What is a payment descriptor, and how to create an acceptable descriptor?

A payment descriptor is the text that appears on a customer’s card or bank statement when they make a payment. It helps customers quickly recognize the transaction with your business, thereby reducing confusion. It is also known as a statement descriptor.

A clear payment descriptor helps customers identify charges from your business and provides clarity in billing, which, in turn, reduces disputes and chargebacks.

Here’s how you can create an acceptable payment descriptor:

• Ensure it matches your Business Name, Trade Name, or Website Domain name.
• Avoid using generic descriptors, and always use one that represents your business.
• Keep it within the character limit (5-22 alphanumeric characters).
• Do not use any special characters such as <, >, \, ‘, “, *.
• Try to keep it brief and clear but descriptive enough to identify your business.

When you create an account, we’ll verify your payment descriptor to ensure it is in the acceptable format. You might be requested to update the descriptor if it does not meet the requirements. Learn how you can update the payment descriptor.