Spotted “GFM International Service” or simply “GFM” on your UK bank statement and wondering what it means? This unexpected charge catches many people off guard, especially when the descriptor doesn’t immediately ring a bell.
Quick Answer: GFM on a bank statement stands for GoFundMe—the crowdfunding platform. The charge indicates you’ve made a donation to a fundraising campaign, and “International Service” refers to GoFundMe’s payment processing through their UK entity.
GFM International Service on Bank Statement
GFM International Service is the billing descriptor used by GoFundMe when processing donations through their UK payment system. GoFundMe operates in the UK through GoFundMe International Services UK Ltd, a registered company that handles European and UK transactions.
When you donate to any GoFundMe campaign—whether for medical expenses, charity events, or personal causes—the charge appears on your statement with variations of the GFM descriptor.
Common GFM Descriptors on UK Bank Statements
| Statement Descriptor | Meaning |
|---|---|
| GFM INTERNATIONAL SERVICE | GoFundMe donation (UK processed) |
| GOFUNDME | Standard GoFundMe charge |
| GFM*HELP | GoFundMe donation with campaign reference |
| GOFUNDME REDWOOD CITY | GoFundMe headquarters location |
| GFM DONATION | Direct GoFundMe contribution |
The amount shown typically includes your donation plus any optional tip you chose to give GoFundMe during checkout.
Why Does GFM Appear on My Statement?
Several scenarios result in a GFM charge appearing on your bank or credit card statement:
1. You Donated to a Fundraiser The most common reason. You contributed to someone’s GoFundMe campaign—perhaps for medical bills, memorial funds, community projects, or emergency relief.
2. Someone Used Your Card A family member, partner, or someone with access to your payment details made a donation using your card. GoFundMe donations are often made spontaneously when people share campaigns on social media.
3. Recurring Donation You may have set up a monthly recurring donation to a cause you support. GoFundMe allows donors to contribute regularly, and these charges continue until cancelled.
4. Optional Tip to GoFundMe When donating, GoFundMe suggests an optional tip to support their platform. This tip may appear as a separate charge or combined with your donation amount.
How to Verify Your GFM Charge
Before disputing any GFM transaction, follow these steps to confirm it’s legitimate:
Check Your Email Search your inbox for “Thank you for your donation” from GoFundMe. Every donation triggers an automatic receipt to the email address used during checkout.
Review GoFundMe Account Log into your GoFundMe account at gofundme.com and check your donation history. All contributions are recorded there with dates, amounts, and campaign details.
Ask Family Members GoFundMe campaigns spread rapidly through social media. A household member may have made a donation using a shared payment method without mentioning it.
Match the Amount Cross-reference the charge amount with GoFundMe’s pricing. Remember that your total may include the donation amount plus an optional platform tip.
Understanding GFM Transaction Amounts
GFM charges can sometimes appear larger than expected. Here’s why:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | Your chosen contribution to the campaign |
| Platform Tip | Optional tip to GoFundMe (adjustable to £0) |
| Currency Conversion | May apply for non-GBP campaigns |
| Pending Authorisation | Temporary hold that drops off within 48 hours |
If you attempted multiple donations, you might see several pending charges. These typically clear within 24-48 hours, leaving only the successful transaction.
Tracking GFM and Other Donations
Managing charitable donations across multiple statements becomes simpler with organised records. YourBankStatementConverter.com converts your PDF bank statements into searchable Excel spreadsheets, making it easy to:
- Search for all GFM and GoFundMe transactions
- Track charitable giving for Gift Aid or tax records
- Identify recurring donations you may have forgotten
- Spot any unauthorised charges quickly
The tool works with statements from all major UK banks including Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest, Santander, and Nationwide.
Is GFM International Service Legitimate?
Yes, GFM International Service is a legitimate charge from GoFundMe. The company is registered with UK Companies House and operates under the Fundraising Regulator.
GoFundMe UK Details:
- Company: GoFundMe International Services UK Ltd
- Registered Address: 124 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX
- Parent Company: GoFundMe Inc. (USA)
- UK Contact: ukcharities@gofundme.com
If you genuinely don’t recognise the charge after checking your email and asking household members, contact GoFundMe support or your bank to investigate further.
How to Get a Refund for GFM Charges
If you need to request a refund for a GoFundMe donation:
- Visit support.gofundme.com
- Navigate to “Donations” then “Refund a donation”
- Provide your transaction details and reason for the request
- GoFundMe typically processes refunds within 5-10 business days
Note that refund policies may vary depending on the campaign status and how funds have been distributed to the organiser.
GFM vs Other Bank Statement Codes
Understanding GFM alongside other common payment descriptors helps you identify transactions faster. For more guidance on reading your bank statements, see our articles on what DR means on a bank statement and how to print a bank statement.
Quick Summary: GFM International Service
GFM International Service on your UK bank statement is a GoFundMe donation processed through their UK payment entity. The charge is legitimate and relates to crowdfunding contributions you or someone with access to your payment method has made.
To keep track of charitable donations and all banking transactions, convert your PDF statements to Excel for instant searchability and better financial organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GFM mean on a bank statement?
GFM stands for GoFundMe, the crowdfunding platform. It appears when you’ve made a donation to a fundraising campaign processed through their payment system.
Is GFM International Service a scam?
No, GFM International Service is the legitimate UK billing descriptor for GoFundMe donations. If you don’t recognise the charge, check your email for donation receipts or ask family members who may have used your card.
Why is my GFM charge higher than expected?
Your total may include an optional tip to GoFundMe that’s suggested during checkout. You can adjust this tip to any amount, including zero, before confirming your donation.
How do I stop GFM charges?
Log into your GoFundMe account and cancel any recurring donations. For one-time charges you don’t recognise, contact GoFundMe support to request a refund or dispute the transaction with your bank.
Can I get a refund from GoFundMe?
Yes, GoFundMe offers refunds on a case-by-case basis. Visit their help centre, submit a refund request with your transaction details, and allow 5-10 business days for processing.
How do I find my GoFundMe donation history?
Log into gofundme.com, click on your profile, and select “Your donations” to view all past contributions, including dates, amounts, and campaign names.
