Catch-all emails are one of the trickiest challenges in email verification. Understanding what they are and how to handle them can significantly improve your campaign performance.
What is a Catch-All Domain?
A catch-all domain is configured to accept emails sent to any address at that domain, regardless of whether a specific mailbox exists. For example:
- [email protected] → Delivered
- [email protected] → Also delivered (to a catch-all inbox)
- [email protected] → Still delivered
Why Do Companies Use Catch-All?
Organizations configure catch-all for several reasons:
- Never miss emails – Important messages are caught even if misaddressed
- Handle departing employees – Catch emails to former staff
- Flexibility – Create email aliases without server configuration
- Privacy – Hide which addresses actually exist
The Problem for Email Verification
When you try to verify an email on a catch-all domain, the server always says "yes" – even for completely fake addresses. Standard SMTP verification cannot distinguish between real and fake addresses on these domains.
How to Handle Catch-All Emails
Option 1: Accept with Caution
Keep catch-all emails but expect 10-30% to be invalid. Monitor bounce rates closely after sending to these addresses.
Option 2: Separate and Test
Segment catch-all addresses into a separate list. Send to a small test group first. If bounce rates are acceptable, send to the rest.
Option 3: Require Confirmation
For catch-all addresses collected via signup, require double opt-in confirmation. This proves the address is real and monitored.
MailVeri's Approach
MailVeri identifies catch-all domains and flags these addresses separately. This allows you to make informed decisions rather than blindly accepting or rejecting them. We also use advanced techniques to improve catch-all detection accuracy.
Conclusion
Catch-all emails require nuanced handling. Rather than treating them as strictly valid or invalid, use a verification service that identifies them and develop a strategy that balances risk and reach for your specific use case.