Verification of Payee (VoP)
Verification of Payee (VoP) – Coming October 2025
From 5 October 2025, all Irish banks and credit unions, including Progressive Credit Union, will introduce Verification of Payee (VoP). This is a new security feature required under the EU Instant Payments Regulation 2024, designed to help reduce fraud and prevent payments going to the wrong account.
What is Verification of Payee (VoP)?
Why is it being introduced?
VoP is a check carried out whenever you set up or amend a payee (the person or organisation you want to send money to).
You enter the name of the payee and their IBAN.
The system checks that the name you’ve entered matches the account holder name registered for that IBAN.
You’ll then receive a message telling you if the names match.
This makes sure you are sending money to the right person or business and gives you greater confidence before completing the payment.
Fraud prevention: Criminals often trick people into sending money to the wrong account (known as Authorised Push Payment fraud). VoP reduces this risk.
Error reduction: Sometimes members accidentally mistype a payee’s name. VoP highlights mismatches before the payment goes through.
Stronger member protection: This change is required across all SEPA (Single Euro Payments Area) institutions by October 2025.
When will I notice this change?
What do I need to do?
From the 5th of October 2025, you will notice new on-screen messages when:
Adding a new payee.
Editing an existing payee.
Making a once-off payment to someone new.
VoP checks will not run on automated payments such as standing orders or direct debits.
Always double-check the account details provided by the person or business you are paying.
If you see a Close Match or No Match, take extra care. Confirm the name and IBAN before continuing.
If in doubt, contact the payee directly before proceeding with the payment.
Remember: If you choose to proceed with a payment despite a warning, you are responsible for ensuring the details are correct.
What will I see? - When you set up or edit a payee, one of four outcomes will appear:
Full Match
The payee name matches the account holder name.
You can proceed as normal.
Close Match
The payee name is similar but not exact.
You’ll see the registered account name.
You’ll be asked to confirm if you wish to continue or update the name.
No Match
The payee name does not match the account holder name.
You’ll receive a warning message.
You should double-check the details with the payee before proceeding.
Not Possible
The system could not complete the check (for example, if the recipient’s bank does not support VoP).
You can still proceed, but you should confirm the details directly with the payee.
What happens if money goes to the wrong account?
If a payment is sent to the wrong account because of incorrect details, we will try to recall the funds on your behalf. However, recovery cannot be guaranteed. That’s why it is so important to check payee details carefully.
For more information about VoP, visit the European Payments Council website
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The check takes just a few seconds.
No. The payment can still go ahead, but you will be warned if the name does not match.
No. This change will happen automatically from 9 October 2025. You don’t need to register or apply.
You may see a “Not Possible” message. You can still proceed, but should confirm the payee’s details directly.
