Guides
Know what you're looking at.
Plain-language explanations of how bank charges, chargebacks, and billing disputes actually work.
Descriptor Patterns
How does CASH APP show on your statement?
CASH APP * on your statement is one of three things: a P2P send, a Cash App Pay purchase, or a Cash Card charge. Here's how to tell which.
June 6, 2026 · 11 min read
Descriptor Patterns
What is VENMO on your bank statement?
VENMO * on your statement is a Venmo payment — the name after it is the recipient's display name or a merchant. Here's how to see who you paid.
June 6, 2026 · 12 min read
Descriptor Patterns
What is APPLE.COM/BILL on your statement?
APPLE.COM/BILL is an Apple charge — App Store, iCloud, Apple Music, AppleCare, or an in-app purchase. Here's how to find which one, and cancel it.
June 6, 2026 · 9 min read
Descriptor Patterns
What is GOOGLE * on your bank statement?
GOOGLE * on your statement is a Google charge — Play Store, Google One, YouTube Premium, or Workspace. Here's how to find which product billed you.
June 6, 2026 · 9 min read
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What is PAYPAL on your bank statement?
PAYPAL * on your statement is a PayPal checkout payment — the seller name after it is often truncated or unfamiliar. Here's how to identify it.
June 3, 2026 · 8 min read
Descriptor Patterns
What is SHOPIFY on your bank statement?
SHOPIFY * means you bought from an independent store on Shopify — but the store name often won't match the brand you ordered from. Here's how to find it.
June 3, 2026 · 11 min read
Descriptor Patterns
What is SQ on your credit card statement?
SQ * on your statement is Square — the processor behind millions of small shops, food trucks, and market vendors. Here's how to find which one charged you.
June 3, 2026 · 7 min read
Descriptor Patterns
What is STRIPE on your bank statement?
STRIPE on your statement means a business used Stripe to process your card — but the merchant name is often missing. Here's how to find who charged you.
June 3, 2026 · 10 min read
Dispute Basics
Chargeback vs. refund vs. dispute
A refund comes from the merchant. A dispute is what you file with your bank. A chargeback is what the bank does next. Here's how the three connect.
May 31, 2026 · 11 min read
Dispute Basics
How long do you have to dispute a charge?
Credit card dispute deadlines vary by bank: the federal minimum is 60 days, Amex gives 120, PayPal 180. Here's the full breakdown by bank.
May 31, 2026 · 11 min read
Disputes
Does disputing a charge hurt your credit?
Short answer: no, filing a credit card or debit dispute does not affect your credit score. Here's the long answer, including the rare exceptions.
May 29, 2026 · 9 min read
Disputes
What happens after you dispute a charge?
Your bank opens an investigation, often issues a provisional credit, and contacts the merchant. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.
May 29, 2026 · 12 min read
Chargebacks
What is a chargeback? How it works
A chargeback is when your bank reverses a charge after you dispute it. Here's how to decide if you should file one, and how the process works.
May 29, 2026 · 15 min read