Glossary

Descriptor

In the context of financial transactions, a descriptor is a line of text that appears on a cardholder's bank or credit card statement. This text descriptor provides specific details about a transaction to help the cardholder recognize and remember the purchase. Descriptors are crucial for maintaining transparency and clarity in billing, particularly for credit and debit card statements.

Merchants need to strategically design their transaction descriptors to be as informative as possible within the given constraints. This involves choosing a merchant name that customers will recognize, possibly including a brief indication of the product or service if space allows. Effective descriptors are a critical element of customer service that can significantly enhance the post-purchase experience and minimize confusion and potential disputes.

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