Have you ever checked your bank statement and noticed a 12920 SE 38th St charge on credit card that you don’t immediately recognize? If so, you’re not alone. Many people come across unfamiliar billing descriptions that cause confusion and concern.
What is the 12920 SE 38th St Charge?
The address 12920 SE 38th St is tied to Microsoft Corporation, headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. If this charge appears on your statement, it usually indicates that you or someone in your household purchased a Microsoft-related product or subscribed to one of their services.
Table of Contents
Microsoft bills credit cards with this location as part of their payment processing system. This means the charge is not random, it’s directly connected to Microsoft’s ecosystem of software, subscriptions, and digital services.
Common reasons this charge appears:
- Microsoft 365 subscription renewals (personal, family, or business plans)
- Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live subscriptions
- OneDrive storage upgrades
- Skype credits for international calls
- Digital games, apps, or add-ons purchased through the Microsoft Store
Why Does the 12920 SE 38th St Charge Show Up?
While most charges from this address are legitimate, there are several scenarios to consider.
Let’s break them down:
1. Automatic Subscription Renewals
Microsoft services are often billed on a recurring basis. For example, if you subscribed to Microsoft 365 or Xbox Game Pass, your card will be charged automatically each month or year until you cancel.
Many people forget they signed up for a trial or subscription and are surprised when the renewal fee shows up.
2. Family or Household Purchases
It’s common for families to share Microsoft accounts, especially for Xbox or cloud storage. If you see a charge you don’t recognize, check with children, spouses, or roommates. It might be a purchase they made using your account or payment method.
3. Hidden or Bundled Services
Sometimes the charge may relate to services bundled together. For instance, OneDrive storage often comes packaged with Microsoft 365, so you might not realize you’re paying for both.
4. Business-Related Billing
If you use Microsoft products for work, the charge may be tied to professional services such as Microsoft Teams, Azure, or corporate licensing. In some cases, employees might also see charges reimbursed later by their company.
5. Fraudulent or Unauthorized Transactions
While less common, fraud does happen. Scammers may use recognizable addresses like 12920 SE 38th St to disguise their activities. If you’re certain you didn’t make the purchase, treat it as suspicious.
How to Verify the Charge on Your Credit Card
Before assuming fraud, it’s wise to investigate the charge thoroughly. Here’s a step-by-step approach:
- Log into your Microsoft account: Go to account.microsoft.com and check your purchase history. Compare the listed transactions with the charge on your statement.
- Review subscription details: Navigate to the “Services & Subscriptions” section in your account. This will show active plans, renewal dates, and associated charges.
- Check for family or shared account activity: Ask your kids, spouse, or household members if they recently bought games, apps, or subscriptions. Children often purchase in-game content on Xbox without realizing it charges your card.
- Match the billed amount
Compare the exact amount on your credit card with Microsoft’s typical subscription fees. For example:- Microsoft 365 Personal: around $69.99 annually
- Microsoft 365 Family: around $99.99 annually
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: around $14.99 monthly
- Contact Microsoft Support: If you’re still unsure, reach out to Microsoft’s billing support team. They can provide detailed information about the charge and which account it’s tied to.
Quick Reference Table of Common Microsoft Charges
| Amount Range | Likely Source |
|---|---|
| $6.99 – $9.99 | App or game from Microsoft Store |
| $9.99 – $14.99 | Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox Live |
| $19.99 – $29.99 | Small business Microsoft 365 subscription |
| $69.99 – $99.99 | Annual Microsoft 365 Personal or Family plan |
| Varies | OneDrive storage, Skype credits, Azure services |
This table provides a general guide, but actual charges may differ depending on promotions, country-specific pricing, or bundled services.
What to Do if the Charge is Unauthorized
If you’ve verified your account and the charge doesn’t belong to you, it’s time to take action. Treat this situation seriously to protect your financial security.
Steps to take immediately
- Change your Microsoft account password: This prevents anyone from making further purchases with your account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Adding a second layer of security ensures that even if someone gets your password, they can’t easily access your account.
- Report the charge to Microsoft: Use their support portal to dispute the charge and request a refund if it’s unauthorized.
- Contact your bank or credit card provider: Report the transaction as fraudulent. Most banks offer zero liability protection, meaning you won’t be responsible for unauthorized charges.
- Monitor your statements closely: Keep an eye on upcoming statements to make sure no additional suspicious charges appear.
Preventing Future Confusion
It’s always better to prevent billing surprises than to deal with them after they happen.
Here are some proactive steps you can take:
- Keep a subscription tracker: Maintain a simple spreadsheet or use an app to track all recurring payments. This prevents you from forgetting subscriptions.
- Set up spending alerts: Most banks allow you to enable notifications for every card transaction. This way, you’ll know immediately when a charge occurs.
- Educate family members: If kids or relatives use your Microsoft account, set up parental controls and require purchase approval before payment.
- Use gift cards for gaming: Instead of linking your credit card to Xbox or Microsoft Store, consider using prepaid gift cards. This limits the risk of unauthorized purchases.
- Regularly audit your accounts: At least once a month, review your Microsoft and bank accounts for charges. Quick checks can save you from long-term issues.
Real-Life Example of a 12920 SE 38th St Charge
Imagine this scenario: Julie, a parent, noticed a $14.99 charge on her credit card with the 12920 SE 38th St description. She initially panicked, assuming it was fraud.
After logging into her Microsoft account, she discovered her son had subscribed to Xbox Game Pass without telling her.
In this case, the charge was legitimate, but it highlighted the need for parental purchase controls and better communication about shared accounts.
This example shows how a mysterious charge isn’t always fraudulent, it may just be unexpected.
FAQs: 12920 SE 38th St Charge on Credit Card
Q. Why do I see 12920 SE 38th St on my credit card statement?
A. This address is tied to Microsoft’s headquarters in Bellevue, Washington. The charge usually reflects a payment for Microsoft services, such as Office 365, Xbox subscriptions, or purchases from the Microsoft Store.
Q. How do I confirm if the charge belongs to me?
A. Log in to your Microsoft account and review your purchase history. Compare the transaction details with the charge amount on your statement. If it matches, the charge is likely legitimate.
Q. What should I do if I don’t recognize the charge at all?
A. If the charge doesn’t match any purchase you made and no one in your household admits to making it, treat it as suspicious. Report it to Microsoft, change your account password, and dispute the charge with your bank immediately.
Conclusion
Spotting a mysterious 12920 SE 38th St charge on credit card can be unsettling. In most cases, however, it’s simply a Microsoft-related subscription or purchase that you, a family member, or your business made.
The key is to investigate carefully, check your Microsoft account, confirm subscription renewals, and communicate with household members. If everything checks out, you can rest easy knowing the charge is legitimate. If it doesn’t, take swift action to protect your account and finances.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. It is not financial, legal, or professional advice. If you encounter unauthorized charges, contact your bank, credit card provider, or Microsoft support for assistance.
About The Author
