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What Is This Charge? Bank Statement Lookup

Free bank statement charge identifier for Australian businesses. Look up cryptic merchant codes, check GST eligibility, and get Chart of Accounts category suggestions.

Common bank statement prefixes explained

If you see a prefix before the merchant name, it usually identifies the payment processor, not the merchant itself:

PrefixMeaningCommon merchants
SQ *Square paymentsCafes, retail, trades, services
SP *Stripe/Shopify paymentsOnline stores, SaaS, subscriptions
PAYPAL *PayPal transactionsOnline purchases, freelancer payments
AMZN MKTPAmazon MarketplaceOnline retail
TST*Toast POSRestaurants, hospitality
GMTaxi payment processor13cabs, taxi services
CBA MERCHCommBank merchant terminalVarious retail
APPLE.COM/BILLApple subscriptionsiCloud, Apple Music, App Store
OPENAI *OpenAI servicesChatGPT, API usage

How to read a bank statement charge

A typical charge like OFFICEWORKS 0408 ROCKHAMPTON AU breaks down as:

  • OFFICEWORKS — the merchant name
  • 0408 — the store number
  • ROCKHAMPTON — the location
  • AU — the country (Australia)

The challenge is when the merchant name itself is abbreviated or uses a payment processor prefix that obscures the real business.

GST rules for common business expenses

Not all charges include GST, and not all GST can be claimed back. Here’s a quick reference:

CategoryGST StatusCan you claim input credits?
FuelGST includedYes
Office suppliesGST includedYes
Software (AU vendor)GST includedYes
Software (overseas vendor)No AU GSTNo (reverse charge may apply)
Taxi and rideshareGST includedYes
Parking and tollsGST includedYes
Fresh food (groceries)GST-freeNo GST to claim
Restaurants and cafesGST includedYes (entertainment limits may apply)
Public transportGST-freeNo GST to claim
Domestic flightsGST includedYes
International flightsGST-freeNo GST to claim
Government feesOften GST-freeCheck the invoice

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This calculator provides estimates only and is not financial or tax advice. For accurate figures tailored to your business, work with a registered tax agent or accountant. Rates current as at 1 July 2025.

Merchant data derived from real Australian business transactions. GST status based on MCC category and Australian tax rules. Chart of Accounts suggestions are general guidance. Always confirm with your accountant. Methodology

Frequently asked questions

Why are bank statement charges so cryptic?

Bank statements have a character limit (usually 22-25 characters), so merchant names get truncated and abbreviated. Payment processors like Square, Stripe, and PayPal add their own prefixes. Store numbers, locations, and transaction IDs get crammed in. The result is codes like 'SQ *BLUBTTL COF SF' instead of 'Blue Bottle Coffee'.

What do common bank statement prefixes mean?

SQ * means Square payments (cafes, retail, services). SP * means Stripe/Shopify payments (online purchases). PAYPAL * means PayPal transactions. AMZN MKTP means Amazon Marketplace. TST* means Toast POS (restaurants). GM means taxi/rideshare payment processor. CBA MERCH means Commonwealth Bank merchant terminal.

How do I know if I can claim GST on a charge?

You can claim GST input credits if: the supplier is GST-registered, the purchase is for business purposes, and you have a valid tax invoice (for purchases over $82.50). Some categories are GST-free (fresh food, medical services, public transport, international flights). Use the GST status shown in our lookup results as a guide, then confirm with your accountant.

What is an MCC code?

A Merchant Category Code (MCC) is a four-digit number assigned by Visa or Mastercard to classify the type of business. It determines how the transaction is categorised for reporting, rewards, and tax purposes. For example, MCC 5411 is grocery stores, 5541 is fuel stations, and 4121 is taxis.

How does Budgetly identify merchants automatically?

Budgetly's AI Bookkeeping identifies merchants at the point of transaction, codes them to your Chart of Accounts, extracts GST, and matches receipts automatically. You never need to Google a cryptic charge or manually categorise transactions. Every transaction arrives in Xero with the merchant name, category, and GST already applied.

Methodology and data source

This tool uses merchant data derived from real Australian business transactions processed through Budgetly. MCC codes are assigned by the Visa network at the point of sale. GST status is determined by the merchant category and Australian tax rules (not all transactions in a category will have the same GST treatment). Chart of Accounts suggestions are general guidance based on common accounting practice for Australian SMEs. Always confirm categorisation with your bookkeeper or accountant for your specific circumstances.

Stop Googling charges. Budgetly identifies merchants automatically.

Every transaction arrives with the merchant name, category, GST, and receipt already matched. Your bookkeeper reviews exceptions, not every line item.

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