Overview
The bank owner check verifies whether a bank account belongs to the applicant who has already passed an ID check. This check can only be carried out after a full identity check has been completed.
The check returns a score out of 35:
35 is the highest possible score
A score of 35 or above is considered a pass
Any score below 35 is a fail
How the score is calculated
The score is made up of two parts: standard checks and enhanced ownership checks.
Bank standard (5 points)
5 points are awarded if the account number format is valid for the given sort code.
This confirms the account theoretically exists, but it does not confirm it is open or that it belongs to the applicant.
Bank enhanced (up to 30 points)
Account digit matching
This stage validates ownership by comparing account digits with TransUnion’s records:
30 points – All 8 digits match
25 points – 7 digits match
20 points – 6 digits match
15 points – The account has been issued to the applicant, but fewer than 6 digits match
Closure and recency warnings
Points are deducted if there are risk indicators:
–30 points – The account has been closed
–5 points – The account was opened in the last 6 months
Interpreting the scores
*Bank verification check results in the context with ID check results
Interpreting the score
35 – The account is owned by the applicant. The sort code is valid, all 8 digits match, the account is open and has been open for at least 6 months.
30 – Ownership is confirmed, but one digit may not match or the account may have been recently opened. If the issue is with the digit match, we recommend requesting additional proof (e.g. a bank statement).
25 – Similar to 30, but with a greater mismatch in digits. Additional documentation is recommended, particularly if the applicant’s ID score is under 30.
Below 25 – Not enough digit matching to confirm ownership. Additional proof of bank account ownership should be requested.
5 – The account number format is correct for the sort code, but no match could be made to the individual. Treat with caution. Additional evidence should be requested.
Below 0 – The account has been closed. This may indicate a fraudulent application.
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