PayPal does not share card data in transactions, making alert matching challenging when using only the amount and date range. However, merchants can accurately match alerts using the dynamic function of PayPal
Glossary
A descriptor is what customers see on their bank statements when purchasing through merchants' mobile apps or websites.
descriptors,
also known as soft descriptors.
Accurate descriptors reduce customer confusion and support efficient reconciliation between alerts and PayPal transactions.
Effective alert matching
Allows merchants to quickly identify disputed transactions in external alert systems, improving risk management and supporting timely responses.
Descriptor structure
Every descriptor follows this format:
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Total length must not exceed 22 characters.
PAYPAL *is fixed and always 8 characters longSTATIC_PARTis a merchant or brand name set up in your PayPal accountDYNAMIC_PARTis customizable and generated uniquely per transactionTypically includes a product identifier and 4 random alphanumeric characters.
Configure descriptor
To set or change the STATIC_PART
- Log in to your PayPal account.
- Navigate to Profile > Account settings > Business information.
- Next to Business information, click on Update.
- Click on Edit to modify your Credit Card statement name.
- Click on Save to confirm changes.
The format of the descriptor must be followed according to PayPal Reference requirements.