> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.notchpay.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Beneficiaries

> Learn how to view, edit, and delete beneficiaries in Notch Pay

# Managing Beneficiaries

This guide explains how to manage your beneficiaries in Notch Pay, including viewing, editing, and deleting beneficiaries.

## Viewing Beneficiaries

### In the Dashboard

1. Log in to your [Notch Pay Business suite](https://business.notchpay.co)
2. Navigate to the "Transfers" section
3. Click on "Beneficiaries" to see a list of all your beneficiaries
4. Use the search and filter options to find specific beneficiaries

### Using the API

You can retrieve a list of beneficiaries using the [Beneficiaries API](/api-reference/beneficiaries):

```bash theme={null}
GET https://api.notchpay.co/beneficiaries
Authorization: YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY
X-Grant: YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "code": 200,
  "status": "OK",
  "message": "Beneficiaries retrieved",
  "totals": 15,
  "last_page": 1,
  "current_page": 1,
  "selected": 15,
  "items": [
    {
      "id": "ben_123456789",
      "name": "John Doe",
      "email": "john@example.com",
      "phone": "+237600000000",
      "country": "CM",
      "payment_method": "pm.ndzAfIh555VCPML1",
      "created_at": "2023-01-01T12:00:00Z"
    },
    // More beneficiaries...
  ]
}
```

## Viewing a Single Beneficiary

### In the Dashboard

1. Navigate to the "Beneficiaries" section
2. Click on a beneficiary's name to view their details

### Using the API

To retrieve a specific beneficiary:

```bash theme={null}
GET https://api.notchpay.co/beneficiaries/{id}
Authorization: YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY
X-Grant: YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "status": "Accepted",
  "message": "Beneficiary retrieved",
  "code": 202,
  "beneficiary": {
    "id": "ben_123456789",
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "john@example.com",
    "phone": "+237600000000",
    "country": "CM",
    "payment_method": "pm.ndzAfIh555VCPML1",
    "created_at": "2023-01-01T12:00:00Z"
  }
}
```

## Editing Beneficiaries

<Note>
  Currently, editing beneficiaries is only supported through the API. In the dashboard, you'll need to delete and recreate a beneficiary to update their information.
</Note>

### Using the API

To update a beneficiary, you can use the PUT method:

```bash theme={null}
PUT https://api.notchpay.co/beneficiaries/{id}
Authorization: YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY
X-Grant: YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY
Content-Type: application/json
```

Request body:

```json theme={null}
{
  "name": "John Smith",
  "email": "johnsmith@example.com",
  "phone": "+237600000001"
}
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "status": "Accepted",
  "message": "Beneficiary updated successfully",
  "code": 202,
  "beneficiary": {
    "id": "ben_123456789",
    "name": "John Smith",
    "email": "johnsmith@example.com",
    "phone": "+237600000001",
    "country": "CM",
    "payment_method": "pm.ndzAfIh555VCPML1",
    "created_at": "2023-01-01T12:00:00Z",
    "updated_at": "2023-01-02T12:00:00Z"
  }
}
```

## Deleting Beneficiaries

### In the Dashboard

1. Navigate to the "Beneficiaries" section
2. Find the beneficiary you want to delete
3. Click the "Delete" or trash icon
4. Confirm the deletion when prompted

### Using the API

To delete a beneficiary:

```bash theme={null}
DELETE https://api.notchpay.co/beneficiaries/{id}
Authorization: YOUR_PUBLIC_KEY
X-Grant: YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY
```

Response:

```json theme={null}
{
  "code": 202,
  "status": "Accepted",
  "message": "Beneficiary deleted successfully",
  "beneficiary": []
}
```

## Best Practices for Managing Beneficiaries

1. **Regular Audits**: Periodically review your beneficiaries list to remove outdated entries
2. **Descriptive Names**: Use clear, descriptive names for beneficiaries to easily identify them
3. **Verification**: Verify beneficiary details before sending large transfers
4. **Documentation**: Keep records of beneficiary changes for audit purposes
5. **Security**: Limit access to beneficiary management to authorized personnel only

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

* **Beneficiary Not Found**: Ensure you're using the correct beneficiary ID
* **Invalid Account Number**: Verify the account number format is correct for the selected payment channel
* **Duplicate Beneficiaries**: Check if a beneficiary with the same details already exists
* **Permission Errors**: Ensure your API key has the necessary permissions to manage beneficiaries

### Getting Help

If you encounter issues managing beneficiaries:

1. Check the [API Reference](/api-reference/beneficiaries) for detailed information
2. Review the [error codes](/get-started/errors) for specific error messages
3. Contact [Notch Pay Support](mailto:hello@notchpay.co) for assistance

## Next Steps

* [Making Transfers](/send-money/transfers) - Send money to your beneficiaries
* [Beneficiaries API](/api-reference/beneficiaries) - Technical reference for the Beneficiaries API