diff --git a/lib/validate.js b/lib/validate.js
index 88ca62a5..59e554b8 100644
--- a/lib/validate.js
+++ b/lib/validate.js
@@ -83,12 +83,12 @@ export function advPostSchemaMembers (client) {
       .compact((v) => !v.nym && !v.pct)
       .test({
         name: 'sum',
-        test: forwards => forwards.map(fwd => Number(fwd.pct)).reduce((sum, cur) => sum + cur, 0) <= 100,
+        test: forwards => forwards ? forwards.map(fwd => Number(fwd.pct)).reduce((sum, cur) => sum + cur, 0) <= 100 : true,
         message: 'the total forward percentage exceeds 100%'
       })
       .test({
         name: 'uniqueStackers',
-        test: forwards => new Set(forwards.map(fwd => fwd.nym)).size === forwards.length,
+        test: forwards => forwards ? new Set(forwards.map(fwd => fwd.nym)).size === forwards.length : true,
         message: 'duplicate stackers cannot be specified to receive forwarded sats'
       })
   }