Cookie Policy
Last updated: August 2025
What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are placed on your device when you visit a website. They help websites remember information about your visit, making your online experience easier and more personalized.
How We Use Cookies
PaymentValidator.org uses cookies and similar technologies to:
- Understand how you use our website
- Remember your preferences
- Improve website performance
- Analyze usage patterns
- Provide a secure browsing experience
Types of Cookies We Use
1. Essential Cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function properly. They cannot be disabled.
| Cookie Name | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| cookie_consent | Stores your cookie consent preferences | 1 year |
| session_id | Maintains session state | Session |
2. Analytics Cookies
These cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website by collecting anonymous information.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _ga | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 2 years |
| _gid | Google Analytics | Distinguishes unique users | 24 hours |
| _gat | Google Analytics | Throttles request rate | 1 minute |
| _ga_* | Google Analytics 4 | Maintains session state | 2 years |
3. Marketing Cookies
These cookies track your online activity to help advertisers deliver more relevant advertising.
| Cookie Name | Provider | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| _gcl_au | Google Ads | Conversion tracking | 90 days |
| _gac_* | Google Ads | Campaign performance | 90 days |
Local Storage
In addition to cookies, we use browser local storage to:
- Store your validation history (locally on your device)
- Remember your display preferences
- Cache validation results for performance
This data is stored only on your device and is never transmitted to our servers.
Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies are placed by third-party services that appear on our pages:
- Google Analytics: For website analytics
- Google Ads: For conversion tracking (if applicable)
- CDN Providers: For content delivery optimization
Managing Your Cookie Preferences
Cookie Consent Banner
When you first visit our website, you'll see a cookie consent banner where you can:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your preferences
Browser Settings
You can also control cookies through your browser settings:
- Chrome: Settings → Privacy and security → Cookies
- Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Cookies
- Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Cookies
- Edge: Settings → Privacy, search, and services → Cookies
Opt-Out Links
You can opt out of specific services:
Impact of Disabling Cookies
If you disable cookies:
- Essential cookies: Cannot be disabled; required for basic functionality
- Analytics cookies: We won't be able to improve our service based on usage patterns
- Marketing cookies: You may see less relevant advertisements
Note: The core IBAN and Sort Code validation features will continue to work without cookies.
Do Not Track
We respect Do Not Track (DNT) browser settings. When DNT is enabled, we automatically disable analytics and marketing cookies.
Updates to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by updating the "Last updated" date and, for significant changes, providing a more prominent notice.
Legal Basis for Processing (GDPR)
Under GDPR, our legal bases for using cookies are:
- Consent: For analytics and marketing cookies
- Legitimate Interests: For essential cookies necessary for website operation
Your Rights
Under GDPR and similar regulations, you have the right to:
- Withdraw consent at any time
- Access information about cookies we use
- Request deletion of cookie data
- Object to processing