How to Find Descriptors
Guide to locating your billing descriptors for enrollment.
Billing descriptors—also called statement descriptors—are the short text strings cardholders see on their bank statements (e.g., ACME*ONLINE). ChargeResolve relies on these strings to match disputes to the correct account, so getting the exact wording is important.
Why descriptors matter
- Match alerts: Many alert feeds identify transactions only by descriptor.
- Reduce “unrecognized charge” disputes: Clear descriptors lower friendly-fraud.
- Accurate reports: ChargeResolve groups disputes by descriptor, giving true win/loss per brand or MID.
Ways to find your descriptors
1. Check your gateway dashboard
Processor | Menu path |
Stripe | Settings → Branding → Public details → Statement descriptor |
PayPal | Account Settings → Business Information → Statement name |
Authorize.net | Account → Settings → Merchant Profile → Descriptor |
NMI | Options → Settings → Descriptor Configuration |
Shopify Payments | Settings → Payments → Manage → Customer statement |
Repeat for every MID if you have more than one.
2. Review a recent test charge
Run a small test purchase and look at the descriptor in your own online bank or card app once it posts.
3. Check your monthly settlement report
Processor statements often list the descriptor column (sometimes labelled DBA Name).
4. Ask processor support
Send a quick request via chat or email:
Subject: Billing descriptor request
Hi,
Could you please confirm the exact billing/statement descriptor(s) that appear for my merchant account?
I need them to configure my dispute-management tool.
Thank you.
If the first rep isn’t sure, ask to escalate to the disputes or risk team.
If you need additional assistance finding descriptors please email us at support@chargeresolve.com
FAQ
Do I include the city/phone number that follows the name?
Yes—include everything the cardholder sees.
We use dynamic descriptors that change by product. What then?
Send the base text (before the variable part). ChargeResolve can match the dynamic suffix.
Will changing my descriptor later cause issues?
No, but tell us when you update it so we can add the new string.
Questions? Reach us at support@chargeresolve.com or via the dashboard live chat.