# JPMC-PDP Documentation from https://developer.payments.jpmorgan.com

# Descriptors and soft merchant data

Cardholder statement descriptors are used to populate merchant specific data on the cardholder’s statement, if supported by the settlement processor and the issuer. Be sure that the submitted data is understandable and recognizable to the cardholder, since unrecognizable descriptors may result in the consumer disputing the payment.

You can use the `statementDescriptor` to indicate your name as you want it to appear on the consumer’s statement (if you want your name on the consumer’s statement to be different from the default name, you can set it up during the onboarding process).

> In the US, Canada, Europe, and the U.K., the `statementDescriptor` field has a maximum length of 38 characters. If you send more than 38 characters, the value is truncated from the right.
> 

## Soft merchant data

To provide additional merchant specific information for the consumer’s statement, you have the option of populating soft merchant data fields. Soft merchant data is currently supported in all regions, except Australia, and must be enabled during onboarding. You can submit any number and combination of fields with no minimum required fields.

### Benefits

- Reduced chargebacks and disputes: Clear and accurate descriptors help cardholders recognize transactions on their statements, reducing the likelihood of disputes and chargebacks. When cardholders can easily identify a transaction, they are less likely to mistakenly report it as unauthorized or fraudulent.

- Improved customer experience: By providing recognizable and informative descriptors, merchants can enhance the customer experience. Cardholders appreciate being able to quickly understand their statements without having to contact customer support for clarification.

- Brand recognition: Including the merchant's name and relevant details in the descriptor helps reinforce brand recognition. This is particularly important for businesses with multiple brands or product lines, as it helps customers associate the transaction with the correct brand.

- Enhanced transparency: Descriptors provide transparency by clearly communicating the nature of the transaction. This transparency builds trust between the merchant and the cardholder, as customers feel more confident in their purchases.

- Efficient customer support: When cardholders can easily identify transactions, they are less likely to contact customer support for assistance. This reduces the burden on customer service teams and allows them to focus on more complex inquiries.

- Flexibility with dynamic descriptors: For businesses that offer a variety of products or services, dynamic descriptors allow for customization of transaction details. This flexibility ensures that cardholders receive specific information about each purchase, further aiding in transaction recognition.

The following fields are supported for `softMerchant` data:

> If you send both soft merchant data and a statement descriptor in the payment request, the soft merchant data takes precedence and is sent to the issuer.
> 

```json
{
    "softMerchant": {
        "name": " DoggieDaycare Boarding ",
        "phone": "1234567890",
        "email": "example@example.com",
        "url": "https://www.example.com",
        "address": {
            "line1": "1234 Main Street",
            "line2": "Suite 3B",
            "city": "New York",
            "state": "NY",
            "postalCode": "10111",
            "countryCode": "USA",
        },
        "merchantPurchaseDescription": "softmerchant description",
        "visaMerchantVerificationValueId": "string",
        "masterCardMerchantVerificationValueId": "string",
        "merchantIncorporationStatus": "string",
        "foreignMerchantIndicator": true
    }
}
```