Exclusion Lists allow you to upload and manage lists of entities, such as blocked ABNs, ACNs, watchlists, VIP customers, or other special-status entities. When a new application is submitted, ApplyEasy can automatically check the application against these lists and trigger recommendations based on the rules you've configured.
Exclusion Lists are an optional add-on feature for ApplyEasy subscriptions.
What are Exclusion Lists?
An Exclusion List is a list of values that you upload to ApplyEasy using a CSV file.
You might use an Exclusion List to identify:
ABNs or ACNs you do not wish to trade with
Entities under legal or compliance review
VIP customers
Customers with special handling requirements
Once a list is uploaded, you can associate one or more rules with it.
Each rule tells ApplyEasy:
When a new application is submitted, compare a selected application field against a selected column in the Exclusion List. If a match is found, display a recommendation.
These checks run automatically at the time of application submission, helping ensure recommendations are applied consistently.
Getting Access to Exclusion Lists
Enable the Feature
Exclusion Lists are enabled by the CreditorWatch Product Specialist team.
To enable Exclusion Lists for your account, contact your CreditorWatch representative or our support team.
Once enabled, a new Settings tab will appear in ApplyEasy alongside the Dashboard and Inbox.
User Permissions
If your account does not use role-based access, all users can view and manage Exclusion Lists.
If your account uses role-based access, permissions determine what users can do.
Access level | Permissions |
View | View Exclusion Lists, download CSV files, and access the Settings tab |
Edit | All View permissions, plus create lists, upload and replace CSV files, add and remove rules, and delete lists |
By default, users with application approval permissions receive both View and Edit access. If you can access the Exclusion Lists page but cannot see the Add New or Edit options, you have View access only.
Create an Exclusion List
To create a new Exclusion List:
Go to the Exclusion Lists page.
Click Add New.
Enter a unique list name.
Optionally, enter a description.
Upload your CSV file. Your CSV file must:
Include a heading row in the first row
Be readable and not empty
Contain unique column headings
Contain no empty column headings
Be 20 MB or smaller
Add any required rules. Rules determine:
Which application field is checked
Which CSV column is checked
Which recommendation is displayed when a match is found
Click Create.
Rules can be configured by your team or by the CreditorWatch Product Specialist team.
The new list will appear in the Exclusion Lists table once saved.
Edit an Exclusion List
To update an existing list:
On the Exclusion Lists page, select Options > Edit.
Make the required changes.
Click Update.
You can:
Update the description
Upload a replacement CSV file
Add new rules
Remove existing rules
The list name and existing rule names cannot be changed after creation.
Replace a CSV File
When you upload a replacement CSV file:
The new file details are displayed immediately
The file is only replaced after you save your changes
Any columns used by existing rules must still exist in the new file
If a required column is missing, ApplyEasy will display an error and prevent you from saving.
New columns can be added and used in future rules.
Remove Rules
When a rule is removed and saved:
The rule stops applying to new applications
Audit information is retained, including who made the change and when it occurred
If all rules are removed, ApplyEasy will display a warning before saving, as applications will no longer be checked against that list.
Save or Cancel Changes
Click Update to save your changes.
Click Cancel to discard your changes.
If you have unsaved changes, ApplyEasy will ask you to confirm before leaving the page.
Download an Exclusion List
Users with View or Edit access can download a list.
To download a list:
Locate the required Exclusion List.
Select Options > Download List.
ApplyEasy downloads the most recent active CSV file to your device.
The file name format is:
<list name> - <date and time>.csv
The original column structure is preserved.
FAQ
Do I need to add rules when creating a list?
No. You can create a list with only a name and a CSV file.
However, applications will not be checked against the list until at least one rule is added.
Can one list be used across multiple forms?
Yes. A single Exclusion List can contain multiple rules, and those rules can be used across multiple ApplyEasy forms.
What happens to applications already in progress when a list is updated?
Applications already in progress continue using the version of the list that was active when they started.
Changes only apply to applications submitted after the update is saved.
Why can't I rename a list or rule?
List names and rule names are locked after creation to maintain an accurate audit trail.
You can still update descriptions, replace CSV files, and add or remove rules.
Will matching ignore capital letters and spaces?
Yes. Matching ignores letter case and trims leading/trailing spaces.
However, values must otherwise match exactly. Partial matches are not supported.
Why can I view lists but not create or edit them?
You have View access only.
Creating, editing, and deleting lists requires Edit access.
Contact your administrator or CreditorWatch representative if you need additional access.
How do I disable Exclusion Lists?
Delete all Exclusion Lists and associated rules, then contact CreditorWatch to request that the feature be disabled for your account.