Have you ever checked your bank statement and spotted a mysterious charge something like “PURCHASE 405 HOWARD STR SAN FRANCISCO”? You’re not alone.
Many people panic when they see this, thinking it might be fraud. But often, it’s not what you think. In this blog, we’ll break it down step by step.
We’ll look at what this address means, why it shows up on your card, and what to do next. By the end, you’ll feel more confident handling these surprises.
Understanding the Address: 405 Howard Street, San Francisco
First things first, let’s talk about the location.
405 Howard Street is a real place in San Francisco, California. It’s in the bustling South of Market area, close to tech hubs and business districts.
The building is known as The Orrick Building. It’s a modern office space that houses several companies.
Over the years, different businesses have used this address.
For example, it’s home to the law firm Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. Other tenants include investment firms like Fremont Group and even accounting giants like PricewaterhouseCoopers.
But why does this matter for your bank charge? The key is that some companies use this address for billing purposes, even if they’re not physically there anymore.
Think of it like this: Addresses on charges often point to a company’s headquarters or a payment processor. It’s not always the spot where you made the purchase.
This can confuse people, especially if you’ve never been to San Francisco.
Why Does This Charge Appear on My Statement?
Now, let’s get to the heart of it. That “PURCHASE 405 HOWARD STR SAN FRANCISCO” line usually comes from a specific source.
From what people report online, it’s often linked to Uber or Uber Eats. Yes, the ride-sharing and food delivery giant.
Here’s why. Back in the early days, Uber had an office at 405 Howard Street. In fact, old documents from around 2012 list Uber Technologies, Inc. at this address, Suite 550.
Even though Uber has moved to bigger headquarters, some billing systems still use this old address for charges.
When you order a ride or food through Uber Eats, the charge might show up this way while it’s pending. Once it clears, it often updates to say “Uber” or “Uber Eats.”
But in the meantime, it looks like a random San Francisco purchase. This happens because banks display merchant info based on the payment processor’s details.
Other times, it could be from businesses actually at 405 Howard Street.
For instance, if you dined at a nearby restaurant or used a service tied to the area, it might appear similar. But user stories point mostly to Uber.
Is It Always Uber? Exploring Other Possibilities
Not every charge from this address is Uber-related. Let’s be thorough. San Francisco is a tech hotspot, so various companies might route payments through here.
Here are some other potential sources:
- Ride-sharing or delivery services: Besides Uber, similar apps might use shared payment gateways that list this address.
- Online purchases: If you bought something from a company with ties to the Orrick Building, like software or services, it could show up this way.
- Parking or local fees: The area around Howard Street has parking garages and events. A charge for parking might reference the street.
- Fraudulent activity: In rare cases, it could be unauthorized. But most reports turn out to be legit.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a small table comparing common charge sources:
| Charge Source | Likelihood | Typical Amount Range | How to Verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uber/Uber Eats | High | $5-$100 | Check Uber app history |
| Local Businesses | Medium | $10-$50 | Review receipts |
| Online Services | Low | $20-$200 | Contact seller |
| Potential Fraud | Low | Varies | Call your bank |
This table helps you narrow it down fast. Remember, the amount can clue you in. A small charge like $1.65 often matches a Uber Eats tip or fee.
What to Do If You See This Charge
Spotting an unknown charge? Don’t freak out. Take these steps to sort it out.
First, check your recent activity. Open your Uber app and look at your trip or order history. Does the amount match something you forgot about? Maybe a family member used your card.
Next, wait a day or two. Pending charges often update with more details once processed. If it still looks odd, contact Uber support. They have a help section for unrecognized charges.
If it’s not Uber, call your bank or credit card company. They can provide more info on the merchant. Ask for the full transaction details, like the exact time and any notes.
Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
- Review your apps and emails for matching purchases.
- Compare the date and amount to your schedule.
- Use your bank’s app to dispute if needed.
- Set up alerts for future charges.
Taking action quickly can prevent bigger issues. Most times, it’s just a mix-up.
Tips to Avoid Confusion in the Future
Want to dodge these mysteries altogether? Here are some easy habits.
Set up transaction alerts on your banking app. Get a text or email for every charge over a certain amount. This way, you catch things right away.
Use virtual cards for online buys. Many banks offer them. They limit exposure if something goes wrong.
Keep track of subscriptions. Services like Uber might charge for memberships or auto-tips you forgot.
Finally, review statements monthly. It’s boring, but it saves headaches.
FAQs About What Is This Charge from Purchase 405 Howard Str San Francisco
Q: What if the charge is small, like under $10?
Small charges from 405 Howard Street are often from Uber Eats tips, fees, or holds. Check your delivery history first. If it doesn’t match, it could be a test charge from a merchant.
Q: Could this charge be from Stripe or another payment processor?
Sometimes, yes. Stripe, a popular payment company, has ties to San Francisco addresses. But in this case, it’s more likely Uber using their system. If unsure, contact your card issuer for the processor details.
Q: How long does it take for the charge description to update?
Usually 1-3 business days. Pending charges show basic info like the address, then clear to the full merchant name.
Conclusion
There you have it. That puzzling charge from “PURCHASE 405 HOWARD STR SAN FRANCISCO” is probably from Uber or a related service, thanks to their old office address.
By checking your accounts and taking quick steps, you can resolve it easily. Stay vigilant with your finances, and these surprises won’t catch you off guard.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It’s not financial advice. Always consult your bank or a professional for personal situations.
Savita is a passionate finance writer with a strong background in the world of money management and financial planning. With over 4 years of blogging experience, she has been helping readers simplify complex financial topics and make smarter money decisions.
