APP STORE* Charge (What It Is + Is It Legit?)

When Apple processes purchases through the App Store, they use a truncated billing descriptor format that combines a short platform identifier with an asterisk separator, which is a common practice Apple uses across all of its digital storefronts to keep charge descriptions compact within the character limits imposed by card networks and banking systems. The "APP STORE*" format is generated directly by Apple's internal billing infrastructure, which often appends additional details like an app name or order number after the asterisk, but banks sometimes display only the prefix portion depending on how they render transaction data. If you see this on your statement, it almost certainly reflects a legitimate Apple App Store purchase, such as a paid app, in-app upgrade, or subscription billed at a typical price point like $2.99.

No, this is a legitimate charge from Apple App Store. However, if you did not authorize this charge or cancelled your subscription, you may be eligible for a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions