Only Want “Valid” Emails? Here’s How to Handle Catch-All Results

LeadMagic returns emails regardless of a domain’s mail-server settings. If your policy is Valid only, you can filter to keep just Valid and exclude Valid Catch-All and Catch-All everywhere you work (in the app, exports, or downstream tools).

What each status means (and how to use it)

• Valid
  Server-confirmed deliverable. Best quality. Send first and use as your default list.

• Valid Catch-All
  The domain accepts all mail; individual mailbox confirmation isn’t possible, but signals indicate it’s likely good. Second priority only. Expect a higher bounce rate than Valid.

• Catch-All
  The domain accepts everything and there’s no confirmation the mailbox exists. High risk; generally avoid unless you run a dedicated catch-all strategy.

Recommended sending order

1. Valid → primary send.

2. Valid Catch-All → optional second wave on warmed infrastructure, reduced volume.

3. Catch-All → typically exclude.

Keeping only “Valid” in your workflow

In downstream tools (CSV → mailer, CRM, warehouse)

• When importing, apply a filter to include only rows where status = valid.

• If you require a backup pool later, retain valid_catch_all in a separate tab/list, but do not mix with your primary Valid list.

In automation / ETL

• Persist the status field with every record.

• Enforce a rule that only valid records move into your sending pipeline.

• Keep valid_catch_all quarantined for optional, lower-risk testing; exclude catch_all by default.

Best practices for teams that require “Valid only”

• Document the rule: “Only send to valid status emails.”

• Measure bounces by status: Track performance separately so policies stay data-driven.

• Warm infrastructure before testing lower tiers: If you ever trial valid_catch_all, do it on warmed domains with throttled volume.

• Keep lists separated: Maintain distinct lists for Valid, Valid Catch-All, and Catch-All to prevent accidental mixing.

FAQ

Can I completely block Catch-All from ever reaching send tools?
Yes—enforce filters at export/import and in any automation so only valid records pass through.

Why do I see Catch-All if I only want Valid?
Catch-All is a property of the recipient’s mail server. LeadMagic shows the status so you can make informed sending decisions; your filters determine what actually gets sent.

Is Valid Catch-All ever worth using?
Some teams run a second-priority test on warmed infrastructure. If your policy is “Valid only,” skip it.