Guide
How to handle catch-all email addresses in your list.
Catch-all addresses are common in B2B lists. You can't confirm them, but you can manage the risk.
No monthly subscription · Credits never expire · Unknown results use no credits
Why catch-all addresses can't be confirmed
A catch-all server accepts every address during the check, so a real mailbox and a made-up one look identical. Any tool claiming to confirm them is guessing.
A practical approach
- Separate catch-all results from your main export
- Keep addresses from sign-ups, customers, and known contacts
- Drop addresses from scraped or unknown sources
- Send to the remaining batch separately and watch bounces
- Suppress anything that hard bounces
What MailGuard can help with
- Checking single addresses or bulk CSV/TXT lists before a campaign
- Sorting each address into Passed, Failed, or Unknown, with a plain-language reason
- Flagging disposable domains, role accounts, syntax issues, and catch-all behavior
- Exporting a filtered list that contains only the results you choose
- Paying only for Passed and Failed results, since Unknown results use no credits
Limitations
Verification reduces uncertainty before sending. It does not guarantee inbox placement and does not replace consent or list hygiene.
Frequently asked questions
What percentage of a B2B list is catch-all?
It varies a lot by industry. It's common for a meaningful share of company domains to be catch-all.
Related
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