Charge-Code Guides

The cryptic letters in front of a merchant name on your statement aren't random — they're billing codes added by banks, payment processors, and platforms. These guides explain the most common ones in plain English, so you can tell how you were charged and who actually billed you.

OPOS
What Does OPOS Mean on a Bank Statement?
A bank-side code marking an online debit-card purchase — the real merchant is named right after it.
 BKG*
What Does BKG* Mean on a Credit Card Statement?
Booking.com's billing prefix — the charge is a reservation made through the Booking.com platform.
 PAYPAL *
What Does PAYPAL * Mean on a Bank Statement?
The payment ran through PayPal — the seller who actually billed you is named after the asterisk.
 SQ*
What Does SQ* Mean on a Card Statement?
Square's billing prefix — usually a small local business: coffee shop, salon, food truck, market stall.
 TST*
What Does TST* Mean on a Credit Card Statement?
Toast's billing prefix — the charge is from a restaurant, bar, or café that runs on the Toast POS system.
 MB*
What Does MB* Mean on a Card Statement?
The Moneybookers/Skrill payment platform — the brand you actually bought from is named after the asterisk.