Address verification is an important aspect of KYC and KYB  processes. Address verification services are processes companies and organisations use to verify the accuracy of an individual's address information. This service is commonly used by businesses that ship products or provide services to customers, as well as financial institutions that need to verify the identity of their customers. 

Understanding Address Verification Service (AVS)

Address verification services work by comparing the address information provided by the customer to a database of valid addresses. The database is typically maintained by a third-party provider specialising in address verification. The service can verify whether an address exists, is valid, and matches the information on file with the post office. Address verification services can also check for spelling errors and formatting issues that may cause problems with delivery/ billing, or worse, non-compliance. 

By verifying the accuracy of an address, businesses can reduce the risk of shipping products to the wrong address, sending invoices to the wrong person, or encountering other logistical problems. In addition to reducing errors and improving efficacy, address verification services can also help businesses comply with regulatory requirements related to anti-money laundering and know-your-customer regulations. 

These regulations require financial institutions to verify the identity of their customers, which can include verifying their address information. Address verification services are an important tool for businesses and organisations that need to verify the accuracy of their customers' address information. 

Businesses can reduce errors, improve efficiency, and comply with regulatory requirements by using these services.  Address Verification Services (AVS) is a useful tool provided by credit card processors and issuing banks to merchants to prevent fraudulent credit card transactions. It works by checking the billing address provided by the card user against the billing address on record at the issuing bank. This helps detect suspicious transactions and reduce the risk of credit card fraud. 

Essentially, AVS safeguards merchants and cardholders by verifying that the address provided is valid and matches the information on file with the bank. By doing so, AVS can help protect against unauthorised purchases and fraudulent activities.

Related Article - How To Get A Proof of Address

How Does Address Verification Service Work?

Address Verification Systems (AVS) are essential to online transactions and credit card processing. During checkout, a customer provides their address, which is then compared to the billing address on file with the issuing bank. 

The issuing bank then returns an AVS code to the merchant, indicating whether the addresses match. AVS codes are single-letter codes that are used as a guide by merchants to determine how to proceed with the transaction. These codes can be used to approve or decline the transaction based on the level of verification required.

AVS response codes are critical in preventing fraud and protecting merchants and customers from unauthorised transactions. By clearly indicating whether the billing address matches the address on file with the issuing bank, merchants can make informed decisions about how to proceed with the transaction. In simple terms, AVS authentication is utilised as a part of a multilayered fraud protection system that ensures that valid transactions are approved, and suspicious ones are declined. With the increasing prevalence of online transactions, AVS has become an essential tool for ensuring the security and integrity of these transactions.

Achieving Address Verification with Youverify

Youverify offers simple compliance automation services for financial institutions and small, medium and large businesses. Among its flagship products include an award-winning address verification service that provides businesses with a quick and efficient way to verify the accuracy of customer addresses physically. 

Youverify's Address Verification service is designed to help businesses verify the accuracy of customer addresses in real-time, using multiple data sources, including government databases and commercial data sources. This service helps businesses reduce the risk of fraud, increase customer data accuracy, and enhance overall compliance.

Bottom Line

Address Verification Services are handy because they help businesses ensure customer data's accuracy, reduce the risk of fraud, and improve customer communication. By using these tools, businesses can quickly and easily verify their customers' addresses, identities, and phone numbers, which can help reduce errors in shipping and billing information and minimise the risk of chargebacks and other forms of fraud.

Address verification tools can also help businesses improve their customer communication by ensuring they have accurate contact information for their customers. This can help to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Evidently, address verification tools are a valuable resource for businesses that want to improve the accuracy and integrity of their customer data, reduce the risk of fraud, and enhance customer communication and satisfaction.

See how 100+ leading companies use Youverify for KYC and AML screening of customers for compliance and real-time risk detection. Request a demo today.