to mis-keying or mis-hearing, problems that are easy to make where data is being entered into systems at a fast pace. There are however instances where the additional level of check that verification offers is necessary – here are my top three:

1. When setting up paperless direct debits

The paperless direct debit scheme is fantastic for businesses and consumers alike, no more sending paperwork out to be signed and waiting for it to be returned, no more hefty postal costs and no more lost customers and late payments when forms don’t get returned. The Bacs rules for paperless direct debit do however state “Prior to the origination of any Direct Debits the service user must verify the identity of the payer and his address, and ensure that the account details provided relate to the payer.”1 The verification of the bank account data presented is the most direct route to meeting this requirement.

2. When making payments to beneficiaries

Grants, annuities, insurance claim payments and customer account refunds, with all of these types of payment it’s important to ensure that the correct beneficiary is receiving the funds. This ensures that those owed receive their money as soon as possible and it is not inadvertently sent to the wrong account. The simplest route to establishing this is to make the link between your customer and their bank account details.

3. When paying suppliers

Fake invoice fraud, as highlighted by the UK Audit Office, occurs when invoices are submitted, or change of bank account detail letters sent, apparently from a supplier. They are in fact from a fraudster and contain the fraudster’s bank account details. If this deception is not spotted, organisations risk making payments to fraudsters rather than their legitimate suppliers. By verifying that the bank account details provided in invoices and letters belong to your suppliers you will ensure that your organisation doesn’t become a victim.

1.Bacs: service users’ guide and rules to the Direct Debit scheme v3.9 December 2013
2.http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/fraudsters-target-organisations-by-invoice-aug12

3 occasions when validating bank account data isn’t enough (2024)

FAQs

How do you validate a bank account? ›

With document-based verification, the account holder provides paper or electronic documents, such as a voided check or bank statements, to substantiate their account status and ownership.

What is bank data validation? ›

Validation is a check of bank account data (sort code and account number) using algorithmic rules, it determines if an account could exist with those details. Verification however checks against actual bank account details to check factors such as account ownership and whether an account is open.

What is bank validation rule? ›

Account validation or Instant Bank Verification is the process of verifying that the bank account number and account details are valid before a transaction is processed.

What is bank account validation status? ›

There are four types of bank account validation status based on the GSTN advisory on bank account validation. These include 'Success', 'Failure', 'Success With Remark' and 'Pending for Validation'. Every icon has a particular meaning, and users must or need not act, as explained in the table below.

What to do if bank account is not validated? ›

Contact branch to update the name as per PAN. Then, re-validate, update the details and submit request for re-validation. Click Re-Validate, enter the correct bank account number and submit the request for re-validation. Click Re-Validate, enter the correct bank account number and submit the request for re-validation.

What is a bank validation failure? ›

Bank account validation failures happen when incorrect bank account information is provided. When bank account validation fails, the bank account is moved to a disabled_irrecoverable state and any attempt to move money in or out of the account will result in the payment being rejected by the bank.

What are the 4 validation checks? ›

Types of validation
Validation typeHow it works
Check digitThe last one or two digits in a code are used to check the other digits are correct
Format checkChecks the data is in the right format
Length checkChecks the data isn't too short or too long
Lookup tableLooks up acceptable values in a table
2 more rows

What is a data validation rule? ›

Data validation rules allow you to constrain the values that can be entered into a worksheet cell. You can define one or more data validation rules for your worksheet. Typically, you define a separate data validation rule for each column in your worksheet where you need to constrain user entered values.

How long will it take to validate bank account? ›

The pre-validation of bank account takes place automatically. The request submitted by you will be sent to your bank. The validation status will be updated in your account within 10 to 12 working days.

What does it mean by unable to validate account details? ›

There are several possible causes of validation failures, including: incorrect routing/account numbers, closed accounts and inability to debit.

What do you do in account validation? ›

An Account Validation Service (or AVS) is a service that allows financial institutions and other organizations to verify the current status and/or the ownership.

How can I check if a bank account is valid? ›

Bank Account Verification
  1. Account holder's name/business' name.
  2. ID number/business registration number.
  3. Bank account number.
  4. Bank branch code.
  5. Account status (open/closed)
  6. Whether the account has been open for more than three months or not.
  7. The account type.
  8. Whether the account accepts debits and credits.

How do you check if a bank account is legit? ›

Online, validate the bank's website URL, use official banking apps, and verify information through the bank's customer service. These steps can help prevent falling victim to frauds or scams and ensure the legitimacy of the bank you're dealing with.

What documents are needed to verify a bank account? ›

Bank statements. Deposit tickets, deposit forms, or account agreements that are signed or stamped by the bank. Screenshots of the online banking environment. Letters from the bank.

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