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Understanding Match Results

What NameCheck results mean and how to use them

NameCheck compares the account details entered by a user (BSB, account number and account name) against payment data observed by CommBank and returns a result indicating whether those details look reasonably accurate.

It's important to understand what these results mean — and what they don't — so they can be used appropriately within your customer experience.

NameCheck results examples

Possible Match Outcomes

NameCheck results generally fall into the following categories:

Match

The account name you entered seems to match the account

What this means:

  • The details entered look reasonably accurate and matching the most commonly used name for this account.

What this doesn't mean:

  • It is not a guarantee that the account is correct
  • It does not confirm the identity of the recipient

What you should do:

  • Even when a positive match is returned, users should still ensure they are paying the intended recipient.

No Match

The account name doesn't seem to match the account

What this means:

  • The details entered may be incorrect

What you should do:

  • Prompt the user to check and correct the details before proceeding
  • Encourage them to confirm the exact account name with the recipient if unsure

Weak Match

There's a different name more commonly used for this account

Example:

  • Entered name: John Smith
  • Name more commonly associated with this account: Jonathan Smith
  • Other variations could include: J Smith, Jon Smith, John B Smith, or Jonthan Smit (typos)

What this means:

  • The NameCheck algorithm considered multiple variations and permutations for this account's name. The name entered is similar, but not the most commonly used one.
  • There may be differences (e.g. abbreviations, spelling variations, typos) with the name typically used for this account; or
  • The account may belong to someone else with a similar name

What you should do:

  • Prompt the user to carefully review the details entered
  • Encourage them to confirm the exact account name with the recipient if unsure

Not Enough Information

We haven't seen enough payments to indicate if the account details look right

What this means:

  • There is insufficient data available to perform a match
  • The account could be new; or
  • There has not been many transactions made to this account

What you should do:

  • Prompt the user to check the details before proceeding
  • Encourage them to confirm the exact account name with the recipient if unsure

Account Does Not Exist

BSB and account number not found

What this means:

  • There is no data available to perform a match
  • The account could be new and has not yet been used; or
  • There is a typo in the details entered

What you should do:

  • Prompt the user to check the details before proceeding
  • Encourage them to confirm the exact account details with the recipient if unsure

Important Considerations

  1. NameCheck is not an absolute confirmation of payee details

    • It does not verify ownership of an account nor guarantee funds will reach the intended recipient

  2. NameCheck results are to be used as guidance

    • Results are intended to help users identify potential errors in payee details
    • They should always be presented as guidance, not certainty.
    • They should not deter users from undertaking further verification, for example by directly contacting payees to confirm their details.

  3. NameCheck does not prevent users from proceeding with a payment

    • Users always remain in control
    • Even with No Match or Not Enough Information outcomes, NameCheck does not prevent users from making a payment (unless your implementation requires it).