Seeing a “17 Adams St” or “117 Adams St” charge on your credit card can be confusing, especially if you don’t recognize the name. Many users worry it could be fraud or an unauthorized payment. In reality, this type of charge is often linked to a billing address rather than a business name. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what it means, why it appears, and how to verify whether the charge is legitimate or something you should take action on.
What Does “17 / 117 Adams St” Mean?
When you see an Adams Street charge credit card entry, it’s not the actual company name.
Instead, it’s what banks call a billing descriptor.
This means:
- The system shows a business address instead of the brand name
- It happens due to character limits or payment processing systems
For example, instead of showing a full company name, your bank may display:
- “117 Adams St Brooklyn NY”
- “Adams St Charge”
Is This Charge from Etsy?
One of the most common reasons for a 117 Adams St charge is Etsy.
Etsy’s official business address is:
- 117 Adams Street, Brooklyn, New York
So, when you buy something from Etsy, your statement may show:
- “117 Adams St”
- “Brooklyn NY charge credit card”
This is why many users search for “Etsy charge on credit card” when they see this.
When it is legit:
- You recently bought something on Etsy
- The amount matches your order
- You received an email receipt
When it’s not:
- You never used Etsy
- The amount doesn’t match any purchase
Other Possible Sources of the Charge
Even though Etsy is common, it’s not the only source of an unknown charge Adams St.
Here are other possibilities:
Subscription Service
- Monthly or yearly auto-renewals
- Apps, tools, or memberships
Online Purchases
- Small eCommerce websites
- Digital product purchases
Payment Processors
Companies like:
- Stripe
- PayPal
These services sometimes show address-based billing instead of brand names.
Small Businesses
Some US-based businesses display their registered office address instead of a business name.
That’s why the same “Adams St charge” can come from different sources.
Why You Might See a $0.01 or $1 Charge
If the 17 Adams St charge is very small, it’s usually a test or authorization charge.
Why this happens:
- The system checks if your card is valid
- It confirms your card can be charged
Important points:
- These charges are usually temporary
- They often disappear within a few days
Example:
You sign up for a free trial → You see a $1 charge → It gets reversed later.
However, always verify small charges because they can sometimes be used for card testing.
Is This Charge a Scam or Legit?
The answer depends on your situation.
It’s likely legitimate if:
- You made a recent purchase
- The amount matches
- You find a receipt
It could be suspicious if:
- You don’t recognize the charge
- You never used related services
- Charges repeat unexpectedly
Most Adams Street charge credit card cases are legitimate, but checking is always important.
Signs the Charge Could Be Fraudulent
Watch for these warning signs:
- You don’t remember any purchase
- No email receipt found
- Multiple small charges appear
- The charge repeats frequently
- The amount seems unusual
These signs suggest you should act quickly.
What Should You Do If You Don’t Recognize It?
Follow these simple steps:
Check Your Purchases
- Look at your recent transactions and subscriptions.
Check Your Email
Search for:
- Receipt
- Order confirmation
- Etsy
Log Into Accounts
Check platforms like Etsy or apps you use.
Review Bank Details
Open your banking app and view full transaction info.
Contact Your Bank
If still unclear:
- Call customer support
- Ask for merchant details
Take Action if Needed
- Dispute the charge
- Block your card
- Request a replacement
Acting quickly protects your money.
FAQ
What is the 117 Adams St charge on my credit card?
It is a billing address, often linked to Etsy or online transactions, not the actual company name.
Is Adams Street charge always from Etsy?
No, it can also come from subscriptions, small businesses, or payment processors.
Why did I get a $1 Adams St charge?
It’s usually a temporary authorization charge to verify your card.
Should I worry about an unknown Adams St charge?
Yes, verify it. If unrecognized, contact your bank immediately.
Conclusion
The 17 Adams St charge or 117 Adams St charge on your credit card is usually a billing descriptor, not a business name. It often appears due to address-based labeling, especially with platforms like Etsy. In most cases, it is legitimate and linked to a recent purchase or subscription. However, if you don’t recognize the charge or see unusual activity, it’s important to verify it immediately and contact your bank to stay protected and avoid potential fraud risks.
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Emma Rose is a U.S.-based personal finance writer and a regular contributor at Cardix.us. She focuses on topics like credit cards, credit scores, and everyday money management. Emma’s writing makes complex financial concepts simple and practical, helping readers make smarter credit and spending decisions with confidence.
